EDT lessons Tralee

EDT lessons in Tralee

Your 12 Essential Driver Training lessons, explained one by one. What each lesson covers, how the six-month rule works, and how to get started with an RSA Approved Driving Instructor in Tralee.

What is EDT

Essential Driver Training, in plain English

EDT is the RSA's mandatory course for anyone with a first learner permit for a car. Every learner in Ireland covers the same 12 topics before they can sit the driving test.

The rules you need to know

  • 12 lessons, each delivered by an RSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). Some holders of recognised foreign licences may qualify for reduced EDT.
  • Recorded as you go: your ADI records each completed lesson, and the record stays with you if you change instructor.
  • Practice in between: the RSA expects you to practise with a sponsor (an experienced, fully licensed driver) between lessons if possible.
  • The six-month rule: you won't be invited to sit your test until you have held your first learner permit for six months and all 12 lessons are recorded.
  • Manual or automatic: EDT counts the same in both. We teach EDT in our automatic car.
The syllabus

Your 12 EDT lessons, one by one

Each lesson has a set focus from the RSA. We plan the order around your progress and make sure every lesson builds towards test standard.

01

Car controls and safety checks

Getting comfortable in the car: seating, mirrors, the controls and the checks before you drive.

02

Correct positioning 1

Where the car belongs on the road: on the straight, on bends and at junctions.

03

Changing direction 1

Turning left and right safely, using mirrors, signals and observation.

04

Progression management

Moving off, stopping and keeping up steady progress with smooth control.

05

Correct positioning 2

Positioning in more complex situations, including roundabouts, reversing and parking.

06

Anticipation and reaction

Reading the road ahead and reacting early to hazards.

07

Sharing the road

Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, tractors and large vehicles: common on Kerry roads.

08

Driving safely through traffic

Putting it together in busier traffic around Tralee town.

09

Changing direction 2

More complex junctions, lane changes and multi-lane roundabouts.

10

Speed management

Choosing the right speed for the road, the limit and the conditions.

11

Driving calmly

Managing stress and staying patient with other road users.

12

Night driving

Lights, visibility and judging hazards in the dark.

Getting the most from EDT

EDT is the minimum, not the target

12 lessons is what the law requires. Passing your test depends on how much you drive between them.

How our learners get more from every lesson

  • Spread your lessons out over your first months with a permit, so there is time to practise what each one covers.
  • Practise with your sponsor between lessons, on the skills your ADI has just shown you.
  • Read the Rules of the Road sections linked to each lesson before you arrive.
  • Prepare for the test as you go with free access to PassFirstTime.ie, our online driving test course.

Finished EDT and waiting for a test date? That is the time for pre-test lessons and a mock test.

Prices

Ask us for EDT prices

Get in touch and we will send you our current prices for EDT lessons, and suggest a plan that suits where you are now, whether that's lesson 1 or lesson 9.

Already started EDT with someone else?

No problem. Your completed lessons stay with you, and we can carry on from where you left off.

iDrive Tralee at a glance

Instructors
Sean and Laura, male and female RSA Approved Driving Instructors
Experience
20+ years teaching
Car
Automatic VW Golf
Lessons
7 days a week
Reviews
5-star Google rating from 200+ reviews
FAQ

EDT lessons: your questions

What is EDT?

Essential Driver Training is the RSA's mandatory course of 12 lessons for anyone with a first learner permit for a car. Each lesson must be given and recorded by an RSA Approved Driving Instructor.

Can I do EDT lessons in an automatic?

Yes, they count exactly the same. If you also sit your test in an automatic, your licence will carry Code 78. See automatic driving lessons for more.

Can I switch instructor part way through?

Yes. Your completed lessons stay on record, so we can pick up from your next lesson.

When can I sit my test after EDT?

Once you have held your first learner permit for six months and all 12 lessons are recorded. You can apply for your test before then, so it is worth getting on the list early. See our Tralee driving test guide.

Do I need my own car for EDT?

Not with us. EDT lessons are in our automatic car. You will need access to a car and a sponsor to practise between lessons.

Keep reading
Ready when you are

Start your EDT lessons

Just got your learner permit, or part way through EDT? Tell us where you are and we will find a time that suits you.

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