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Essential Driver Training (EDT) – Press Release

March 31, 2011 6:41 PM

Info from the RSA Press Release in relation to 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 learner drivers to develop some of the most vital driving skills as well as improve knowledge and understanding of road safety;

· Essential Driver Training (EDT) for learner drivers becomes a legal requirement in Ireland on 4 April 2011 which means that any person getting their first learner permit with a start date on or after 4 April 2011 must successfully complete 12 hours of driver training over a six month period (average of one lesson every two weeks) before they can sit their driving test;

· EDT is not simply 12 hours of driving lessons with an ADI. A learner driver will only get the maximum benefit from the lessons if they also conduct at least three hours of driving practice with their Sponsor in the two week period between EDT lessons.

· Research shows that if learner driver training focuses on 12 specific high risk road safety topics it would make a real difference to the safety of learner / inexperienced drivers on our roads and these are the areas that will be covered by the 12 one hour EDT lessons. Safety issues such as correct road positioning, changing direction, anticipation and reaction, managing speed and night driving.

· EDT will provide a high quality consistent level of training for all learner drivers and will help to save lives and reduce serious injuries by developing better, safer, drivers;

· EDT is designed to protect learner drivers who are vulnerable on the roads because of their inexperience. In fact, 17-24 year olds are one of the highest risk groups on Irish roads and are three times more likely to be killed in a collision than the rest of the population.

· Programmes similar to EDT which combine formal instruction and supervised practice are in place in some other EU countries and this is recognised as an effective way to learn to drive.

· EDT can only be provided by an Approved Driving Instructor and the list of RSA approved trainers and training centres can be found on www.rsa.ie;

The Sponsor:

· A Sponsor supervises the learner driver’s driving practice between lessons;

· In order to get the maximum benefit from the lessons, the learner driver must do at least three hours of practice in the two week period before and after each EDT lesson and the best person to do this with is a Sponsor;

· This is a responsible role with whom the learner driver feels comfortable, for example a family member, parent, aunt or uncle and of course and ADI if you wish

· The Sponsor must be able to give a learner driver time and commitment to helping them learn to drive, stay calm and patient under pressure and demonstrate good driving behavior themselves;

· Sponsors must hold a full car driving licence for at least two years but more importantly should have lots of driving experience that the learner driver can benefit from.

Learning to Drive

Essential Driver Training

Comments (0)

March 29, 2011 4:44 PM

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.

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.

A risk-based approach was used to develop the 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. This will make 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. On the day of your test, the tester may
ask to see your Logbook as evidence.

Who needs to do the EDT course?

All Learner permit holders issued on or after 4th April 2011.

What does it entail?

The 12 lessons in the Essential Driver Training (EDT) programme are designed to:

help you prepare for the practical driving test
cover some of the most important skills and behaviours (driving habits) that a learner driver must have;
guide your progress

highlight the contribution the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and Sponsor (person who accompanies you while you’re practising) make to this process.

How much does it cost?
To complete the 12 lessons of the Essential Driver Training Course with Dragon Driver is €350 or €335 for Students

What is a sponsor?
Your Sponsor supervises your driving practice between lessons. To get the most from your driving lessons, you must practise, practise, practise and the best person to do this with is your Sponsor. This is a responsible role so you should choose someone that you feel comfortable with. This might be a family member, such as a parent, aunt or uncle. Your Sponsor must be able to give you the time and effort to help you to learn, without payment. Sponsors must hold a full car driving licence for at least two years but more importantly should have lots of driving experience that you can benefit from.

Your Sponsor should:

understand and support the work of your Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)
understand the difficulties you face while learningstay calm and patient under pressure
demonstrate good driving behaviour themselves
appreciate how important their role is
take time to meet your ADI to discuss your progress.

You will get the best results when you, your ADI and your Sponsor work closely together.

Learning to Drive, Passing your Test, Questions and Answers