Essential Driver Training (EDT) is a structured training program for learner drivers consisting of 12 driving sessions with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
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, practice your new-found skills and do the required road safety reading. It’s best to spread your EDT course over a six-month period.
What is EDT?
EDT stands for Essential Driver Training, a course for learner drivers with permits for category B vehicles, such as cars and light vans. EDT will help you learn some of the most vital driving skills as well as improve your knowledge and understanding of road safety. We have developed this course from the Learner Driver Training (LDT) syllabus, which covers all of the skills and behaviors’ that a competent driver needs to have. During your training, your ADI will refer to this syllabus. You can view it at any time at www.rsa.ie. There are 12 one-hour sessions in the course. Appendix A in this booklet has the syllabus for each of the sessions
and explains what you should expect from each session. Your ADI will record each session in your Logbook. Each session has a set of expected outcomes – these describe what you should be able to do at the end of a session. Your ADI will select routes that will allow you to use the skills covered in the session. At the end of each session, your ADI will tell you what skills you should practice with your Sponsor. You must play your part and prepare for the next session. Remember – the EDT course alone is not enough to make you a competent driver. You will need to practice as much as possible with your Sponsor, using the skills you have learnt in one session to prepare for the next session. To get the best from your training, you should spread your sessions over six months and leave at least two weeks between each session for practice. Your ADI and your Sponsor will advise you about other instruction and support you may need while you learn to drive. Why do I need to do EDT? Studies show that young, inexperienced drivers are more likely to die or be seriously injured in a crash, so it’s important to get the experience you need during your training. We have used a risk-based approach to develop the EDT course. This means that it focuses on learning the skills, understanding and behavior’s you will need to deal with the hazards you will face when driving. We know this will wake a big difference to road safety. The course means that the training you receive from your ADI and Sponsor will be consistent, and this will help you to become a safe and responsible driver. Their role is to develop your skills and good road behaviour, so that it becomes a lifelong habit. You must complete the EDT course before you can take your driving test.
Reduced Essential Driver Training, is a mandatory driver training program consisting of 6 one hour sessions designed for the holders of a current full valid car (category B) driver licence from a country that does not have a licence exchange agreement with Ireland. 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.
We have developed this course from the Learner Driver Training (LDT) syllabus, which covers all of the skills and behaviors’ that a competent driver needs to have. During your training, your ADI will refer to this syllabus. You can view it at any time at www.rsa.ie. There are 6 one-hour sessions in the course. Appendix A in this booklet has the syllabus for each of the sessions and explains what you should expect from each session. You must take the sessions in the order set out. Your ADI will record each session in your Logbook.
Each session has a set of expected outcomes – these describe what you should be able to do at the end of a session. our ADI will select routes that will allow you to use the skills covered in the session. At the end of each session, your ADI will tell you what skills you need to practice and identify any additional training required. You must play your part and prepare for the next session. Remember – the Reduced EDT course alone is not enough to make you a competent driver. You will need to practice as much as possible with a Sponsor, who must be the holder of a full Category “B” licence for at least two years, and additional formal driving lessons should form part of all training plans, using the skills you have learnt in one session to prepare for the next session so as to get the best from your training. Your ADI will advise you about other instruction and support you may need while practicing.
Reduced EDT will prepare you for the Irish Driving environment. We have used a risk-based approach to develop the Reduced EDT course. This means that it focuses on learning the skills, understanding and behaviours you will need to deal with the hazards you will face when driving. We know this will make a big difference to road safety. The course means that the training you receive from your ADI will be consistent, and this will help you to become a safe and responsible driver.
Reduced Essential Driver Training 3 Their role is to develop your skills and good road behaviour so that it continues as a lifelong habit. You must complete the Reduced EDT course before you can take your driving test.