Car driving lessons (EDT)
Essential Driver Training (EDT)
Essential Driver Training (EDT) is a structured training programme for learner drivers consisting of 12 driving sessions with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), or six sessions if you are eligible for reduced EDT.
Our top five EDT queries
You can arrange driver training by choosing an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) from the ADI register who covers category B (car or light van). To avoid any miscommunication, please check with your instructor at the start of each lesson whether it counts towards your Essential Driver Training (EDT).
You can check your EDT progress by logging in to the MyEDT portal. You will need your learner permit card details to access your account. If you’ve only recently completed an EDT session, please allow at least 10 working days for it to be captured by the system. After that time, you should contact your ADI.
If there are any errors with the number of training sessions or the dates, please contact the ADI who delivered the EDT session (if different to your current one).
If you’ve only recently received your learner permit, please allow 10 working days for the system to capture your details.
When entering your details on the MyEDT portal login page, make sure you do the following:
Checklist
- Type in your surname (this comes first) exactly as it’s printed at number ‘1.’ on your learner permit card.
- Type in your first name exactly as it’s printed at number ‘2.’ on your learner permit card
- Type in your date of birth in the following format: 07/10/1978
- Type in your driver number exactly as it’s printed at ‘4d.’ on your learner permit card
- Ensure there are no blank spaces before or after any of the details you’ve entered
If you’re still having problems logging in, please complete this form and we’ll be in touch.
If your completed training hasn’t been uploaded to your MyEDT portal account and your instructor is no longer on the ADI register, you should try to make contact with them. Otherwise, you will have to complete the EDT session/s again.
However, if you have your EDT logbook and it was signed, stamped and dated by the ADI for each completed session, please complete this form and we will arrange a logbook inspection. Make sure to include your driver number and your nearest driving test centre. Once your logbook is verified, we can upload the sessions.
You can apply for your driving test, but you won’t be able to book an appointment until:
- your first learner permit is six months valid,
- you’ve completed all 12 EDT sessions, and
- these are showing in your MyEDT portal account at least 2 weeks
If you’ve been approved for reduced EDT, the 6-month rule doesn’t apply to you. However, you must have completed all 6 sessions and these need to be showing in your MyEDT account at least 2 weeks before you can book a test.
If you’ve paid in advance for driver training, any request for a refund must be arranged directly between yourself and the driving school or instructor.
Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) are self-employed and as such they have the right to set their own business terms and conditions, including fees. That’s why we advise customers to shop around. Paying for more than one lesson at a time limits your ability to switch instructors’ mid-course and/or change scheduled lessons.
It’s your responsibility to familiarise yourself with all T&Cs before entering into any contract for the supply of a service. However, if it’s not possible to resolve the issue directly with your ADI, you can seek guidance from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission on your rights.
Why EDT is mandatory
The purpose of EDT is to save lives. Getting a driving licence is a privilege, not a right. As a learner driver you are exposed to greater risks when using the roads due to inexperience. Maximising your road safety knowledge and behaviours helps you to develop the skills and confidence needed to share the road safely with others. By completing EDT you will build a strong foundation on which to become a better and safer driver.
The EDT sessions
EDT for learner drivers is a 12-hour course delivered in 12 one-hour sessions.
It is recommended that you allow two weeks between each session so that you can take further driving instruction, practise your new-found skills and do the required road safety reading. It’s best to spread your EDT course over a six-month period.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for reduced EDT which is delivered in six one-hour sessions.
Session | Topic | Reduced EDT |
1 | Car controls and safety checks | ✓ |
2 | Correct positioning 1 | |
3 | Changing direction 1 | |
4 | Progression management | |
5 | Correct positioning 2 (more complex situations) | ✓ |
6 | Anticipation and reaction | ✓ |
7 | Sharing the road | ✓ |
8 | Driving safely through traffic | |
9 | Changing direction 1 (more complex situations) | ✓ |
10 | Speed management | ✓ |
11 | Driving calmly | |
12 | Night driving |
Learn more about EDT by reading our booklets. You can also download a sample logbook below:
Essential Driver Training (EDT) booklet pdf | 897 KB Reduced Essential Driver Training (EDT) booklet pdf | 851 KB Sample EDT Learner Logbook pdf | 2442 KBYour Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
By law, Essential Driver Training sessions can only be delivered by an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).
