Jacqueline MoranSafe Driving School of Motoring
Manoeuvres and routes
Castlebar roads, the set manoeuvres, roundabouts, stopping distances, and the list of test centres. Use one section at a time.
The order of the work
Four steps. The rules for each one stay on the RSA or NDLS page linked from the card.
The RSA route starts with the driver theory test, then a learner permit. Check the current RSA guidance for where a learner-permit holder may drive, who must accompany them, L-plates, and category-specific passenger, trailer, or other conditions.
For most car learner drivers, Essential Driver Training is 12 one-hour sessions with an Approved Driving Instructor. Eligible learners may follow reduced EDT with six sessions; only current, eligible training should be relied on and your record is checked in MyEDT.
Between lessons, practise only within the current learner-permit and supervision rules. For a car learner, that includes the RSA’s restrictions on motorway and unaccompanied driving, the accompanying-driver rules, and L-plates.
Before relying on a test date, check the six-month rule where it applies, your required EDT sessions in MyEDT, your valid permit, and the current vehicle and insurance requirements, including the certificate of motor insurance rule.
Keep these handy
Most learners do all 12 lessons. The short list applies only after reduced EDT is approved.
It is not automatic, and it is not a shorter test.
Reduced EDT on rsa.ieA Grade 1 on its own does not fail the test. Confirm the current line on the RSA site.
Driving test questions on rsa.ieCounty Mayo RSA Test Centre
The test centre is at Breaffy House Resort, Breaffy Road (N60), Eircode F23 X863. The route uses that road and the Moneen roundabout.
Starts at the Castlebar test centre, Breaffy House Resort, then joins Breaffy Road (N60).
Manual lesson car, about 4.31 m long, with a dual-control clutch and brake.
McHale Road is 50 km/h. Breaffy Road rises toward 80 km/h. Moneen is a multi-lane roundabout.
Standard hourly driving tuition in Castlebar, Ballinrobe, and Kilmaine with manual dual controls.
Two-hour pre-test lesson from Breaffy House Hotel. Jacqueline agrees the lesson directly. No pass is promised.
Dual-control manual car hire for official driving test at Castlebar Test Centre (Breaffy House Hotel) + warm-up.
Before the car
Reverse around a corner, a turnabout, parking, and the look around the car. The pictures support the lesson. They do not replace it.
Reverse around a corner, turnabout, roundabouts, hill start, bay park, parallel park, and the emergency stop. Castlebar and Ballinrobe roads are in the same set. The picture supports the lesson. It does not replace it.
☀️ Sunny Atlantic Rule: Clear daylight. Check 360° blind spots before moving.
Loading 3D Trajectory Simulation Engine...
Synthesizing Quadratic Bezier curves & particle pulse streamsMaintain 0.45m kerb distance without swinging wide. Stop and yield immediately if any road user approaches.
Pull in 2–3 car lengths past junction, ~0.5m parallel to kerb. Engage reverse, set clutch bite, conduct full 360° observations.
Reverse straight until rear corner/tyre reaches kerb tangent curve. Check right blind spot before applying progressive left lock.
Track kerb curvature maintaining 0.3–0.5m margin. Look primarily through rear window with quick safety checks across oncoming road.
Straighten steering when car is parallel in minor road. Reverse straight 3–4 car lengths (~15m). Secure with handbrake and neutral.
Turn around between kerbs without touching either kerb, using brisk steering and slow clutch control.
Position left, handbrake on, 1st gear. 360° observations. Move off with brisk full right lock at walking pace.
Drive across road. 1m before right kerb, steer 1 turn left. Stop 0.5m from kerb with footbrake and handbrake. Zero kerb strike.
Select reverse. Check both ways and blind spots. Reverse turning full left lock. 1m from rear kerb, steer 1 turn right. Secure with handbrake.
Select 1st gear. Complete final 360° sweep. Release handbrake, move off into normal driving position on left side.
Lane selection and signalling governed by the clock-face principle: any exit past 12 o'clock requires right-lane approach and right indicator.
Assess roundabout geometry. Follow 12 o'clock rule: left lane for exits ≤12 o'clock; right lane for exits >12 o'clock. Indicate accordingly.
Give way to traffic approaching from the right on the circulatory carriageway. Look for gaps without causing following traffic to brake abruptly.
Enter smoothly into designated lane. Maintain correct lane tracking within circulating lines; avoid cutting across painted lane dividers.
