7 Community Routes Co. Laois

Portlaoise (Maldron Hotel) Test Centre | Route Profile

A temporary center at the Maldron Hotel established during Garda barracks redevelopment, testing drivers on the outskirts of Portlaoise. Base location: The Maldron Hotel Portlaoise, Abbeyleix Road, Meelick, Portlaoise, R32 HKN3.

Pass Rate 52.2%

Wait Time 11 weeks

#1 Fail Reason Failing to yield correctly at the hotel entrance roundabout and the nearby logistics park junctions is a common error. Candidates also struggle with maintaining progress when heavy trucks are merging onto the main road. Track these zones in the app →

Red Zone: Mid-morning is often the worst time because of the constant movement of logistics vehicles and delivery trucks in the area. Friday afternoons are also particularly busy with traffic transiting between the M7 and the town centre.

Local Hazards

Exiting the hotel onto the busy main road requires careful observation of fast-moving traffic. The routes typically head into newer residential estates with many mini-roundabouts and cul-de-sacs.

Community Advice

The Meelick Road area near the hotel has several speed bumps; maintain a consistent and appropriate speed. Watch for the transition from the hotel's private road to the public highway.

Arrival & Parking Protocol

Tip: Testing is conducted from the Maldron Hotel Portlaoise, where candidates have access to the large hotel car park. It is situated just off the M7, making it easy to find, though the lot can be busy with hotel guests and commuters.

Driver Reviews

Community Feedback

"The hotel provided a very pleasant and calm waiting area. The staff were very professional throughout."

Community Feedback

"I appreciated the polite and direct feedback provided by the examiner after the test concluded."

Internal Guide

Plan Beyond Portlaoise (Maldron Hotel)

Use these related pages to compare centres in Laois, tighten up likely fail points, and arrive with the car and paperwork sorted.

Browse all test centres Compare route counts, pass rates, and wait times across Ireland. Review the fault matrix Understand the mistakes that most often convert a solid drive into a fail. Run the vehicle checklist Cover the practical checks before test day and avoid preventable issues. Read the FAQ Get quick answers on routes, coverage, and how Slidis works.

Other centres in Co. Laois

Portlaoise (Abbeyleix Road)