Candidates sitting a driving test will be required to know how 10 parts of their vehicles are checked and serviced under new measures which come into force from next Monday.
Motorists will be asked to explain how mechanical checks on lights, oil, steering, brakes and other working parts are performed.
All candidates will be examined on three technical areas. In some cases they will be asked to open the bonnet, identify parts of the engine as requested and explain how these are checked.
Failure to answer all three questions correctly will incur a "fault mark". A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport said failing the technical component of the test would be regarded as a "minor" fault mark. If nine such minor marks are recorded in the test a candidate automatically fails the test and is forced to reapply.
The test can also be failed if the candidate makes four "serious" errors. The technical component does not fall into this category.
The average waiting time for a test is currently 40 weeks, and is as high as 56 weeks in some parts of the State. Tests cost between €38 and €76.
The new technical requirements form part of a series of driving test changes being introduced throughout the EU. However, while candidates will be asked to explain technical checks, they will not be expected to perform these.
For those sitting the test for a traditional category B car licence, technical knowledge will be tested in three of the following 10 areas; tyres, lights, reflectors, indicators, engine oil, coolant, windscreen washer fluid, steering, brakes and horn.
Those sitting a test for licences to drive larger vehicles, such as buses or trucks, will face additional questions on power steering and power braking systems. The changes also involve a series of additional oral questions for motorcyclists and truck drivers.
Motorcyclists can expect additional oral questions on issues such as rear observation, road position and skidding. They will also be expected to be able to move their motorcycles around four or five metres while the engine is off and will be asked to put their bike on and off its stand - mounting on the side stand will be acceptable.
Those sitting tests for bus and truck licences will be expected to know how the performance of their vehicles' power steering and power braking can be checked. They will also face questioning on planning lengthy journeys and on safety procedures to be followed in the event of a breakdown.
The Minister for Transport, Mr Cullen, said: "The changes will enhance the driving test and contribute to road safety by increasing awareness of the need to ensure that a vehicle is properly prepared before being driven on the road." He said instructors had already been briefed on the changes.
A full list of the changes can be viewed at www.drivingtest.ie. The Department of Transport has also announced a number of changes to the type of vehicle which may be presented for the driving test.