Signal left immediately after passing the exit prior to your intended exit. Check left wing mirror and left blind spot before exiting cleanly.
Wing mirrors miss blind spots alongside rear quarters. An over-the-shoulder glance is mandatory before moving off or changing lanes.
Look over your shoulder before you move off. Do not move into a gap that is not there. This note does not quote a fault grade.
Scan rear-view mirror to establish vehicle closing speeds and distance of following traffic.
Check left or right exterior wing mirror to assess lane alignment and adjacent lane occupancy.
Turn head 90° to check the physical blind spot area behind the B-pillar before indicating or maneuvering.
Re-verify road ahead is clear and proceed with steering deflection or lane change only when blind spot is confirmed empty.
Gradient restarts require clutch bite balance, handbrake hold, and shoulder check to move off with zero rollback.
Hold vehicle firmly with handbrake, select 1st gear. Confirm feet are comfortable and unobstructed.
Press accelerator to ~1.4k RPM. Raise clutch smoothly until engine tone deepens and bonnet rises slightly.
Keep both feet steady. Check rear-view mirror, right wing mirror, and look directly over right shoulder.
Release handbrake smoothly. Apply gentle throttle as clutch connects fully. Move forward with zero rollback.
Avoid rolling back, especially toward anything behind you. This note does not quote a fault grade.
Manoeuvre into a marked bay without crossing boundary lines, mounting kerbs, or excessive shunting.
Drive past bays in 1st gear, maintaining 1.5–2 car widths out; walking pace under fine clutch control.
When driver wing mirror aligns with first boundary line of target bay, pause and verify 360° clearance.
Steer briskly on full lock into centre of bay at walking pace. Monitor both side mirrors for white line margins.
When parallel with bay markings, straighten wheels (1.5 turns). Drive to end of bay, apply handbrake and neutral.
Stay inside the bay and off the kerb. This note does not quote a fault grade.
Reverse into a kerbside space with 1m side clearance, 45° angle, finishing parallel within 30–45 cm of the kerb.
Position alongside target vehicle with 1m clearance, rear bumpers level. Handbrake on, reverse gear, 360° observations.
Reverse straight until rear axle aligns with target bumper. Check right blind spot; apply 1 brisk turn left lock (45° angle).
When front passenger corner clears target bumper, briskly counter-steer right while scanning for passing traffic.
Straighten wheels as vehicle sits parallel within 30–45 cm of kerb. Secure with handbrake and neutral. Max 2 adjustments.
Finish close to the kerb without mounting it. This note does not quote a distance or a fault grade.
Bring the vehicle to a prompt and controlled halt from ~45 km/h on tester command, maintaining strict directional stability without skidding or early clutch coasting.
At the examiner's verbal command 'STOP!', instantly apply firm, progressive pressure to the footbrake. Keep both hands firmly on the wheel at 9-and-3.
Do not stamp violently or pump the pedal. Retain straight-line steering without swerving or locking wheels while the car decelerates rapidly.
Depress the clutch pedal firmly just before the vehicle comes to a complete halt to prevent engine stall. Avoid dipping the clutch early (coasting).
Apply the handbrake firmly and select neutral. Release foot pedals. Conduct a rigorous 360° safety observation (mirrors and both blind spots) before moving off.
Brake smoothly, avoid locking the wheels, and secure the car before you move off again. This note does not quote a fault grade.
A practice sketch of Station Road, a slower zone on Spencer Street, and giving way at a zebra crossing. It is not a map of the roads an examiner will use.
Execute POM routine departing Government Buildings. Progressive acceleration to 50 km/h with 360° observations.
Yield to traffic from right. Apply 12 o'clock rule: left lane approach, indicate left after passing exit 1.
Decelerate smoothly before the 30 km/h gateway sign. Scan pedestrian crossings early and yield to foot traffic.
Execute reverse around corner into Garryduff with zero kerb strike. Maintain lane discipline returning to centre.
Slow down before a 30 km/h zone, and move when the gap at the roundabout is there. This note does not quote a fault grade.
A practice sketch of slowing for the Neale Road town signs, a tight corner, and a hill start on Abbey Street. It is not a map of the roads an examiner will use.
Engine braking and progressive footbrake down from 80 to 50 km/h well before the town boundary sign.
