Clifden Test Centre
Clifden Station House Hotel,, Galway Road,, Clifden,, H71 AK52
Clifden test centre
Clifden test centre runs from the Station House Hotel on the Galway Road. This is the capital of Connemara, and the roads reflect the rugged Atlantic landscape.
On test day at Clifden
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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.
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Rules of the Road questions
The examiner asks you questions on the Rules of the Road before you go outside.
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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.
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The drive (about 40 minutes)
A route around Clifden covering left and right turns, roundabouts, traffic lights, and two manoeuvres from: reverse around a corner, turnabout, or hill start.
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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.
Roads you will drive at Clifden
Routes go through Clifden town, along the Sky Road and Galway Road, and into the surrounding area. Roads can be narrow and winding.
Approximate route based on known test roads. Actual routes vary by tester.
Key roads on Clifden test routes
Junctions to know
Main Street / Market Street junction, tight town centre turn
Galway Road / hotel entrance
Tricky spots at Clifden
Clifden is a small Connemara town with narrow streets and winding approach roads. The landscape is open and exposed to Atlantic weather.
Clifden town centre
Tourist town with narrow streets. Summer traffic is heavy with tour buses and campervans.
Approach roads
Narrow regional roads with blind bends. Meeting oncoming traffic on tight bends.
Tips for passing at Clifden
- Station House Hotel is on the Galway Road. Easy to find.
- Connemara roads are narrow with few markings. Get used to giving way on single-track sections.
- Summer tests mean tourist traffic. Allow extra time for slow-moving vehicles.
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:
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.
Pretest lessons for Clifden
Practice the actual test routes before your driving test. Our instructors know every road the examiners use at Clifden.
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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.
View EDT lesson packagesTaking your test at Clifden?
Book a pretest lesson on the actual routes. Know the roads before test day.
Or call (01) 902 3100