Learning to Drive

Step 1: Driver theory test

You can APPLY HERE for the category of Driver Theory Test that you would like to book on the DTT webiste.

The first step in learning to drive is to pass the driver theory test which is a computer-based examination of motoring rules and practices appropriate to the category of vehicle you wish to be licenced to drive.

The driver theory test checks your knowledge of:

• The rules of the road - An in-depth knowledge of the Rules of the Road is essential, not only for drivers with full licences but for learner drivers also


• Risk perception


• Eco-driving


• Hazard awareness


• Good driving behaviour

CLICK HERE for Official Driver Theory Test Revision Material

There are 3 things you must do to complete this step:

• Revise official RSA material - you can purchase learning portal subscriptions, books and CD-ROMs on the theory test website.


• Book a test - you can book and pay for your driver theory test online.


• Provide appropriate ID - for a list of acceptable forms of identification that you must show on the day of your theory test in order to complete the exam. If you do not have the appropriate ID you will not be allowed to take your exam and you will lose your test fee.

What do I need to Apply for the Theory Test?

To avoid testing delays please ensure your name and PPSN are registered correctly.

Note: Please have a credit / laser card and PPSN (formerly RSI number) readily available. For C (Bus) and D (Truck) tests, please also have your driving license number readily available

For more information visit the RSA Driving Theory Test website...

Lo-call rate: 1890 606 106
Text phone: 1890 616 216
Business Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm

Step 2: Learner Permit

Once you have passed your driver theory test, you can apply to your local NDLS centre for a learner permit (enclosing your driver theory test certificate)

Your learner permit allows you to drive on all public roads, except motorways, for the purpose of learning to drive. All learner permit holders, with the exception of those who hold a learner permit in category A1, A2, A, AM, or W, must be accompanied at all times by an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) or someone who holds a full, valid driving licence in the same category for more than two years

You can apply for your driving test when you hold a learner permit however first time learner permit holders must hold their learner permit for six months and complete Essential Driver Training (EDT) or Initial Basic Training (IBT) before sitting the driving test. A reduced EDT programme is available for drivers who currently hold a full car licence (category B) from a country that does not have a licence exchange agreement with Ireland.

CLICK HERE for all the information on what you need before applying for your Learner Permit

Step 3: Essential Driver Training/EDT

Once you have your Learner Permit, you are now ready to BOOK your EDT driving lessons or pre test lessons with easyDrive Driving Schools fully approved RSA and ADI driving instructors, you will need lots of practice and may need more lessons to become a safe driver.

Why do I need EDT?

Now you will need to complete your mandatory 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) Lessons with an RSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). This is a 12 one-hour training session that teaches the fundamental driving skills to learner car drivers. These sessions cover certain critical driving skills and improve your practical driving skills, each of the EDT Sessions has a particular objective.

What's covered in the 12 Essential Driver Training/EDT Sessions

• Lesson 1: Car controls and saftey checks


• Lesson 2: Correct Positioning 1


• Lesson 3: Changing direction 1


• Lesson 4: Progression management


• Lesson 5: Correct Positioning 2 (MORE COMPLEX SITUATIONS)


• Lesson 6: Anticipation and Reaction


• Lesson 7: Sharing the road


• Lesson 8: Driving safely through traffic


• Lesson 9: Changing direction 2 (MORE COMPLEX SITUATIONS)


• Lesson 10: Speed management


• Lesson 11: Driving calmly


• Lesson 12: Night Driving

*EDT is not required if your first learner permit was issued before 4 April 2011. All other learner drivers must complete EDT before taking their driving test.

CLICK HERE to BOOK your 12 EDT driving Lesson with easyDrive...

EDT Essential Driver Training

Completing your essential driver training course will help you to:

• Understand what it means to be a better safer driver.


• Practice your driving skills in a structured way that is focussed on your own learning needs.


• Develop lifelong skills that will make you a better safer driver.

CLICK HERE for all PRICES of EDT driving lessons with easyDrives fully approved RSA and ADI driving instructors

Learner Driver - Roles & Responsibility

Learner Driver Sponsor Roles & Responsibilities

Step 4: Driving Test

The driving test checks if you're properly trained and ready to drive safely by yourself on public roads, you can visit the RSA's passthetest.ie website for information and instructional videos about how to pass your driving test.

How do I prepare for my driving test?

• You will need to study the RSA’s Rules of the Road booklet. You can also purchases a hardcopy from bookshops for €5.


• What you will need know when preparing for your test - RSA’s Preparing for Your Driving Test booklet.


• Prepare by studying the RSA’s Learning to Drive booklet for car, bike, bus and truck.


• Practice driving as much as possible on all types of roads and in all types of traffic situations with an ADI.

On the day of your test you will be asked some questions on the Rules of the Road, the tester will then bring you out to your vehicle and you must explain some technical checks on three of the following: steering, horn, brakes, tyres, lights, indicators, reflectors, coolant,engine oil, and windscreen washer fluid.

During Your Driving Test

You will be marked on the following tasks:

• Moving off
• Driving in traffic
• Stopping
• Reversing round a corner
• Performing a turnabout
• Performing a hill start
• Parking

You will be assessed on your:

• Road positioning
• Overtaking and passing
• Anticipation and observation
• Use of mirrors and signals
• Progress
• Speed
• Compliance with traffic lights
• Road signs and road markings
• Proper use of your vehicle controls

Once you have successfully passed your test and have a fully driving licence you must display ‘N’ plates on your vehicle for a period of 2 years.

If you have just passed your test and you're nervous about driving on Irelands busy motorways then you can book a two hour Motorway Driving lessons with easyDrive

Our Dublin driving school will teach you how to drive on motorways confidently, courtesly and safely starting in Dublin. We also offer Driving Lessons on Motorways such as, M1, M2, M4, or M11, M50 in either your own car or one of ours

Motorway Lesson structure includes:

• Planning journeys in advance
• Joining and leaving motorways
• Lane discipline
• Effective observation and anticipation
• Signs, signals and markings
• Safe speeds in different circumstances
• Courtesy to other road users
• Motorway fatigue
• Breakdown and emergency procedures
• Road rage.

CLICK HERE to Book your Motorway driving Lesson with easyDrive...