Walking pace clutch control around tight blind corners, scanning rear blind spots for pedestrians on narrow footpaths.
Find the bite before you release the handbrake. Avoid rolling back. This note does not promise the result.
Decisive lane positioning and signals at mini-roundabouts. Smooth outward bay park return to test centre.
Slow down before the town speed signs on the Neale Road. On Abbey Street, avoid rolling back. These are practice notes, not a quoted marking scheme.
Reverse into a road on the left, following the curve of the kerb smoothly at a clearance of 0.3m to 0.5m without mounting or scrubbing the pavement.
Turn the vehicle around within the boundaries of the roadway to face the opposite direction, utilizing forward and reverse gears smoothly.
Manoeuvre cleanly into a marked 90° bay or parallel parking space without crossing bay lines or hazarding adjacent vehicles or pedestrians.
Comprehensive shoulder and blind spot awareness across Irish right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles before moving off, changing lanes, or exiting junctions.
Pick the exit you want. The picture shows the lane and when to signal. Moneen in Castlebar is one of the roundabouts used in lessons.
Holding steady lane discipline without drifting towards the centre island; timely left exit indicator after passing Exit 1.
Signalling right on approach (misleads following traffic); signalling left too early before passing exit 1.
Choose a lane, check the mirrors, and signal for the exit. Moneen in Castlebar is the multi-lane example.
OFF
24 km/h
2nd Gear
Check interior and left mirrors. Do NOT indicate on approach for straight ahead (12 o’clock). Stay in the left-hand lane unless road arrows specify otherwise.
Signaling on approach for a straight exit is a classic mistake that confuses traffic waiting at the 1st exit.
Grade 2 for giving a misleading signal (e.g. indicating left on approach or indicating right).
Six parts of the Castlebar roads, starting at Breaffy House. Use it to see the junction before the lesson. It is not a live navigation feed.
Mirrors (Interior & Left) → Signal Left 30m prior → Position Left of Gateway → Speed: 0 km/h → Look: 360° observations onto N60 carriageway.
Patience and clear gap selection. Oncoming traffic from the right travels at 80-100 km/h around a blind bend.
Do not creep past the line, and do not move out if it would make N60 traffic brake.
Search the list. Castlebar is at Breaffy House. Ballinrobe is the other local centre. Confirm the address on rsa.ie before you travel.
Official Address: An Sportlann, Mitchells GAA Club, McHale Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 Y990
Coordinates: 53.85452° N, -9.28491° W
Church Street, Graiguecullen, Co. Carlow, R93 T3H1
Carlow Talbot Hotel, Graigue, Portlaoise Road, Co. Carlow, R93 Y504
C/O Cavan Crystal Hotel, Dublin Road, Cavan, Co. Cavan, H12 P6E5
New Government Offices, Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 D8HE
Kilrush Golf & Sports Clubhouse, Ennis Road, Kilrush, Co. Clare, V15 W025
Treacys Oakwood Hotel, Airport Road, Shannon, Co. Clare, V14 NH97
Doughcloyne Ind Estate (near Wilton Funeral Home), Sarsfield Road, Wilton, Co. Cork, T12 WD21
The Grand Stand, Cork Racecourse, Killarney Rd, Mallow, Co. Cork, P51 XV74
Mitchelstown Enterprise Centre, Coolnanave Industrial Est, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, P67 X660
Skibbereen Rugby Club, Mill Road, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, P81 K308
Dept of Social and Family Affairs, McCarter's Road, Ardaravan, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, F93 KVY6
Donegal Public Service Centre, Drumlonagher, Dongeal, Co. Donegal, F94 DK6C
5 Pearse Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 N795
Highline Building, Bakers Point, Pottery Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, A96 KW29
Block 3/5, Jamestown Business Park, Jamestown Road, Finglas, Co. Dublin, D11 TDE9
St. Brigid’s Parish Resource Centre, 306 Howth Road, Killester, Co. Dublin, DO5 FF96
Springfield Hotel, Dublin Road, Leixlip, Co. Dublin, W23 W280
Old Navan Road, Damastown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, Co. Dublin, D15 XHP3
Unit C - Unit 3A Dublin 11, Maple House, Rosemount Business P, Co. Dublin, D11 RPE8
4 All Saints Park, Raheny, Dublin 5, Co. Dublin, D05 HH42
Premier Business Park, 52 Broomhill Road, Tallaght, Co. Dublin, D24 VE8E
Clifden Station House Hotel, Galway Road, Clifden, Co. Galway, H71 AK52
The Clybaun Hotel, Clybaun Road, Knocknacarra, Co. Galway, H91 F62V
Carnmore Commercial Centre, Carnmore, Galway, Co. Galway, H91 Y48X
Clonfert House, Bride Street, Loughrea, Co. Galway, H62 ET93
