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How do I apply for a learner permit

Before applying for a learner permit, you need to make sure you are eligible to learn to drive in Ireland and have the documentation you require.

Rules

To apply for a learner permit for any vehicle, you must:

  • Be normally resident in Ireland. You are considered to be normally resident in Ireland if you usually live here for at least 185 days in each calendar year.
  • Meet the age requirement. Before you can apply for a licence to drive a vehicle in Ireland, you must be a certain age. If you are under 16 years of age, you must not use any vehicle in a public place. For more information, see our document on categories of motor vehicles and minimum age of drivers.
  • Pass a driver theory test. Before applying for a learner permit, candidates must pass a test of motoring theory appropriate to the category of vehicle (pdf) they wish to be licenced to drive. This rule applies to anyone applying for a first learner permit in any vehicle category. If your learner permit expired five or more years ago, you must pass the theory test again before a new learner permit will be issued. You can read more about the driver theory test.

How to apply online for your first learner permit

If you have a Public Services Card (PSC) and a verified MyGovID account, you can apply for your first learner permit online. To do this, you need:

EDT driving lessons

EDT Lessons

The Essential Driving Training (EDT) course is a carefully designed 12-part driving lesson guide which has been designed to teach you fundamental driving skills so that you drive safely with confidence.

When you receive your Learner Permit, you will need to complete a minimum of 12 x one-hour lessons* before applying for their driving test. These 12 Lessons are the EDT course and are regarded as the minimum number of lessons required. Very often learner drivers need more hours to prepare for “lifetime” driving.

EDT candidates will also be required to have an Essential Driver Training Logbook. This logbook will be filled in and signed off after every EDT lesson by your qualified ISM ADI Instructor.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) recommends that all 12 EDT Lessons should be spread out over the first 6 months of your new Learner Permit. They also suggest that Learner Drivers take filler lessons in between these EDT lessons if necessary.

It is also recommended to get lots of practice with the help of a sponsor i.e. parent, guardian, or family friend who possesses a full Licence for a minimum of two years. Make sure you are insured for this practice.

THE BENEFITS TO YOU

Completing your Essential Driver Training Course (EDT) will help you to:

  • understand what it means to be a better, safer driver.
  • practice driving skills in a structured way focused on your own learning needs.
  • develop lifelong skills that will make you a better safer driver.

RSA EDT INFORMATION

THE LESSONS

YOUR LOGBOOK

Note: EDT is only part of the learning process, you will need lots of practice and may need more than a one-hour lesson per module in order to become a safe driver.

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