Your 12 Essential Lessons
Mandatory since 2011. Here is what each lesson actually covers.
What Each Session Covers
Car Controls
Steering, mirrors, signals. The basics before you hit the road.
Correct Positioning
Where to sit in your lane on different road types.
Changing Direction
Turning left, right, and U-turns. Observation and timing.
Progression Management
Moving off, stopping, and using gears (or just the accelerator in automatic).
Correct Positioning (Advanced)
Roundabouts, dual carriageways, and lane discipline.
Anticipation and Reaction
Reading traffic, spotting hazards early, reacting safely.
Sharing the Road
Cyclists, buses, pedestrians. Giving space where it matters.
Driving in Traffic
Stop-start traffic. Patience and positioning.
Complex Junctions
Multi-lane roundabouts, traffic lights with filter arrows, box junctions.
Speed Management
Matching your speed to the road, the conditions, and the limit.
Driving Calmly
Managing nerves, handling pressure, staying focused when things get busy.
Night Driving
Lights, visibility, adjusting to reduced sight lines.
Note: Lessons 1 to 8 must be taken in order. Lessons 9 to 12 can be taken in any order.
You Might Only Need 6
Not everyone has to do all 12 lessons. If you already hold a recognised licence from another country, or if you hold a full motorcycle licence, you may qualify for the reduced EDT programme. That means 6 lessons instead of 12.
You may be eligible if:
Held a full foreign licence for 2+ years? You may only need 6 lessons. Check the RSA website for the full list of recognised countries.
How EDT Works, Start to Finish
Book your first lesson
Contact an RSA-approved driving instructor (ADI). All our instructors are registered with the Road Safety Authority.
Your logbook is opened
Your instructor opens your EDT logbook on the RSA system using your learner permit number. This tracks every lesson you complete.
Complete your lessons
Work through the 12 lessons at your own pace. The RSA recommends spacing them over 6 months so you have time to practise between sessions.
Each session is signed off
After every lesson, your ADI signs it off digitally on the RSA portal. No paperwork for you to keep track of.
Book your driving test
Once all 12 lessons are done, you can apply for your driving test through the RSA. Your completed EDT shows up automatically when you apply.
Sponsoring Driver Rules
Every learner permit holder in Ireland needs a sponsoring driver. This is usually a parent, partner, or family member. Your sponsor takes responsibility for your practice driving outside of lessons. They do not need to attend your EDT lessons, but they do need to be available for you to practise with at home.
Your sponsoring driver must meet all of the following:
Your sponsor does not have to be with you during EDT lessons. Your instructor covers that. But for all other practice driving, your sponsor (or another qualified driver) must sit in the passenger seat.
EDT FAQ
Yes. The 12 EDT lessons are identical whether you learn in manual or automatic. The only difference is the car. If you pass your test in an automatic, your licence gets a Code 78 restriction. See our automatic vs manual guide for more on that.
Most learners take 3 to 6 months. You can go faster if you want, but spacing lessons out gives you time to practise between sessions. One lesson per week is the most common pace.
Just reschedule. There is no penalty for missing a lesson, but give your instructor at least 24 hours notice. Late cancellations may be charged depending on the school's policy.
If you hold a recognised foreign licence or a full motorcycle licence, you may only need 6 EDT lessons instead of 12. The RSA maintains a list of qualifying countries on their website.
No. The logbook is digital. When you apply for your driving test through the RSA, they check automatically that your EDT is complete. You do not need to bring any paperwork on test day.
Yes. Your EDT logbook stays with you, not with the instructor. Any RSA-approved ADI can pick up where the last one left off. Your completed lessons are recorded on the RSA system.
Start Your EDT Today
Morning, afternoon, or evening. We fit around your schedule.
Book Your First LessonRSA School of Motoring is an RSA-approved driving school. All instructors hold ADI registration with the Road Safety Authority. See also: Automatic vs Manual guide, EDT Driving Lessons, Automatic Lessons, Pretest Lessons.