Airglooney Business Park, Ballygaddy, Tuam, Co. Galway, H54 YD59
Killarney Racecourse Grounds, Ross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 HW52
Government Offices, Spa Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 VX4V
The Conference Centre, Osprey Hotel & Spa, Devoy Quarter, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 X40K
Government Offices, Hebron Road, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny, R95 WV59
O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Club, Hebron Road, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny, R95 RX63
Government Offices, Abbeyleix Road, Abbeyleix, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 RPA6
The Maldron Hotel Portaoise, Abbeyleix Road, Meelick, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 HKN3
Government Offices, Shannon Lodge, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 Y1X4
Castlemungret Industrial Estate, Dock Road, Limerick, Co. Limerick, V94 DV7K
Woodview Shopping Centre, Old Cratloe Road, Limerick, Co. Limerick, V94 D744
Intreo Centre, Gortboy, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, V42 RK52
Government Offices, Ballinalee Road, Longford, Co. Longford, N39 E4E0
Office Unit 1.O4, Southgate, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 EF80
Newry Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 RY8X
Moy Valley Business Park, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co. Mayo, F26 V6E4
An Sportlann, Mitchells GAA Club, McHale Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 Y990
Government Offices, Athlumney, Kilcairn, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 FEF2
The Plantation, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan, H18 PD25
The Courtyard Office Centre, Emmet Street, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 K528
Government Offices, Clonminch, Portlaoise Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 Y2N5
Government Offices, Circular Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon, F42 CH70
Old Dublin Road, Carraroe, Sligo, Co. Sligo, F91 VK11
Leisure Centre Complex, Talbot Hotel, Poppyfield, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, E91 X0N7
Government Offices, St Conlan's Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, E45 T611
Government Offices, Stradavoher, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, E41 N8F7
Canon Hayes Recreation Centre, Avondale Crescent, Tipperary, Co. Tipperary, E34 HF98
New Civic Offices, Davitts Quay, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, X35 Y326
Unit 7, 6 Crossroads Business Park, Waterford, Co. Waterford, X91 PW31
McCormacks Shopping Centre, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 Y0X8
Government Offices, Bellview Estate, Dublin Road, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 HDA2
Naomh Eanna GAA Complex, Clonattin, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Y25 P7K7
Killeens, Wexford, Co. Wexford, Y35 RY80
Government Offices, The Murrough, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow, A67 K039
One Grade 3 fails the test. So do 9 or more Grade 2 faults in total, 4 for the same aspect, or 6 under the same heading. A Grade 1 on its own does not.
A minor deviation from ideal driving technique that does not compromise road safety or inconvenience other road users.
Threshold: No specific numerical limit; however, numerous Grade 1 faults reflect an inconsistent driving standard and will invite closer examiner scrutiny.
A significant error that could potentially affect the safety or convenience of other road users, pedestrians, or vehicle occupants.
Threshold: FAIL CONDITIONS: 4 or more Grade 2 faults for the same driving aspect; OR 6 or more Grade 2 faults under the same heading; OR 9 or more Grade 2 faults in total across the entire test.
An action or omission that causes actual danger or potential imminent danger to any road user, or requires examiner intervention.
Threshold: FAIL CONDITIONS: Exactly 1 Grade 3 fault results in an immediate test failure and premature test conclusion.
Technique: Position car on the left, apply handbrake, select 1st gear. Complete 360° observation sweep (both blind spots). Move off slowly using clutch bite while turning steering wheel briskly towards right kerb. Stop 0.5m before right kerb with handbrake, select reverse, re-check 360°, steer left across to opposite kerb. Select 1st gear, final 360° check, and drive away smoothly in new direction.
Common Pitfalls: Touching or striking the kerb; failing to check blind spots before reversing; dry steering while stationary; rushing clutch release causing a stall.
Marking Severity: 1 Grade 3 (mounting kerb/danger) or Grade 2 for observation omission.
