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RSA Test Centre

Portlaoise Test Centre

Government Offices, Abbeyleix Road, Abbeyleix, Portlaoise, R32 RPA6

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Centre Details

Portlaoise test centre

Portlaoise test centre is at the Government Offices on the Abbeyleix Road. This Laois county town has grown significantly as a commuter centre for Dublin.

Address
Government Offices, Abbeyleix Road, Abbeyleix, Portlaoise
R32 RPA6
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Closed weekends and bank holidays
Arrival
Government Offices on Abbeyleix Road. Free parking. Arrive 20 minutes early.
What to Expect

On test day at Portlaoise

1
Arrive early with documents
Bring your learner permit, theory test certificate, appointment confirmation, and your motor insurance certificate. From March 2026, proof of insurance for the test vehicle is mandatory.
2
Rules of the Road questions
The examiner asks you questions on the Rules of the Road before you go outside.
3
Technical checks on your vehicle
You demonstrate checks on tyres, lights, reflectors, indicators, oil, coolant, steering, windscreen washer fluid, and brakes. You may need to open the bonnet.
4
The drive (about 40 minutes)
A route around Portlaoise covering left and right turns, roundabouts, traffic lights, and two manoeuvres from: reverse around a corner, turnabout, or hill start.
5
Results
Pass and you get a Certificate of Competency (valid 2 years) to apply for your full licence. Fail and you get a detailed fault breakdown. You can reapply after 10 weeks.
Portlaoise Test Routes

Roads you will drive at Portlaoise

Routes cover the town centre, Main Street, and the bypass roundabouts. Residential estates and approach roads are common features.

Approximate route based on known test roads. Actual routes vary by tester.

Key roads on Portlaoise test routes

Abbeyleix Road Main Street Dublin Road Mountmellick Road Ring Road James Fintan Lalor Avenue

Junctions to know

Ring road roundabouts, busy multi-lane
Main Street / Dublin Road junction
Watch Out

Tricky spots at Portlaoise

Portlaoise sits at the junction of the M7 and M8 motorways. The town has a traditional centre and modern ring road with large roundabouts. Commuter traffic is significant.

Portlaoise town centre

Busy county town. The main street is narrow with delivery traffic.

Ring road roundabouts

Large roundabouts serving the M7 and M8 interchange area. Fast traffic.

Local Tips

Tips for passing at Portlaoise

✓
Government Offices on Abbeyleix Road. Parking on site.
✓
The ring road roundabouts are the key test features. Practice them all.
✓
Portlaoise is a commuter town. Morning traffic can be heavy.
The Driving Test

What you need to know

New insurance rule (March 2026)

From 9 March 2026, you must show a valid motor insurance certificate for the vehicle you are using for the test. If your name is not on the certificate, bring an email or letter from your insurer confirming you are covered. No certificate, no test.

Test fee

The driving test costs €85 for cars, motorcycles, and work vehicles. Apply online at MyRoadSafety on rsa.ie. You need a debit or credit card and a valid email.

Before you can sit the test
  • Complete all 12 EDT lessons with an RSA Approved Driving Instructor
  • Hold your learner permit for at least 6 months
  • Have a vehicle with valid tax, insurance, NCT (if applicable), L plates, and an extra rear-view mirror for the examiner
Skills tested during the drive

You will be assessed on:

Road positioning Overtaking and passing Anticipation and observation Mirror use and signals Progress and speed Traffic light compliance Road signs and markings Vehicle controls (accelerator, clutch, gears, brakes, steering)
Technical checks

At your vehicle, the examiner will ask you to demonstrate checks on: tyres, lights, reflectors, indicators, oil level, coolant, steering, windscreen washer fluid, and brakes. You may need to open the bonnet and close it securely.

Cancellation

Give at least 10 days notice to cancel and get a refund of your €85 fee. Cancel online through rsa.ie.

Portlaoise Pretest

Pretest lessons for Portlaoise

Practice the actual test routes before your driving test. Our instructors know every road the examiners use at Portlaoise.

Manual Pretest
€183.63
1 hour lesson + car hire for test
Automatic Pretest
€193.81
1 hour lesson + car hire for test
EDT Package
€587.95
12 lessons (€49/lesson)

Just starting out?

Not ready for the test yet? Our 12-lesson EDT package covers everything from scratch. Manual lessons from €49/lesson, automatic from €54.94/lesson.

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Taking your test at Portlaoise?

Book a pretest lesson on the actual routes. Know the roads before test day.

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