"Hey, I've heard about EDT but I'm not quite sure what it is. Can you explain it to me?"
"Of course! EDT stands for Essential Driver Training. It's a program that was introduced in Ireland back in 2011. It’s still relatively new, which is why not everyone is familiar with it."
"Oh, I see. My parents didn't mention it when they learned to drive. Is it something complicated?"
"Not at all! It’s actually quite straightforward. EDT is a series of 12 lessons designed to make you a safe and competent driver. You need to complete all 12 lessons before taking your driving test."
"So, I have to do all these lessons at once?"
"No, there’s flexibility. The Road Safety Authority recommends one 1-hour lesson every two weeks. This way, it fits into your schedule, even if you're a busy student."
"That sounds manageable. One hour every fortnight to get my driving licence seems doable."
"Exactly! It’s structured to make learning to drive accessible and efficient, especially for students like you."
"Great, I'm glad it's simpler than I thought. Let's get started then!"
"The 12 EDT lessons are set out like this:
- Lesson 1: Car Controls and Safety Checks
- Lesson 2: Correct Positioning
- Lesson 3: Changing Direction
- Lesson 4: Progression Management
- Lesson 5: Correct Positioning (advanced)
- Lesson 6: Anticipation and Reaction
- Lesson 7: Sharing the Road
- Lesson 8: Driving Safely Through Traffic
- Lesson 9: Changing Direction (advanced)
- Lesson 10: Speed Management
- Lesson 11: Driving Calmly
- Lesson 12: Night Driving
Now admit it - that sounds a lot simpler than 13th Century German Kings & Emperors, right?"
"Sure does... So when I start my EDT lessons I get this logbook thing. It looks pretty basic. What's so special about it?"
"That logbook is your driving passport! It's crucial for tracking your progress through the 12 EDT lessons. It's a way to let the Road Safety Authority (RSA) know you're ready for your practical test. So keep it safe and not lost in your laundry pile!"
"What exactly do I use it for, apart from tracking the lessons?"
"It's more than just a tracker. After each lesson, I'll write notes on your performance, and there's space for you to reflect and self-analyse. It's about understanding what you need to improve to become a safer driver, not just critiquing yourself."
"And what's this 'getting stamped' thing?"
"Ah, 'getting stamped' in EDT is way different from a night out at uni! After each lesson, I stamp the relevant page in your logbook. This helps track your progress and is essential if you switch instructors or work with a sponsor. Plus, it's satisfying to see those stamps pile up!"
"Does that mean anyone can stamp it?"
"No, only an approved instructor can stamp and update your progress on the RSA's online portal. No shortcuts, I'm afraid. You'll have to earn each stamp!"
"Why was EDT introduced in the first place?"
"Leo Varadkar, the Minister for Transport in 2011, introduced EDT to protect inexperienced drivers. It's about teaching lifelong driving skills, not just what's needed for the test. For instance, you might not have a night driving test, but it's an essential skill for real-world driving."
"So, if I want to start my EDT, what should I do?"
"Fill in the form below or give us a call. We can help you with your EDT lessons and pretest training. It's all about making you a safe and confident driver. Let's get you on the road!"
