07.04.2011. On Monday 4th April, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) introduced the new Essential Driver Training (EDT) programme, which requires learner drivers to take compulsory driving lessons for category B vehicles (cars and light vans).
EDT is one of a range of measures announced by the RSA last September as part of a new Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system which will enhance the way drivers are trained, tested and licensed in Ireland.
Any person getting their first learner permit with a start date on or after 4th April 2011 must complete a minimum 12 hours of Essential Driver Training, with an RSA registered Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) before they can sit their driving test. Typically the 12 EDT lessons will be spread over six months and be supported by practice and tuition as required.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Mr. Leo Varadkar welcomed the introduction of EDT saying "The introduction of Essential Driver Training (EDT) on Monday 4th April is probably the most significant development to the way we train our learner drivers since the introduction of the driving test in 1964. One of the key measures in the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012, to tackle death and injury on our roads, is the introduction of a Graduated Driving Licensing system and EDT forms a core part of this life saving initiative. The EDT programme is designed to protect inexperienced learner drivers while they are learning to drive and to support them as they develop the skills, confidence and appropriate behaviour to share the road safely with others."
Mr Noel Brett, CEO of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) said, "The programme consists of 12 one hour lessons that are linked to 12 specific ‘high risk’ road safety issues and will start the learner driver off on the road to becoming a better, safer driver. The 12 lessons on their own will not be sufficient to become a safe driver. Applying the feedback of your instructor, getting lots of practice, studying the recommended reading are all vital. Learners may also wish to discuss the need for additional driving lessons with their ADI – however this is something that should be agreed by both parties."
Cathy Bacon, Chairperson of the Irish Driving Instructors Association (IDIA) - welcomed the introduction of EDT, as it welcomes all programs intended to reduce death and injury on our roads. "The programme will need to be tried and tested and the IDIA are pleased that there is a commitment by the RSA to a review of it in 18 months time."
"Our highly trained and experienced members will fully contribute to the scheme in order to see that the important skills which are absolutely necessary for safe driving are passed to the learner driver. We will be working with our members to ensure a smooth introduction of EDT" she added.
In addition to the mandatory lessons with an ADI the learner driver should also undertake ongoing practice with their Sponsor*. This practice is a vital part of the learning process, and the role of the Sponsor is an essential part of the learning to drive process. Their role is to accompany and support the learner driver as they practise and build on the skills they have learned in their lessons with the ADI. Therefore it is essential that the learner driver chooses a person with whom they feel comfortable and who has had their full driver’s licence for a minimum of two years and has lots of driving experience. The RSA recommends that the learner driver practises the skills learned in each compulsory EDT lesson with their Sponsor for at least three hours before their next lesson.
Mr Brett advised learner drivers not to underestimate the role they play during the learning to drive process. "One of the most important decisions you will make as you consider learning to drive is who to choose as your Sponsor. This
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Essential Driver Training (EDT) – What You Need to Know
The Facts:
· EDT stands for Essential Driver Training, a course for learner drivers with permits for category B vehicles, such as cars and light vans. EDT will help learner drivers to develop some of the most vital driving skills as well as improve knowledge and understanding of road safety;
· Essential Driver Training (EDT) for learner drivers becomes a legal requirement in Ireland on 4 April 2011 which means that any person getting their first learner permit with a start date on or after 4 April 2011 must successfully complete 12 hours of driver training over a six month period (average of one lesson every two weeks) before they can sit their driving test;
· EDT is not simply 12 hours of driving lessons with an ADI. A learner driver will only get the maximum benefit from the lessons if they also conduct at least three hours of driving practice with their Sponsor in the two week period between EDT lessons.
· Research shows that if learner driver training focuses on 12 specific high risk road safety topics it would make a real difference to the safety of learner / inexperienced drivers on our roads and these are the areas that will be covered by the 12 one hour EDT lessons. Safety issues such as correct road positioning, changing direction, anticipation and reaction, managing speed and night driving.
· EDT will provide a high quality consistent level of training for all learner drivers and will help to save lives and reduce serious injuries by developing better, safer, drivers;
· EDT is designed to protect learner drivers who are vulnerable on the roads because of their inexperience. In fact, 17-24 year olds are one of the highest risk groups on Irish roads and are three times more likely to be killed in a collision than the rest of the population.
· Programmes similar to EDT which combine formal instruction and supervised practice are in place in some other EU countries and this is recognised as an effective way to learn to drive.
· EDT can only be provided by an Approved Driving Instructor and the list of RSA approved trainers and training centres can be found on www.rsa.ie;
The Sponsor:
· A Sponsor supervises the learner driver’s driving practice between lessons;
· In order to get the maximum benefit from the lessons, the learner driver must do at least three hours of practice in the two week period before and after each EDT lesson and the best person to do this with is a Sponsor;
· This is a responsible role with whom the learner driver feels comfortable, for example a family member, parent, aunt or uncle and of course and ADI if you wish
· The Sponsor must be able to give a learner driver time and commitment to helping them learn to drive, stay calm and patient under pressure and demonstrate good driving behavior themselves;
· Sponsors must hold a full car driving licence for at least two years but more importantly should have lots of driving experience that the learner driver can benefit from.