What you need to get driving
To begin learning to drive you need to be at least 17 and hold a valid Irish LEARNER PERMIT. Before you apply for your learner permit you must pass your driver theory test. Applications can be made by picking up form D.201 from any motor tax office, garda station, local library or RSA driving test centre. A learner permit is generally issued for two years and costs €15. You'll also need to be able to read a number plate from a distance of about 20 metres (approx. 5 car lengths), you should wear your glasses or contact lenses if you use them.
Remember you are required by law to carry your Driving Licence (Learner Permit or Full) with you at all times when you are driving in a public place. Failure to do so will incur 1 Penalty Point.
Click on the links below for full details on the RSA web site.
Theory Test: www.rsa.ie/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Finding-an-Instructor/The-theory-test/
Learner Permit: www.rsa.ie/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Finding-an-Instructor/How-to-apply/
It is important that you make sure your driving instructor is a qualified ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) by the RSA (Road Safety Authority) to give you instruction, otherwise you may not be properly insured and may not receive a safe, proper level of instruction. It is illegal for anyone to take money for giving driving lessons unless they are qualified to do so. Ask your driving instructor for their official ADI registration number and ask to see their instructor's licence.
At GENESIS Driving School you can rest assured that your instructor is fully qualified, insured and experienced.
Practicing with friends and family
Once you've had a few lessons you may be able to practice with friends and family between lessons. This can help you gain valuable experience. Remember you must have 'L' plates on the car and be insured to drive it. Since 29th October 2007 all drivers holding a learner permit have to be accompanied by a driver who holds a full driving licence for at least 2 years.
Six month rule How long you need to hold a learner permit before you can apply for a test?
In 2007, a new rule was introduced to the Rules of the Road which made it mandatory for first-time learner permit holders for cars to wait six months before taking a driving test. This allows a learner driver to become a more experienced, and therefore most likely a safer, driver.
Research shows that the longer a learner is supervised while driving, the less likely they are to be involved in a collision.
The six-month period begins from the date the learner permit is issued. The code 991 will be printed in the column headed ‘restrictions/information’ opposite the vehicle category on your learner permit.
Pre-Test Assesment
The pre-test assessment gives you the opportunity to ‘try out’ the driving test, but with your driving instructor as the assessor. By ‘practicing’ the test in this way, you will become more familiar with the routine involved, and gain in confidence.
During a pre-test, your instructor will also point out any mistakes you are making as you make them. The most common mistakes are lack of observation, coasting, position on road and roundabout. Your instructor will help you to correct these mistakes using new techniques so you can get the maximum benefit from the session. We will also practice your manoeuvres such as reversing around a corner etc, which pupils find the most difficult.
The pre-test assessment takes place on the test route itself and on the surrounding area.
The Practical Driving Test
The final step in getting your full driving licence is of course to take the practical test. During the course of your lessons you will be guided through the test procedure so you know what to expect on the day. We will let you know when we think you are ready for your test. You can book your test online at www.drivingtest.ie
Essential Driver Training (EDT)
Essential Driver Training (EDT) is a mandatory training course which has been introduced by the Road Safety Authority for all new learner drivers on or from 4 April 2011 for Category B (Car) learner permits. This means if your learner permit was issued on or after 4 April 2011 you will be required to take a 12 lesson course with an ADI approved driving instructor. If your learner permit was issued before the 4 April 2011, this new rule does not apply to you.
Essential Driver Training (EDT) is a course of 12 one hour lessons. These lessons are designed to cover critical driving skills and improve practical driving experience for learner drivers before they apply for their driving test.
Prior to each EDT lesson the RSA recommend that the student do 3 hours of practice and or training in preparation for the EDT lesson. This practice may be done with your sponsor or ADI and any required training with your ADI.
Each student is very different in their learning ability and confidence level on the road. After a student has completed the EDT 12 lesson course, the student may still need additional lessons from an ADI to improve their driving skills to get to driving test standard.
On the day of your driving test, you should bring your completed logbook on the appointed test date, as you may be required to show it to the examiner.
EDT SYLLABUS
http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Learner%20Drivers/Driver%20Training/EDT%20Syllabus%20A4-2.pdf
EDT LOGBOOK
http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/Learner%20Drivers/Driver%20Training/EDT%20Learner%20Logbook.pdf
Book your lessons with GENESIS now on 086 8331927