If you don’t bring the correct documents, you won’t be allowed to sit your test

08:49, 06 Mar 2026Updated 08:50, 06 Mar 2026

Learner plates on a car (stock)

Learner drivers need to be aware that a new rule change for driving tests will come into effect next week.

From Monday, the 9th of March, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has updated the requirements for any learners sitting their practical driving test. The new rule means learner drivers will need to bring important documentation to their tests. If you don’t bring the correct documents, you won’t be allowed to sit your test.

All learners attending their test will need to provide a valid Certificate of Motor Insurance that confirms they are fully insured to drive the vehicle they will be taking their test in, and/or a written confirmation from their insurance provider.

In a statement confirming the major rule change, the RSA said: “From Monday, 9 March 2026, new insurance requirements will apply for driving tests. If you are attending a test, you must bring a valid Certificate of Motor Insurance confirming you are insured to drive the vehicle you present. If you are not named on the certificate, you will also need written confirmation from your insurance provider.

“Please check the full requirements in advance and make sure you have the correct documents with you on the day. Without them, your test cannot proceed.”

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If the learner is not named on the Certificate of Insurance, they will need additional documentation to show the tester that they are insured to drive the vehicle. The RSA recommends an email or letter from the insurance company.

The RSA statement continues: “In the event that you are not named on the Certificate of Insurance, you will also, in addition to the certificate, need to provide an email or letter (on headed paper) from your insurance company stating that you are insured to drive the vehicle presented for test. Names or personal details of other people on documents can be redacted or covered. The documents will be viewed by the tester and returned to you. “

This follows a recent industrial dispute where driving examiners with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), who are members of the Fórsa trade union, expressed concerns regarding uninsured vehicles being presented for tests, Dublin Live reported. Fórsa maintained that workers were not adequately covered by the State Claims Agency whilst performing their responsibilities – especially when conducting examinations in uninsured vehicles.

Driving examiners had intended a one-day work stoppage on Friday (February 20) concerning the matter, but following a fresh agreement with the RSA, this industrial action has been suspended, and a new requirement will shortly be implemented for driving tests.

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