What Is EDT and How Many Lessons Do You Need?

EDT — Essential Driver Training — is mandatory for every learner driver in Ireland before they can sit the RSA driving test. Here is everything you need to know about what it is, what it covers, and how many lessons you need.

What Is EDT?

EDT stands for Essential Driver Training. It is the structured, mandatory pre-test driver education programme introduced by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) of Ireland. EDT replaced the old system where learners could drive on public roads with any accompanying driver and book a test at any time.

The purpose of EDT is to ensure every learner driver in Ireland receives consistent, progressive, and safe driver education before sitting the RSA driving test. Every lesson must be delivered by an RSA-approved driving instructor (ADI), and each lesson is logged in an official RSA learner driver record using a unique code assigned to your learner permit.

How Many EDT Lessons Do You Need?

You must complete 12 EDT lessons with an RSA-approved driving instructor before you are eligible to sit the RSA driving test. There is no minimum time requirement between lessons, but each lesson must be at least 1 hour long and must cover the specific topic assigned to that lesson number on the RSA EDT syllabus.

Once all 12 lessons have been logged in your RSA record by your instructor, you are eligible to apply for your RSA driving test. You can track your EDT progress through the RSA's learner driver portal at rsa.ie.

The 12 EDT Lesson Topics

Each EDT lesson covers a specific topic from the RSA syllabus. The 12 topics are designed to be progressive — building skills from basic vehicle control through to complex motorway driving:

What About Reduced EDT?

If you hold a valid full driving licence from a recognised non-EU/EEA country (such as the USA, Canada, Australia, India, or many others), you may qualify for Reduced EDT — just 6 lessons instead of 12. Reduced EDT recognises your prior driving experience while ensuring you meet Irish road standards and RSA test requirements.

You still must pass the RSA driving test after completing Reduced EDT. See our full guide to Reduced EDT Dublin for eligibility requirements and which lessons are covered.

Can You Do EDT in an Automatic Car?

Yes. EDT is available in both manual and automatic cars. All 12 EDT syllabus topics are covered regardless of whether you drive a manual or automatic gearbox. However, there is an important restriction to be aware of:

BP Driving School offers EDT in both automatic and manual cars across North Dublin. Many learners choose automatic because the absence of clutch and gear changes allows them to focus more on road awareness — which is exactly what the RSA test assesses.

How Much Does EDT Cost in Dublin?

At BP Driving School, the full 12-lesson EDT course costs €550 — or €100 per session. All lessons include door-to-door pickup from your home, school, or workplace across North Dublin.

What Happens After EDT?

Once your 12 EDT lessons are logged, you can apply for your RSA driving test. Most learners also book a pre-test lesson on the specific roads around their chosen test centre and a mock driving test to simulate the real test environment before the day itself.