Technique: Drive past corner, position parallel approximately 0.5m from kerb and 2-3 car lengths ahead. Select reverse gear, complete 360° observation sweep. Reverse slowly looking primarily through rear window with glances at left mirror. Guide vehicle around kerb contour maintaining 0.3m to 0.5m consistent margin. Continue straight for 3 car lengths in minor road.
Common Pitfalls: Swinging vehicle front out across oncoming traffic; mounting or scrubbing the kerb; failing to pause when vehicles or pedestrians approach from any angle.
Marking Severity: Grade 3 for mounting kerb or swinging wide into oncoming traffic; Grade 2 for steering or observation faults.
Technique: Bring vehicle to standstill on gradient with footbrake, secure handbrake, select 1st gear. Set engine revolutions slightly above idle (1200-1500 RPM). Bring clutch up smoothly until vehicle bonnet rises slightly (biting point). Complete mirror and right-shoulder blind spot check. Release handbrake smoothly; car moves forward without rolling backward.
Common Pitfalls: Releasing handbrake before clutch reaches bite, resulting in backward rollback; over-revving engine or dropping clutch rapidly causing engine stall.
Marking Severity: Rolling back more than 15cm is an immediate Grade 2; rolling back into following traffic is an immediate Grade 3 failure.
Technique: Approach designated test centre bay in 1st gear. Apply MSM routine, swing out slightly to create 90-degree turning angle, steer smoothly into centre of bay. Straighten wheels, stop smoothly before barrier or kerb, engage neutral and secure handbrake.
Common Pitfalls: Parking over the marked white bay lines; straddling two bays; failing to check mirrors before swinging wide.
Marking Severity: Grade 2 for poor positioning outside lines; Grade 3 if hazarding parked cars or pedestrians.
Technique: Drive alongside target vehicle with 1 metre lateral clearance, aligning rear bumpers. Select reverse gear and perform full 360° observation sweep (including right blind spot). Reverse straight until rear axle aligns with target car's bumper, then apply 1 brisk turn of steering towards the kerb (45° angle). As front passenger wheel clears the target car's bumper, steer briskly away from the kerb to bring vehicle parallel within 30-45 cm. Secure with handbrake and select neutral.
Common Pitfalls: Approaching too close (<0.8m) to parked vehicle; failing to check right blind spot before swinging front out; touching or mounting the kerb; finishing further than 50cm from the kerb.
Marking Severity: Mounting or bumping the kerb is an automatic Grade 3 test failure; parking >50cm from kerb or taking more than 2 shunt corrections is a Grade 2 fault.
Technique: Upon examiner's signal, immediately release accelerator and apply footbrake firmly and progressively without snatching the steering wheel. Depress clutch pedal just before vehicle comes to a complete halt to prevent engine stall. Secure handbrake, select neutral, take a calming breath, and check all mirrors before moving away.
Common Pitfalls: Depressing clutch before footbrake (coasting); skidding tyres due to violent snatching; failing to check 360° before moving off again.
Marking Severity: Grade 2 for delayed reaction or uncontrolled braking.
You travel while you notice the hazard, then again while the brakes work. Wet roads need more room. Leave about two seconds in the dry and about four seconds in the wet.
| Speed Zone | Speed (m/s) | Thinking Dist | Dry Asphalt | Wet Rain | Greasy Slime | Black Ice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 km/h | 8.3 m/s | 6 m | 11 m | 14 m | 18 m | 41 m |
| 50 km/h | 13.9 m/s | 10 m | 23 m | 32 m | 43 m | 108 m |
| 60 km/h | 16.7 m/s | 12 m | 31 m | 43 m | 59 m | 154 m |
| 80 km/h | 22.2 m/s | 16 m | 50 m | 72 m | 100 m | 268 m |
| 100 km/h | 27.8 m/s | 19 m | 71 m | 106 m | 150 m | 412 m |
| 120 km/h | 33.3 m/s | 23 m | 99 m | 149 m | 212 m | 589 m |
Before the examiner starts
If the permit or the car is not in order, the test may not go ahead. Check the current RSA list as well as the one here.
If the permit or the car is not in order, the test may not go ahead. Work through the list, then check the current RSA page before you rely on a date.
Original permit in date for Category B (car). Not a photocopy, digital image, or expired disc.
First-time Category B permit holders must have held their permit for at least 6 calendar months before test day.
All 12 mandatory EDT modules uploaded by your ADI and signed off in the RSA MyEDT portal.