See how your ADI helps you learn to drive safely:
Every ADI is assessed by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to ensure they have the necessary driving skills and road safety knowledge as well as the ability to teach you properly. They are all garda-vetted and must display a valid ADI permit. For you, this means better, more consistent and safer standards of driving instruction.
You should choose an ADI that provides EDT for licence category B (cars and lights vans). Your ADI will give you a logbook in which your sessions and progress will be recorded, as well as online in your MyEDT portal account.
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MyEDT Portal
Check the status of your EDT sessions to ensure your records are up-to-date.
How to find an ADI near you
Today, you’ll find over 1,700 ADIs nationwide who have been approved and registered by the RSA as full ADI permit holders. Here are a few tips to consider when choosing one that’s right for you:
- There is no standard fee for EDT sessions. Each ADI is self-employed and sets their own fees. Contact different ADIs to compare fees, arrangements and convenience
- You can switch from one ADI to another during your EDT
- Paying in advance for more than one session will limit your ability to switch instructors or change your scheduled sessions
- Ask family and friends for recommendations or advice on choosing your ADI
- Only training sessions with a currently approved ADI count as part of your EDT. Check their registration when you enquire, book and turn up for each session.
Check our register of Approved Driving Instructors for one near you.
Find an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). Driving instructors must have a valid ADI permit. Check the RSA register of Approved Driving Instructors
ADIs delivering tuition to learners requiring special accommodation (deaf, hard of hearing or adapted vehicles) pdf | 227 KB
Frequently asked questions
Yes. As a learner driver, you must complete all 12 EDT sessions before you can sit a driving test. You can apply online for a driving test before your 12 EDT sessions are completed. However, you cannot be scheduled for your driving test until your ADI confirms that you have completed all 12 sessions and these have been uploaded to the system.
Please note: you must complete EDT if your first car learner permit was issued on or after 4 April 2011. If this is the case, a ‘code 991’ will appear on your learner permit.
- only when accompanied by an ADI or someone who has held a full, valid driving licence in the same category for more than two years
- on all public roads, except motorways, for the purposes of learning to drive
- if your car also complies with all other roadworthiness, insurance, motor tax, NCT and L-plate display requirements.
- you must take session 1 first to check that your learner permit and car roadworthiness checks are all in order
- you make take sessions 2 to 8 in any sequence
- you may take sessions 9 to 12 in any sequence as long as you have completed sessions 2 to 8.
Before each session, you should prepare by studying the EDT booklet and the relevant section of the Rules of the Road. Your ADI can give you more guidance on what reading material to cover.
After each session, your ADI will give feedback on your progress so you know what driving skills to concentrate on. These can be practised with your driving instructor or driving sponsor. The RSA recommends at least three hours practice on aspects covered in your previous session. You should also regularly refer to your EDT information booklet to prepare in advance.
- pass a new driver theory test
- get a new learner permit
- repeat EDT
No. EDT applies to first-time learner permits issued on or after 4th April 2011 in category B (car or light van). Before you can become a category BE (car or light van with trailer) driver, you must:
- already hold a full, valid category B (car or light van) driving licence
- have previously passed a category B (car or light van) theory test before you can apply for a category BE (car or light van with trailer) learner permit
If you received your first category B learner permit before the introduction of the theory test on 25 April 2001, you must complete a theory test before applying for a category BE learner permit.
If you are unsure, please contact the National Driver Licence Service.
Not always. Depending on where and when your licence was issued, you can apply for reduced EDT or an exemption from the six months rule.
Unless you have been granted an exemption from the six months rule or have been notified that you qualify for reduced EDT, you must complete the full EDT programme.
If you currently hold a full category B (car or light van) driving licence from a country that does not have a licence exchange agreement with Ireland, you may be eligible for reduced EDT. This involves six one-hour sessions. To qualify you must:
- hold a full foreign driving licence for at least two years
- hold a licence that has not expired by more than six months on the date of receipt of your application form
- be resident in Ireland
- hold an Irish learner permit
Reduced EDT will help you learn some of the most vital driving skills as well as improve your knowledge and understanding of road safety in Ireland. You can apply for reduced EDT here.
Please note: if you have a booking for a driving test, you cannot legally take this test until you have completed the reduced EDT programme.
Below are some links to further information if you’re a learner driver considering taking the EDT programme.
- An introduction to EDT from the RSA
- EDT Learner Driver Information Booklet
- Learner Driver Training (LDT) syllabus booklet which sets out the range of driving skills and behaviours you need to be a safe driver