ALERT: Irish drivers warned over changes to driving test amid major shake-up

Ireland's road to both safer and smarter driving is taking a new turn as it was revealed today that the standard driving test is getting an upgrade. 

Set to impact thousands of learner drivers, the change is aimed at reflecting real-world conditions in a more realistic way with this overhaul promising a more relevant assessment going forward. 

So, what exactly is changing and how does this impact the next generation of drivers in Ireland? 

Up until today (Monday, April 14), those participating in a driving test were asked to show all six hand signals while out on the road and in a major shake-up, this has now been scrapped. 

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Going forward, anyone sitting a driving test will now be asked to show two hand signals. This new move will be asked of learners once they have gone through their road signs and before stepping into their vehicle. 

The two hand signals, instead of six, will be selected at random to ensure the learner has brushed up their knowledge on every aspect of road safety. 

This change is expected to be one of many this coming year as it is believed that the Grade One faults from the marking sheet are going to be removed, leaving just Grade Twos and Grade Threes. 

Looking forward to 2026, it is rumoured that parallel parking will be included in the test, along with commentary driving and a right reverse around the corner but nothing has been confirmed as of yet.