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Learner Drivers

FAQs for car learner drivers

Answers to your Essential Driver Training (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. 

 

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.
No. You are not required to complete EDT with one ADI. You may choose to change your ADI at any point in the EDT programme. Once your current ADI stamps, dates, signs your logbook and uploads the session to MyEDT upon completion, you can move to another ADI for your next session, if you so wish.
There are over 1,700 ADIs to choose from nationwide. All have been approved and registered by the RSA to ensure you get a consistent standard of driving tuition. A list is can be found on the RSA register of Approved Driving Instructors.
Most of the sessions involve practical driving. However, your ADI may first show you how to use the vehicle controls and explain the theory and reasoning behind the instruction and guidance being given to you.
The RSA does not set the charges for EDT sessions. Individual ADIs set their own fees. For this reason, the RSA recommends that you shop around to compare EDT fees, arrangements and proximity to where you live. You might also ask family or friends to recommend an ADI that suits you.
If your car meets roadworthiness and other legal requirements, it may benefit you to practise in it as you will be more familiar with its handling. However, you should discuss this with your ADI as they may wish to use a dual-controlled vehicle for the first few sessions.
No. There is no exam at the end of your EDT programme. However, each session has specific content that must be covered. Your ADI will plan each EDT session to achieve the expected outcomes listed and will provide you with both verbal and written feedback at the end of each session. Your logbook contains a page where you can analyse your own performance and make notes of things to practise, learn or ask your ADI the next time you meet.
EDT is just part of your driver training. You will need to get more driving experience by taking further instruction and practising what you have learned in EDT until your ADI confirms you’re ready to take the driving test.
You should contact your ADI who will be able to advise you on how to report a lost logbook. You will be charged a replacement fee and there may be a waiting period.
No, not if you follow the laws that apply to your learner permit. These allow you to drive:

  • 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.
However, you will have to complete EDT before you can sit your driving test.
No, generally not. EDT consists of 12 one-hour sessions set out as follows:

  • 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.

 

No. If you fail your driving test you do not have to repeat EDT. The only exception is if your learner permit has lapsed for more than five years. In this case you will have to:




 

If you allow your learner permit to expire for more than five years you will be required to start afresh by applying for and passing a Driver Theory Test, applying for a first learner permit and completing all Essential Driver Training sessions.
The only time an ADI would see your previously recorded EDT sessions is if you lose your logbook and you have changed to another ADI. In this case, you can access the completed sessions online with MyEDT and print a statement to act as proof of completion. Your new ADI must then stamp the logbook for the sessions they complete.
Yes, additional driving lessons are recommended to supplement the EDT programme and give you the opportunities to practise and develop your new-found driving skills.
Yes, you can. However, to get the most from the EDT programme, you should take enough time to practise and develop safe driving. The RSA recommends taking two weeks between each of the 12 EDT sessions. Also, remember that you cannot sit a driving test until you’ve held your first learner permit for at least 6 months.

 

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.

 

 

The six months rule applies to first-time learner permit holders. It states that you must have held your first learner permit for at least six months before sitting a driving test. This is to ensure that you allow yourself enough time to complete your training and safely practice what you’ve learned before attempting a driving test
Yes, you need to complete the reduced EDT programme before taking a driving test as there’s no exchange agreement in place between the U.S. and Ireland.

Below are some links to further information if you’re a learner driver considering taking the EDT programme.

A sponsor is someone who helps, supports and improves your driving skills by accompanying you on practice drives. Your sponsor must hold a full valid licence for a minimum of two years and can be your ADI.
No, but your sponsor can also be an ADI if you wish. The important thing is that your sponsor should be a responsible person who will help you learn to become a better and safer driver. Ideally they will discuss aspects of your practice and progress with your ADI.
No. However, as a learner driver it is mandatory that you be accompanied by a full licence holder at all times while you are driving on a learner permit. Your sponsor could meet this mandatory requirement.
Yes. It is important that you feel comfortable with the person who is acting as your sponsor. Inside your logbook you can find details of the criteria for choosing a sponsor. So, any person who fulfils the criteria may act in that role.
There are a number of ADIs across the country delivering driver training to students who require special accommodation. This includes students who are deaf, hard of hearing or those who may require vehicle adaptions.