Loughrea Test Centre
Clonfert House, Bride Street, Loughrea, H62 ET93
Loughrea test centre
Loughrea test centre is at Clonfert House on Bride Street. This East Galway town sits by the lake and has a traditional main street layout.
On test day at Loughrea
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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 Loughrea 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 Loughrea
Routes go through Loughrea town, along the Galway Road and Portumna Road, and into surrounding areas. Small town driving with some open road sections.
Approximate route based on known test roads. Actual routes vary by tester.
Key roads on Loughrea test routes
Junctions to know
Main Street / Bride Street junction
Galway Road approach roundabout
Tricky spots at Loughrea
Loughrea is a small Galway town by a lake. Traditional main street with approach roads connecting to the M6 motorway. Quiet but busy enough during school times.
Main Street
Narrow main street with angle parking. Cars reversing out.
Lake Road
Narrow road by the lake with limited visibility on bends.
Tips for passing at Loughrea
- Clonfert House is on Bride Street. Parking nearby.
- Loughrea is small. Test routes cover the town quickly.
- The M6 nearby means some through traffic. Watch for HGVs on approach roads.
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 Loughrea
Practice the actual test routes before your driving test. Our instructors know every road the examiners use at Loughrea.
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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 Loughrea?
Book a pretest lesson on the actual routes. Know the roads before test day.
Or call (01) 902 3100