Preparing for your driving test can be nerve-wracking — and one of the most overlooked factors is the car you’ll be driving on the big day. At GoDrive School of Motoring, we offer driving test car hire services to help you pass with confidence. Whether you’ve done lessons with us or not, hiring a car that meets RSA test requirements can make all the difference.
In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about driving test car hire in Galway — what it is, why it matters, and how to book.
✅ What Is Driving Test Car Hire?
Driving test car hire means renting a fully insured, roadworthy vehicle that is suitable and approved for your RSA driving test. These cars are typically provided by your driving school and are equipped with:
- Dual controls
- L-plates
- Valid insurance and NCT certification
- Clean and professional presentation
- Compliance with RSA standards
You simply arrive at the test centre, meet your instructor, and take your test in a car you’re comfortable with.
Why Hire a Car for the Driving Test?
While some learners opt to use their own car or a family member’s, hiring a car specifically for your test has key benefits:
1. Familiarity
If you’ve done lessons with a school like GoDrive, you’re already used to the car’s controls, size, clutch, and handling. This familiarity reduces anxiety and improves confidence.
2. Guaranteed RSA Compliance
Some private cars are disqualified on test day due to:
- Missing tax/NCT disc
- Faulty brake lights
- Non-compliant modifications (e.g. tinted windows)
Our test cars are pre-checked, fully maintained, and 100% test-ready.
3. Professional Appearance
Driving a clean, well-presented car gives a good first impression to the examiner.
4. Convenience
No need to stress over paperwork, insurance checks, or mechanical reliability — we handle it all.
📍 Where Is Car Hire Available?
At GoDrive School of Motoring, we provide test car hire for the Galway Westside RSA Test Centre, covering students from:
- Salthill
- Knocknacarra
- Rahoon
- Newcastle
- Taylors Hill
- And surrounding Galway areas
💸 Cost of Driving Test Car Hire
We offer a transparent, all-inclusive pricing structure:
| Service | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Test + Car Hire Package | 2 hours | €100 |
| Test Day Car Hire Only | 1.5–2 hours | €120 |
The package typically includes:
- Pickup and drop-off
- Warm-up drive before the test
- Use of the car during the test
- Final tips and calming techniques from your instructor
📅 When Should You Book?
It’s best to book your car hire as soon as you receive your official RSA test date — especially during busy months like summer and year-end. We recommend pairing your car hire with a pre-test driving lesson to fine-tune your skills before the big moment.
🛡️ Who Can Hire a Driving Test Car?
Our car hire service is available to:
- Learner drivers who trained with GoDrive
- External candidates needing a test-ready car
- Foreign license holders doing reduced EDT and a final test
Note: All drivers must have a valid learner permit and test appointment with the RSA.
🧩 Final Tip: Combine With a Pre-Test Lesson
Hiring a test car is even more effective when paired with a pre-test driving lesson, where we:
- Review test routes used by Galway examiners
- Practice maneuvers like hill starts, roundabouts, and reversing
- Check your mirror use, positioning, anticipation, and clutch control
- Simulate real test conditions with mock exams
🎉 Take the Stress Out of Test Day
Your driving test is a major milestone — and the last thing you need is to worry about whether your car will pass inspection. Let GoDrive take care of the vehicle, so you can focus on passing.
👉 Contact us today to book your driving test car hire and take one more step toward freedom on the road!
📞 089 432 4325
📍 Westside, Galway
📩 godrivegalway@gmail.com