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Learner Drivers

Reduced EDT

What it is, who can apply, and how to apply.

If your country doesn't have a licence exchange agreement with Ireland, you may be eligible for reduced Essential Driver Training (EDT) which speeds up the process of getting a new Irish licence. Reduced EDT allows you to complete 6 EDT sessions instead of 12 and you don't have to wait six months to sit a test.

ADI with made learner driver

Check if you're eligible for reduced EDT

Before applying for reduced EDT, make sure you meet the following conditions:

  • You hold an Irish learner permit.
  • You hold a foreign driving licence. 
  • You've held your licence at least two years* before getting your Irish learner permit.
  • Your licence hasn't expired more than six months (at the time of applying)
  • You're a resident in Ireland.

*If you've held your licence for less that two years but more than six months, (and meet all of the other conditions listed above) you can apply for an exemption to the six month rule on its own.

Reduced EDT Application Form pdf | 695 KB Reduced EDT Information Note pdf | 460 KB Reduced Essential Driver Training (EDT) booklet pdf | 851 KB
Services The 6-months rule

First-time learner permit holders (in certain categories) must wait six months before they can sit their driving test. Information about who this applies to and exemptions.

How to apply for reduced EDT and/or an exemption to the 6 month rule

  1. Download the application form.
  2. Print out and complete the form.
  3. Post the form, along with a colour photocopy of the back and front of your foreign driving licence and a letter of entitlement or driver statement to: Reduced EDT, National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), PO Box 858, Southside Delivery Office, Cork.

Translation of supporting documentation

If your letter of entitlement or driver statement is not in English, you must also send us a certified translation of it from a reputable Irish company. Otherwise, your application will not be processed.

Understanding the outcome of your application

You will receive a detailed letter from the NDLS explaining the outcome of your application and the reasons for this. Please read the letter carefully as there are three different outcomes:

  1. Approved for Reduced EDT - this means you only have to complete 6 EDT sessions and you don't have to wait 6 months to sit your driving test. You must show your driving instructor the approval letter. 
  2. Approved for 6-month exemption only - this means you must complete all 12 EDT sessions but you don't have to wait 6 months to sit your driving test.
  3. Not approved - this means that your application was rejected so you must complete all 12 EDT sessions and wait 6 months before sitting a driving test.

What you will learn with reduced EDT

Reduced EDT will help you learn some of the most vital driving skills as well as improve your knowledge and understanding of road safety in Ireland. 

The six reduced EDT sessions are:

SessionArea
Session 1 Car controls and safety checks
Session 5 Correct positioning 2 (more complex situations)
Session 6 Anticipation and reaction
Session 7 Sharing the road
Session 9 Changing direction 2 (more complex situations)
Session 10 Speed management


Important! If you have a booking for a driving test, you will not be able to sit this test until you've completed the reduced EDT programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you've posted your application and supporting documentation to the NDLS, please allow at least two to three weeks for them to process this. After that you should receive a letter informing you of the outcome and any original documents will be returned to you. 

If you need further assistance, you can complete this NDLS Online Contact Form* or or telephone 0818 700 800 (Ireland); +353 21 462 481 (Outside Ireland). Their lines are open 9 to 5 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 to 1 pm on Saturdays (excluding Public Holidays).

*Please choose 'Application Stage Query' from the drop down list.

If you have been approved for Reduced EDT you will have a letter from the NDLS stating this and you must show this to your ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) when you start your Reduced EDT driving sessions.  

Your Reduced EDT status will not be visible on your MyEDT or MyRoadSafety portal account until 24 hours after your ADI uploads your EDT session so please allow this time before checking.

If there are any completed EDT sessions missing from your account, please contact the ADI you completed the EDT with. 

If your licence was issued by a recognised state, you don't need to complete Essential Driver Training or sit a driving test. You can apply to exchange your foreign licence for an Irish one. Know more >

A letter of entitlement or driver statement is a copy of your driver record. You can get yours from the licensing authority that issued your foreign licence.

You must send us the original Letter of Entitlement. We will also accept an email or online printout.

The Letter of Entitlement must include a copy of a driver record that shows your following details:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Date of birth
  • Driver Number
  • Date of Commencement
  • Date of expiry of licence
  • Vehicle category/class of licence including details of what the category/class refers to

If your Letter of Entitlement/Driver Statement is not in English or Irish, you must send us a certified translation of it and this needs to be done by a reputable Irish company.