You need to be 17 years of age. The first step is to book your theory test on the official website at theorytest.ie. Follow the steps to book your theory test. Once you have passed the theory test you can apply for your Learner Permit.
To get your full category B driving licence you must take a driving test. To prepare for the driving test, by law you must take a minimum of 12 driving lessons with an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor). An ADI will sign these lessons off and upload them to your EDT record. The RSA also require that you hold your Learner Permit for a minimum of 6 months before you can take your driving test.
EDT stands for Essential Driver Training. It is a structured training program that covers the basic skills and knowledge required to help you drive safely on Irish roads. It is overseen by the RSA (Road Safety Authority). There are 12 EDT Lessons, each one covers a different aspect of driving – for example, one lesson concentrates on roundabouts, another on junctions controlled by traffic lights. As you complete each EDT Lesson your ADI will fill in your EDT Logbook and upload the lesson to your EDT Portal. The EDT program is a good introduction to driving, but generally learners require more than just 12 lessons to be test-ready.
Reduced Essential Driver Training is a version of the full EDT program where the learner only has to complete 6 EDT Lessons (instead of 12) and is also exempt from having to hold their Learner Permit for 6 months before applying for a driving test. The Reduced EDT program is designed for people who already hold a full licence from another country. You can check whether you are eligible on the RSA website.
Nerves and anxiety are natural. Nobody is born with an innate ability to drive – we have all learned. I take a calm approach to driving and to instructing. As you learn and progress, nerves and anxiety decrease. Each learner has their own learning preferences and each lesson is tailored accordingly. There is no pressure involved, but I do believe in encouraging people to make the most of their capabilities.
A Toyota Yaris 5-door hatchback with a 5-gear manual gearbox. The car is easy to handle and the controls are easy to operate. It is the type of car most people are likely to drive when they pass their test. The car is test compliant, has dual controls and is fully insured.
I am an Approved Driving Instructor licenced to instruct learners to drive category B vehicles (cars – manual and automatic). The RSA conduct a Check Test every 2 years to make sure I am compliant with their regulations and instructing to their standards. I am Garda vetted every 2 years. I was trained by the LCETB (Limerick and Clare Education & Training Board) and hold a Train the Trainer qualification (QQI Level 6, Training Delivery). My ADI badge number is 42391.
It depends. You have to complete the 12 EDT lessons by law. The RSA recommend that for every EDT lesson a learner should be doing 3 hours of practice with a sponsor driver – someone who has held a full licence for at least 2 years. This amounts to approximately 50 hours in total. If you are able to practice between lessons then your standard of driving will improve steadily. Ultimately it depends on the individual, but the goal is to learn to drive safely and competently.
The lessons must be with an Approved Driving Instructor who logs each lesson on your EDT portal. If all 12 lessons have not been logged you will not be able to book your test. Also, you cannot book your test until you have held your first Learner Permit for a full 6 months from the date of issue (found at 4a. on your Learner Permit).
As long as you have 12 lessons uploaded to your EDT Portal and you have held your Learner Permit for a full 6 months from the date of issue, then yes – you can book your test. You will join a waiting list before being invited to pick a day and time. The RSA aim for the waiting list to be no longer than 10 weeks. You can check your estimated wait time by logging into MyRoadSafety on the RSA website.
I will provide feedback and tuition on your driving technique during each lesson. It is up to you to work on the areas where you need improvement and listen to the feedback which I provide. It is important that you put in the effort to improve and that you practice when possible. This will help you to become a better driver and will give you the best chance of passing your test.
I provide tuition in both right and left hand drive cars. Practicing in a left hand drive car is good, but when you are ready to do your test you will need to have lessons in a right hand drive car to ensure you know where all the controls are located in the car that you will be doing your test in.
Yes, you are required to pass the driving test if you are applying for a standard driving licence for the first time. Professional driving experience does not exempt you from the test. However, if you already have a professional driving licence category you may not be required to do a full test depending on the classification of your licence.
You will need to bring your learner permit, valid passport or ID, and proof of residency (such as a utility bill). You will also need to bring your theory test certificate and a valid address.
I require 48 hours notice of cancellation. If you cancel a lesson with less than 48 hours notice you will be charged the full lesson fee. If you cancel more than 48 hours in advance you will not be charged.
Yes, I have automatic cars available for lessons. These are great if you have mobility issues or prefer to focus on the other aspects of driving without worrying about gear changes. However, please note that the test must be taken in a manual car to get a full driving licence for automatic and manual cars.
Yes, you can! I offer a trial lesson for new students. This gives you a chance to see if you are comfortable with my style of teaching and the car. Simply contact me to book a trial lesson and we can discuss the details.
I operate from the Athlone and Longford test centres. Both are convenient locations with good access and parking. When you book lessons with me, I will discuss with you which test centre would be best for your test.
That depends entirely on you. Passing your test depends on how well you drive on the day and how much effort you put into your lessons. Most people who take regular lessons and put in the practice usually pass within 6 to 12 months, but everyone is different.