Learn to Drive in Ireland: Understanding the 12 EDT Lessons
If you’re starting your journey to becoming a fully licensed driver in Ireland, one of your first steps is completing the Essential Driver Training (EDT) programme. This structured series of 12 driving lessons is designed to equip you with the core skills and knowledge to drive safely and confidently on Irish roads.
What Is Essential Driver Training (EDT)?
Essential Driver Training is a mandatory training course for all learner drivers in Ireland who received their first learner permit on or after April 4th, 2011. The programme was introduced by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to improve road safety and reduce accidents by ensuring new drivers are properly trained from the start.
The 12 EDT Driving Lessons Explained
Each EDT lesson focuses on a specific set of driving skills. These lessons must be completed in sequence, with each session building on the knowledge and experience gained in the previous one.
Here’s a breakdown of all 12 EDT lessons:
Tips for Success
The Importance of Extra Practice with a Sponsor
While completing your 12 EDT lessons with an Approved Driving Instructor is essential, it’s equally important to reinforce what you learn through regular practice at home. The RSA strongly encourages all learner drivers to practice with a sponsor — someone who holds a full, valid Irish driving licence for at least two years.
The 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons are the legal minimum required for learner drivers in Ireland, but they are not always enough to be fully prepared for the driving test.
While the EDT programme covers the core skills needed to drive safely, most learners need additional practice to build confidence and develop consistency, especially in complex driving situations like roundabouts, dual carriageways, and test routes.
How many lessons you’ll need depends on a few key factors:
On average, many learner drivers in Ireland take between 40 and 50 hours of combined lessons and practice before passing their test.
No. You do not need to take the required lessons, but you will need to take the test again. You will need your valid Learner’s license to take the test again, this time in a manual car.
No. The 6-month waiting rule applies to the practical test. Once you hold your learner permit, you can take the practical classes and apply to join the waiting list for the test. However, you will only receive your invitation for the practical test after the 6-month learner period.
Yes, you can.
The short answer is: no!
In order to officially join the waiting list for the test, you must have the mandatory lessons registered in the RSA system and have paid for the test. If you only registered for the test and did not have the lessons done, you will be placed in a kind of phantom waiting list until you finish your lessons.
Yes! Your car must be in good condition and legal, with all discs up to date (Road Tax, NCT and insurance), tires in good condition, lights working and the dashboard without warning lights.
Emergency driving tests can currently only be offered to critical frontline healthcare workers. If you are employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services and need to drive as part of your job (not including commuting to work), you can apply for an emergency test.
Website link – Emergency Test Request Form · Starter Portal
6-Session Reduced EDT for Foreign Licence Holders
If you’re now living in Ireland and hold a foreign driving licence, there’s good news: you may be eligible for Reduced Essential Driver Training (EDT) – a faster route to getting your Irish driving licence.
Why Pre-Test Lessons Are Essential Before Your Driving Test
Getting ready for your practical driving test? One of the best ways to improve your chances of passing is to take at least one pre-test lesson—and ideally, more than one.
Important:
I do not offer car hire on its own, and I do not provide a one-off pre-test lesson for learners I haven’t trained before.
If we haven’t met before, please WhatsApp me and let’s discuss the best option for your.
Driving in Ireland with an EU Licence? Brush-Up Lessons Just for You
If you hold a full EU driving licence, you’re legally allowed to drive in Ireland—but that doesn’t always mean you feel ready for Irish roads right away. Whether you’ve just moved here or haven’t driven in a while, my brush-up driving lessons are designed to help you drive safely, confidently, and in full control.
