Photo: Mike Bird / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
Essential Driver Training (EDT) is the compulsory course of 12 one-hour lessons that every first-time car learner in Ireland must take with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) before the driving test. This guide covers who needs it, the order of lessons, the logbook and sponsor, and who can do reduced EDT with 6 lessons.
Key facts
- Compulsory if your first category B learner permit was issued on or after 4 April 2011.
- 12 lessons of 1 hour each, with an RSA-registered ADI.
- Lesson 1 must come first. Lessons 2 to 8 in any order. Lessons 9 to 12 in any order, once 2 to 8 are done.
- The RSA recommends about 2 weeks between lessons, so you have time to practise.
- You can apply for your driving test during EDT, but you cannot book a date until all 12 lessons are on your MyEDT record and you have held your permit for 6 months.
- Reduced EDT (6 lessons) is only for some holders of a foreign licence.
The 12 EDT lessons
| Lesson | Title | In reduced EDT? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Car controls and safety checks | Yes |
| 2 | Correct positioning 1 | No |
| 3 | Changing direction 1 | No |
| 4 | Progression management | No |
| 5 | Correct positioning 2 (more complex situations) | Yes |
| 6 | Anticipation and reaction | Yes |
| 7 | Sharing the road | Yes |
| 8 | Driving safely through traffic | No |
| 9 | Changing direction 2 (more complex situations) | Yes |
| 10 | Speed management | Yes |
| 11 | Driving calmly | No |
| 12 | Night driving | No |
For what each one covers and what to practise afterwards, see EDT lesson by lesson.
How EDT works, step by step
- Choose an ADI. Only RSA-registered instructors can give paid lessons. The RSA publishes the list of ADIs.
- Lesson 1. Your ADI checks your learner permit. If you use your own car, they also check its insurance, motor tax, NCT and roadworthiness. You get your EDT logbook.
- After each lesson. The ADI stamps and signs that lesson in your logbook and uploads it to the RSA’s MyEDT system. Allow at least 10 working days for a lesson to appear on your record online.
- Between lessons. Practise with your sponsor and record each session in the logbook.
- When all 12 are done. Check MyEDT shows all 12, then book your test (once you are past the six month rule).
Not every lesson an ADI gives is an EDT lesson. Confirm the lesson type when you book.
What is an EDT sponsor?
A sponsor is a qualified driver who supervises your practice outside formal lessons and records it in your logbook. They must have held a full licence for at least 2 years, and they can be your ADI. Ask your ADI after each lesson what you should practise with your sponsor. See who can accompany a learner.
Who can do reduced EDT?
Reduced EDT means 6 lessons (1, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10) and no 6-month wait before the test. You must:
- Hold a full licence from a country that does not have a licence exchange agreement with Ireland.
- Have held that licence for at least 2 years before your Irish learner permit was issued.
- Have a licence that is current, or lapsed by no more than 6 months, when you apply.
- Live in Ireland and already hold an Irish learner permit.
If you have held the foreign licence for more than 6 months but less than 2 years, you can apply for an exemption from the six month rule only. You still do all 12 lessons.
Reduced EDT can only be approved once. If you have to restart learning under the November 2026 permit rules, you must do all 12 lessons. See the November 2026 permit rules. If your licence comes from an exchange country, you may not need to learn at all. See exchanging a foreign licence.
Common questions
Can I do two EDT lessons in one day?
The RSA recommends about 2 weeks between lessons so you can practise and do the required reading in between. Ask your ADI about your own schedule.
Do I need all 12 lessons before applying for the test?
No. You can apply during EDT and join the waiting list. You need all 12 lessons on your record before you can book an appointment.
Does EDT replace practice with a parent?
No. The RSA expects you to practise with a sponsor between lessons and take extra lessons if you need them.
Is EDT needed for a motorbike?
No. Motorcycle learners do Initial Basic Training (IBT) instead, a 16-hour course in 4 modules.
What if my lesson is not showing on MyEDT?
Allow at least 10 working days, then contact your ADI.
Back to learning to drive in Ireland: the full guide. Next: the six month rule.
Sources
- Road Safety Authority, “Car driving lessons (EDT)” (rsa.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “Reduced EDT” (rsa.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “Reduced EDT and/or 6 months rule exemption: who can apply and how to apply” (rsa.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “FAQs for car learner drivers” (rsa.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “Can I book a driving test while undertaking EDT?” (rsa.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “Essential Driver Training (EDT) Learner Logbook” (rsa.ie)
- Road Safety Authority, “Rules of the Road” (Revision 5, hosted on garda.ie)