FROM TODAY, learner drivers will have to complete at least 12 hours of tuition with an approved driving instructor before they can sit their driving test. So as well as mastering the art of three-point turns and hill starts, they will now have to rustle up more than €400 for lessons.
The Essential Driving Training (EDT) scheme comes into force today and from now on anyone applying for a first learner permit – which has replaced the old provisional licence – must complete 12 hours of driver training over a six-month period, with an average of one lesson every two weeks (to allow for practice), before they can take the driving test.
Driving lessons generally cost between €25 and €35 an hour, but discounts are sometimes available for students. Youre also likely to get a discounted price, or perhaps a free lesson thrown in, if you book a block of five or ten lessons. Shopping around can also result in savings. The website compareireland.ie has a price comparison of driving lessons suppliers, which can be searched by county.
In light of the new regime, learner drivers might want to consider insurer Aviva’s driving school. If a family member such as a parent is already insured with Aviva, then you will be entitled to six months accompanied-driver insurance for free. You can qualify for this offer by purchasing a pack of 13 EDT lessons with the Aviva driving school. This package starts at €429 for off-peak lessons.
Another way of accessing six months free cover as a named driver on your parent or partners policy is by buying a package of 10 standard (unrestricted) lessons for €400. Aviva is also offering a €200 discount for newly qualified drivers who take out their own policy with Aviva after their six-month free offer. The Irish School of Motoring (ism.ie) is currently offering a package of 12 EDT lessons for €420 and also plans to introduce an insurance discount, along the lines of that offered by Aviva, in the near future.
EDT can only be provided by an approved driving instructor. See rsa.ie for a full list.
