Understanding the EDT: What Every Irish Learner Driver Needs to Know in 2025
If you’re learning to drive in Ireland, you’ve probably heard about the Essential Driver Training (EDT) programme. But what is it exactly – and how does it work in 2025?
In this guide, we’ll break it down simply so you know what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of every lesson.
🧾 What Is EDT?
Essential Driver Training is a structured programme made up of 12 one-hour lessons that all first-time learner permit holders must complete before sitting the practical driving test.
Introduced by the RSA (Road Safety Authority), the EDT is designed to help you develop key driving skills in a logical, safe and progressive way.
📅 The 12 EDT Lessons — A Quick Overview
Each lesson focuses on a specific skill area. They include:
- Car controls and safety checks
- Correct positioning
- Changing direction
- Progression management
- Anticipation and reaction
- Speed management
- Driving in traffic
- Driving calmly
- Night driving
- Motorway driving (in theory)
- Driving safely through hazards
- Sharing the road
Your instructor will track your progress in a logbook or online EDT portal, which must be complete before you can apply for your test.
📱 What's New in 2025?
In 2025, the RSA introduced updates to how EDTs are recorded and verified:
- Digital logbooks are now the default
- More emphasis on night-time driving, as many accidents occur in low visibility
- Stronger focus on calm driving under pressure, especially in high-traffic zones
If you started learning before 2024, your older-style logbook is still valid – but check with your instructor if unsure.
✅ Tips to Get the Most from Your EDT
- Space lessons out – don’t try to cram all 12 into two weeks. Practise between each one.
- Ask for feedback at the end of each lesson.
- Review what you learned – take notes or record key tips for next time.
- Practise the related skill with your sponsor between sessions.
❗ Can You Skip the EDT?
Only if you already hold a full licence from another country that the RSA recognises for exchange (e.g. EU or UK licences).
Otherwise, all new Irish learner permit holders must complete EDT before applying for the full test.
📞 Ready to Start?
At Art of Driving, we help learners move through their EDT confidently, without stress or confusion.
All our instructors are RSA-approved and experienced in preparing students not just to pass the test – but to drive safely for life.
Start your EDT with us today and take the first step towards your full licence.
