A full mock test on the actual RSA test routes, marked the way the examiner marks, with honest, structured feedback while there’s still time to fix things.
Quick answer: A pretest is a full mock RSA driving test on actual Naas test routes. Most learner drivers book 3–5 pretests in the 2–3 weeks before their test. Lessons are €50–€55/hour. Manual or automatic, male or female instructor, test-day car hire available.
Naas Driving Academy has been running pretest lessons from the Osprey test centre for over 37 years. Below: what’s in our Pre-Test Preparation Course, how many lessons most learner drivers need, what to bring, and how to book.
Who this course is for
Our pretest course suits you if you are:
- Preparing for an upcoming driving test at Naas
- Looking for pretest driving lessons near you in Kildare
- Returning to take the test after failing — and want to pass next time
- Coming back to driving after a break
- Nervous and need a confidence boost before your test
What is a pretest lesson?
A pretest with us is a full mock driving test. Your instructor plays the role of the RSA examiner — silent, observing, marking — and takes you through a complete route from the Osprey car park exactly the way the real test runs. At the end you’ll see a marked test sheet using the same Grade 1 / Grade 2 / Grade 3 system the RSA uses, and we’ll walk you through every fault.
It’s different from a normal EDT lesson in three important ways:
- It’s a full run-through, not a drill.
- It’s marked formally using the same system the RSA examiner uses.
- It’s on the actual Naas RSA test routes.
How many pretest lessons do I need?
It depends on where you’re starting from, but for most of our learner drivers the pattern is consistent.
- Minimum: 3 pretest lessons. Provided your EDT is complete and you’re already driving to test standard.
- Typical: 3–5 pretest lessons. The first identifies your weak points. The second embeds the fixes. A third covers multiple test routes. A fourth or fifth — including a warm-up on test-day morning — is recommended for learner drivers whose nerves spike on the day.
3–5 hours of structured pretest work allows us to cover the multiple routes the examiner can pick from and the specific fault categories that fail learner drivers at Naas.
A pretest isn’t a replacement for EDT — it’s what comes after EDT. If you’ve not finished your 12 EDT lessons, start there and we’ll tell you when you’re pretest-ready.
What happens in a pretest lesson?
Each pretest lesson with us follows a consistent structure:
- Pre-test "technical check" questions — rules of the road, car safety checks, hand signals, dashboard warning lights. Same questions, same format the tester uses.
- Targeted assessment drive — flagging immediate faults so we know what to focus on.
- Real RSA test-route practice — the routes the examiner is most likely to pick on the day.
- Mock test segment — a full run-through under test conditions, marked formally.
- Honest, structured feedback — a marked sheet showing every Grade 1 (minor), Grade 2 (serious), Grade 3 (dangerous) fault, with specific fixes.
By the third or fourth pretest, you should be running clean — same routes, same standards, same calmness as test day.
Why pretest the Naas test routes specifically?
The Naas test centre has a distinctive mix of challenges: Main Street’s double-parking and pedestrian hazards, the multi-lane roundabouts on the outer ring road, the 30-to-50-to-60 km/h speed transitions, and that Stop sign at the car park exit where a rolling stop is an instant fail.
Our pretest lessons run those exact stretches of road. By test day, none of it should feel unfamiliar — and unfamiliarity is where most Naas fails come from.
Common test-day faults — and how we fix them
From hundreds of pretests run out of the Osprey, these are the recurring issues. Each one is fixable in one or two pretests:
- Observation at junctions — not enough head turns. Fix: deliberate left-right-mirror sweep so the tester can see the movement.
- Speed transitions — wrong speed for 2–3 seconds after a zone change. Fix: cover the brake before the sign, settle by the time you pass it.
- Roundabout lane discipline — wrong lane, signal too late. Fix: position, signal, observe — in that order, before you enter.
- Mirror use — hesitant, nodding mirror checks get marked. Fix: brief, natural glances.
- Road position — drifting too close to parked cars on Main Street. Fix: visualise the centre of the lane.
- Hesitation and decision-making — nerves cause learner drivers to freeze at junctions. Fix: rehearse decisions out loud during pretest.
- The car park Stop sign — rolling stops here are an instant fail. Fix: full wheel-stop, count one, then go.
Manual or automatic. Male or female instructor.
You learn — and test — in the setup that suits you best.
- Manual lessons in our new dual-control Hyundai i20
- Automatic / hybrid lessons in our Toyota Hybrid C-HR
Both male and female instructors are available — request whichever you’d prefer when you book. No surcharge, no questions.
Test-day support
Our most popular package combines:
- Pre-Test Preparation Course — ideally booked 2–3 weeks before your test date, leaving time to practise the fixes between sessions.
- Test-day warm-up lesson — short, calming, on the morning of the test (highly recommended).
- Use of our training car for the actual RSA test — the same dual-control car you've practised in.
- Final on-the-day tips — from your instructor, who knows your specific weak points.
This combination consistently produces our highest first-time pass rates at Naas.
What to bring on the day
- Your valid learner permit (current — not expired)
- Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them — and bring spares
- Comfortable footwear you can drive in
- Working knowledge of the Rules of the Road
- Your fully-stamped EDT logbook
- Your test booking confirmation
Why choose Naas Driving Academy
- 37+ years teaching learner drivers specifically in Kildare
- RSA-approved ADI instructors only
- 4.9-star average across 857+ verified Google reviews
- Local expertise on every Naas RSA test route
- Modern dual-control fleet — manual or automatic hybrid
- Patient, practical, results-driven
Frequently asked questions
How much do pretest lessons in Naas cost?
Contact us for current rates — pricing depends on whether you book a single lesson, a pretest + test-day car package, or a combined EDT + pretest bundle. The Kildare average is €50–€55 per hour.
How long before my driving test should I book a pretest?
Ideally 2–3 weeks before. Close enough that the feedback is fresh, far enough that you have time to practise the fixes between sessions.
How many pretest lessons do most learner drivers need?
Most learner drivers benefit from 3–5 hours of pretest preparation. The minimum we recommend is 3 lessons; many take 4 or 5 including a test-day warm-up.
What's the difference between a pretest and an EDT lesson?
EDT is the structured 12-lesson programme that teaches you to drive. A pretest is a full mock of the real RSA test, marked by your instructor, to check you’re ready to sit it.
Can I do a pretest if my EDT isn't complete?
We’d recommend finishing EDT first. A pretest is most useful when you’re already driving at test standard.
Can I use my own car for lessons?
Yes — provided your vehicle is roadworthy, insured, and meets RSA learner-driver requirements (NCT, L/N plates, working indicators and lights).
Can I do a lesson on the day of my test?
Yes. We offer a pre-test warm-up lesson and the option to use the instructor’s car for the test itself.
Will the pretest route be the same as my real test route?
The Naas test centre uses several routes and the examiner picks on the day — but the roads, turns and manoeuvres overlap hugely.
Can I book a pretest if I learned to drive with a different school?
Absolutely. Many of our pretest learner drivers did their EDT elsewhere — we assess fairly, give honest feedback, and prepare you for Naas specifically.
What if I've already failed my driving test?
That’s very common. We’ll identify exactly why you didn’t pass, focus on correcting those specific issues, and prepare you to pass next time.
Will I definitely pass after this course?
No course can guarantee a pass — anyone telling you otherwise is overpromising. What our pretest course does is maximise your chances by training to the exact RSA standards on the exact test routes.
Book your pretest lesson in Naas
Ready to find out if you’re test-ready? Our instructors run pretests six days a week from the Naas area. Manual and automatic cars available. Test-day car hire included as an option.
Call 045 879969 or 045 879903