Original insurance disc displayed on windscreen and named driver confirmation for the test car.
Motor tax and National Car Test (NCT) discs in date and clearly displayed on windscreen.
Standard red-on-white L-plates fitted front and rear, upright, clean, and not obstructing driver vision.
Minimum 1.6mm across central 3/4 breadth of tread. No sidewall bulges, cuts, or exposed cords. Cold pressures verified.
Headlights (dipped & main beam), sidelights, indicators, rear tail lamps, brake lamps, and reversing lights fully operational.
Front and rear demisters operating cleanly, wiper blades clearing cleanly without smearing, and washer fluid filled.
Zero dashboard warning lamps (airbag/ABS/engine), dual controls free of obstruction, clean cabin and clear windows.
Castlebar 3D & Test Preparation
Key answers regarding RSA Category B driving test manoeuvres, Castlebar test routes departing Breaffy House Hotel, vehicle checks, and dual-control tuition.
Under RSA Category B examination standards, candidates are evaluated on: reversing around a corner to the left (maintaining 0.3m–0.5m clearance without touching the kerb), turning about on the road to face the opposite direction (3-point turn within road boundaries), perpendicular and bay parking, and hill starts with zero rollback.
Link to this answerThe 3D simulator models authentic vehicle kinematics, Ackermann steering angles, real-time sightcones and blind spot cones for right-hand-drive cars, and step-by-step POM (Prepare, Observe, Move) routines before driving on public roads.
Link to this answerUnder Irish Road Traffic Regulations and the 12 o'clock rule: for taking the first exit to the left, approach in the left lane and signal left. For taking an exit up to 12 o'clock (straight ahead), approach in the left lane without signalling until passing the exit immediately preceding yours. For taking an exit past 12 o'clock, approach in the right lane signalling right, and signal left after passing the exit preceding yours.
Link to this answerThe Castlebar Driving Test Centre is at Breaffy House Hotel on the Breaffy Road (N60) in Castlebar, County Mayo (Eircode: F23 X863). A pre-test lesson can include Moneen roundabout and Station Road. This page does not publish a map of the test.
Link to this answerTest-car hire is €250, plus one required pre-test lesson charged separately. Jacqueline agrees hire only after she has seen safe driving. The car is a dual-control manual Kia for a test at Castlebar Driving Test Centre (Breaffy House Hotel).
Link to this answerOn wet bitumen, friction drops significantly and braking distances double compared to dry conditions. Irish road safety rules mandate extending the dry 2-second following gap to at least 4 seconds, anticipating earlier deceleration approaching bends and junctions.
Link to this answerA two-hour pre-test lesson is €140. Test-car hire is €250, and only after Jacqueline confirms the driving is safe. Lessons are in Kilmaine, Ballinrobe and Castlebar.
2018–2019
Maria Tierney, Laura O’Sullivan, Cait Fhearghail and Sinead Hession wrote these on the school’s Facebook page. Their words stay in the original posts. This school does not add a star score or a pass rate.
Facebook loads only after you choose. Read the privacy note.
Loading all 59 test centres…
Hold the car, look around, then go. Do not roll back into the traffic behind you. Lessons use the hills at Breaffy and on Abbey Street in Ballinrobe.
Handbrake firmly applied. Depress clutch fully. Select 1st gear. Set the gas gently to ~1,400 RPM (steady gentle hum). Bring clutch up smoothly to the biting point. Observe the bonnet rise slightly and the engine note deepen.
Complete full 360-degree observation sweep: Interior rear-view mirror, left wing mirror, road ahead, right wing mirror, and look over right shoulder into the blind spot.
Release handbrake smoothly while maintaining clutch at bite point. As vehicle begins to move forward without rolling back an inch, progressively feed in accelerator and gently release clutch fully.
Spot: Breaffy Woods Hotel Exit Incline & Railway Station Bridge
Key Challenge: Joining N60 Castlebar bypass from gradient with high-speed oncoming traffic. Requires decisive POM routine.
Spot: Abbey Street Incline & Neale Road Crossroads
Key Challenge: Narrow historical street with parked cars on one side. Precise clutch bite and 360° observations mandatory.
Spot: Church Hill & Old Knock Road Gradients
Key Challenge: Stopping on gradient behind queuing traffic at town lights. Keeping safe 1-car-length buffer from vehicle ahead.
