Become an Emergency Services Driving Standard (ESDS) trainer

If you are currently an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) you may apply to the ESDS unit in the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to become an ESDS trainer. You will be required to: 

• sit and pass an ESDS theory test in the level and category you wish to give tuition in, provided you are currently registered with the ADI unit to give tuition in this category 
• retain your ADI qualification to be an ESDS registered trainer. 
  

You will then be placed on our ESDS register of trainers. 

You may become a trainer at level 1 in all categories or at level 2 in all categories. There are legal prohibitions on becoming a trainer at level 3. In order to become an ESDS trainer at level 3, you must be eligible to avail of exemptions under current road traffic legislation.

For ADI's who wish to obtain ESDS trainer certification, please contact the ESDS unit by email at [email protected]

For more information, read our ESDS Trainer Pathway to Certification for ADIs booklet. 

If you wish to apply to the RSA to become an ESDS certified trainer: 

• fill out this application form . This is required so that our ESDS unit know what ESDS level and vehicle category you are seeking certification in 
• send the signed application form with the appropriate fee to the RSA’s ESDS unit
• wait for our ESDS unit to send you details about booking, paying for and completing your theory test and practical driving assessment, if required.  

Fees for ESDS certification

1. Practical assessment fees

Assessment	Fee per assessment
ESDS Level 2 practical driving assessment and lead instruction (Trainer)	€0
ESDS Level 3 practical driving assessment and lead instruction (Trainer)	€0
ESDS Level 2 & 3 combined practical driving assessment and lead instruction (Trainer)	€0

 2. Theory test fees

Assessment	Fee per assessment
ESDS Level 1 Core Theory Test	€40
ESDS Level 2 Core Theory Test	€50
ESDS Level 3 Core Theory Test	€50
Truck Module	€40
Bus Module	€40
Trainer Module	€40

3. Certification fee

Certification	Fee
Trainer Certification	€0

 

ESDS theory tests are multiple-choice questions. They are computer-based and user-friendly. Depending on the ESDS level you wish to get certification in, there is a requirement to sit a core level theory test. If you are seeking certification in a truck or bus vehicle category, you are required to sit an additional truck or bus theory module. 

 

Exam Name	Exam Length	Questions	Pass Mark
ESDS Core Level 1	1Hr. 15 mins	50	72%
ESDS Core Level 2	2 Hrs	80	71%
ESDS Core Level 3	2 Hrs	100	73%

ESDS Module Test Categories 

Exam Name	Exam Length	Questions	Pass Mark
ESDS Truck Module	1 Hr	30	73%
ESDS Trainer Module	1 Hr	40	75%
ESDS Bus Module	1 Hr	30	75%

The purpose of the test is to examine your knowledge of the appropriate level of ESDS. To prepare for your ESDS theory test, we have a recommended reading list on the following topics: 

• ESDS theory test information 
• ESDS information booklet 
• ESDS guidance manual 
• ESDS competence framework 
• ESDS syllabus 
• standard operating procedures and marking guidelines 
• ESDS trainer handbook 
• ESDS drivers’ guide 
• ESDS tactical response guidelines  

You should also check out the following RSA publications: 

• Rules of the Road 
• Medical Fitness Guidelines  
• RSA learning to drive a car 
• RSA Sharing The Road With Emergency Service Vehicles
• RSA learning to drive a truck 
• RSA learning to drive a bus 
• Roadcraft. 

Organisations that do not have in-house ESDS trainers may avail of the services of an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) with the appropriate ESDS trainer certification. 

We maintain a list of ADIs with the appropriate ESDS trainer certification. 

Yes. We maintain a list of ADIs with the appropriate ESDS trainer certification.

If you are currently an in-house trainer within an ESDS member organisation, your organisation may apply to the ESDS unit in the RSA to have you registered. The cost of registration will be administered by your nominating member organisation. If you are an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) who is eligible to become an ESDS trainer, you can apply directly to the ESDS Unit in the RSA. There is a fee for the theory test in whatever level you are applying for. 

Fees for ESDS certification

1. Practical assessment fees

Assessment	Fee per assessment
ESDS Level 2 practical driving assessment and lead instruction (Trainer)	€0
ESDS Level 3 practical driving assessment and lead instruction (Trainer)	€0
ESDS Level 2 & 3 combined practical driving assessment and lead instruction (Trainer)	€0

 2. Theory test fees

Assessment	Fee per assessment
ESDS Level 1 Core Theory Test	€40
ESDS Level 2 Core Theory Test	€50
ESDS Level 3 Core Theory Test	€50
Truck Module	€40
Bus Module	€40
Trainer Module	€40

3. Certification fee

Certification	Fee
Trainer Certification	€0

 

No, not necessarily. You may apply initially to the Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) unit in the RSA. Then having successfully fulfilled the requirements and registered as an ADI, you may apply to the ESDS unit in the RSA to become an ESDS trainer. 

However, in order to become an ESDS Level 3 trainer, you must be eligible to avail of exemptions under current road traffic legislation. The full process to become an ESDS trainer is outlined in the ESDS Trainer's Handbook. 

Your certification as an ESDS trainer lasts two years. You will need to re-certify every two years to maintain your ESDS certification. Your organisation must apply to the ESDS unit in the RSA to have you re-certified as an ESDS trainer. 

• email us at [email protected]