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Standard Procedure for Conducting Driving Tests
Practical Part of the Test
In giving directions the Tester should turn towards the applicant where possible, and should always state "where" before "what", e.g. "at the next junction turn right." All directions should be delivered in good time, and in a manner which can be clearly understood by the applicant. Additional directions should be given where necessary, to avoid confusion.
In the vehicle the applicant should be told to - "Please start up the engine. Now, before you move off, I want you to show me how you would operate some of the controls" and ask the candidate to switch on/off, or adjust any 3 of the following:
(a) The wiper(s) (b) the lights, including dipping the headlights (c) the windscreen washer (d) the fan (e) the air vents (f) the rear window heater (g) the air-conditioner (if fitted) (h) the temperature control (i) the rear fog-lights (j) the air intake control.
Where the wipers are not working, the test should not be conducted and a non-conducted report sheet should be issued.
The tester says- "Thank you. Now, would you please ensure that the seat, seat-belt, head restraint, and mirrors are properly adjusted and that your door is properly closed." The tester should confirm that the tester's door is closed and should also adjust an exterior mirror, if asked to do so by the applicant.
The tester should say - "Now, you should drive in your normal manner. I will tell you in good time when to turn left or right, otherwise you follow the course of the road. If you have any doubts about my directions ask me to repeat or clarify them. You may start when you are ready".
Driving faults should be recorded discreetly.
Official routes must be adhered to and followed as laid down where possible.
If a diversion is necessary e.g. due to road-works, or Garda activity, return to the route as quickly as possible, and record particulars of the diversion, and the reason, on the back of the Report Sheet. This includes where an applicant inadvertently goes off the route.
Turnabout Manoeuvre
For the turnabout manoeuvre, the Tester should say- "I would like you to turn your car around on the road to face the opposite way. You may go over and back more than once if necessary. You may start when you are ready." On completion, tell the applicant to pull in and stop, or to drive on, as necessary.
Reverse Manoeuvre
For the reverse manoeuvre, and where possible, the tester should stop the applicant before the junction and should say - "This road on the left/right is the one I want you to reverse your vehicle into. Will you drive past it and stop on the left/right, and I will give you further directions."
"Reverse into this road on the left/right. You should continue reversing, while it is safe to do so, keeping reasonably close to the left/right. I'll tell you when you have gone back far enough; you may start when you are ready."
The tester should be out of the vehicle for the reverse manouvre with all heavy vehicle tests, and with the larger type category "B" vans and pick-up trucks, without endangering themselves in any way. Where an applicant refuses to attempt to carry out a reverse or turnabout manouvre, the test is curtailed and a result is not issued. The code should be noted on the computer sheet. The applicant should be advised to re-apply. A non-conducted report sheet should be completed and issued.
Hand Signals
After the reverse or turnabout manoeuvre ask the applicant to lower the window in order to demonstrate hand signals. The demonstration should include the five hand signals from the 'Rules Of The Road'. On completion, tell the applicant to readjust the window as they wish. Where the driver's window will not wind down, or in wet weather, hand signals may be demonstrated in the vehicle. This also applies to vehicles with left-hand-drive.
Hill Test
Tell the applicant - "I want you to pull in and stop on the left/hill."
If the handbrake is not properly applied, the applicant should be asked to secure the vehicle with the handbrake only. If the handbrake is seriously defective the test is abandoned - return to the centre. The tester should then record an 'N4' or 'A4' code on the computer sheet. A non-conducted report sheet should be completed and issued
Parking
Coming towards the end of the test say to the applicant - "We're now coming towards the end of your test, please find a suitable place and park." Do not request a reverse parking manoeuvre, but if the applicant attempts one he/she should not be stopped. The tester must remain in the vehicle until it has been parked except as may apply to larger vehicles. If necessary, the applicant should be directed to a parking space.
End of the Test
"We'll now return to the office and I'll give you the result of the test. Thank you." The tester must accompany the applicant back to the office. The result of the test must only be announced when the tester and the applicant are seated at the desk.
