Sligo, Ireland · RSA Approved Driving Instructor
Patient, friendly driving lessons with RSA Approved Driving Instructor Rita Kennedy.
Prices available on request · Door-to-door service · Car available for the driving test
ADI Permit 35095
What’s on offer
Every lesson is structured to suit you — whether you are a total beginner, have limited driving experience, or are preparing for the driving test.
Learn in the KSM training car, converted with a full set of dual controls for safety.
Use the school car for your driving test. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Already have a car? Lessons are available in your own vehicle too.
Lessons start and finish where it suits you, so no time is lost getting there.
Focused practice on the skills the test looks for, so you know where you stand.
Practise the local roads and junctions you are likely to meet on test day in Sligo.
A practical present for a new driver — vouchers are available on request.
A full practice run under test conditions to settle nerves before the real thing.
Prices are not published as fixed amounts — prices available on request. Call 086 244 4747 to book.
Meet your instructor
Hello and welcome. I’m Rita Kennedy, owner and driving instructor at Kennedy School of Motoring in Sligo.
When I turned seventeen, the only thing I wanted to do was learn to drive. I passed my test by the age of eighteen and became the proud owner of a full Irish driving licence. I have loved driving ever since.
Later I decided to re-train. I passed the stringent testing of the Institute of Advanced Motorists and qualified as an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) with the RSA, the official government testing body.
One of my main interests in life is surviving to be at least ninety-six years old. In pursuit of that I drive safely, confidently and competently — and I enjoy helping other drivers do the same.
So whether you are a total beginner, have limited experience, or are preparing for your test, I will structure each lesson to suit you: a comfortable, professional environment with a patient and friendly instructor.
Rita Kennedy, ADI
From first lesson to full licence
Scene 01
Dual controls, a calm pace and clear explanations. You build the basics in a car that is set up for learning, with an instructor who has been trained to teach people of all ages proficiently and safely.
Scene 02
Test routes covered, pre-test preparation and mock tests under test conditions. If you need a roadworthy car for the test itself, the school car is available — book early, and we can add a pre-test lesson beforehand.
Scene 03
The goal is not just a licence. It is driving safely, confidently and competently for life — positive, observant and considerate of everyone else on the road.
How it works
We start where you are. Car controls, observation and the basics of good road position, built up lesson by lesson at a pace that suits you.
Test routes, the mirrors-signal-position routine and a mock test, so nothing on the day is a surprise. Honest feedback on what still needs work.
Arrive early, drive the way you have practised, and keep the test in perspective. A confident, competent, considerate drive is what is being looked for.
Ready to start? Call Rita on 086 244 4747 or email rita@ksm.ie.
Hints for the test
A short version of the advice Rita gives her own learners. General guidance only — your lessons and the official RSA material come first.
Revise the Rules of the Road, and know your vehicle — the main engine parts, what they do, and the secondary controls such as wipers and demisters.
L-plates fitted and not blocking your view, tax and insurance in order, lights, indicators and brake lights working and clean, good tyres above the 1.6 mm minimum tread, brake fluid and washer topped up.
Use your mirrors as much as you can without overdoing it, and look over your shoulder when changing lanes, pulling out, turning or on roundabouts. Many people fail on lack of observation alone.
Practise the sequence until it is automatic. Signal your intentions early, hold the correct road position, and use the pull-push steering method.
Keep to the correct speed and make good progress — driving too slowly is a hazard too. Leave two seconds to the car in front, and double it in wet weather or poor road conditions.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early with your learner permit and appointment letter, in a clean and clutter-free car. Comfortable shoes, a good night’s sleep, breakfast, water rather than too much coffee.
Channel nerves into determination. The examiner is not looking for the next racing driver — just a safe, competent drive with full consideration for other road users.
Book and prepare through the official channels:
The school car
Rita’s new 2026 Hyundai i20 has been converted into the Kennedy School of Motoring training car. A modern, compact hatchback is easy to place on Sligo’s narrower streets and easy to judge on the test.
Word of mouth
Kennedy School of Motoring has 11 reviews on its Google Business listing. We don’t reprint them here — read them in learners’ own words, straight from the source.
Read the 11 Google reviewsTaken lessons with Rita? A review on Google helps the next learner decide.
RSA Approved Driving InstructorADI permit 35095
Google reviewson the KSM Google listing
Owner & instructor — Rita KennedyKennedy School of Motoring, Sligo
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