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.
Your ADI will need to have uploaded your first EDT session before your Reduced EDT status is displayed on your portal. Please contact your ADI if they have not uploaded your EDT session.
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.
- 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.
Please also note that your ADI must have uploaded at least one of your EDT sessions before the Reduced EDT status appears on your portal.
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
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 1 day
If you’ve been approved for reduced EDT, the 6-month rule doesn’t apply to you. However, you must have completed all 6 Reduced EDT sessions (Session 1/5/6/7/9/10) and these need to be showing in your MyEDT account at least 1 day before you can book a test.