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What is Essential Driver Training?

HomeNewsWhat is Essential Driver Training?

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 you learn some of the most vital driving skills, as well as improve your knowledge and understanding of road safety.

There are 12 one-hour lessons in the course. You must take the lessons in the order set out by the time you get to Lesson 9, you and your ADI can decide on the order of lessons 9-12 as you should have enough experience by then. Your ADI will record each lesson in your logbook.

Essential Driver Training

Each lesson has a set of expected outcomes – these describe what you should be able to do at the end of a lesson. Your ADI will select routes that will allow you to use the skills covered in the lesson. At the end of each lesson, your ADI will tell you what skills you should practise with your sponsor. You must play your part and prepare for the next lesson.

Remember – the EDT course alone is not enough to make you a competent driver. You will need to practise as much as possible with your Sponsor, using the skills you have learnt in one lesson to prepare for the next lesson. To get the best from your training, you should spread your lessons over six months and leave at least two weeks between each lesson for practice. Your ADI and your Sponsor will advise you about other instruction and support you may need while you learn to drive.

Why Do I Need To Do EDT?

Studies show that young, inexperienced drivers are more likely to die or be seriously injured in a crash, so it’s important to get the experience you require during your training.

You must complete the EDT course before you can take your driving test. On the day of your test, the tester may ask to see your Logbook as evidence.

Before you attend your first lesson, make sure that you have everything you require. Your ADI will check your learner permit. If you provide the vehicle for your training, they will also check your insurance, motor tax, NCT, and the roadworthiness of the vehicle. If your ADI is not happy with any of these, they may not go ahead with your lesson. You must sign a declaration that these are in order before each lesson.

At your first lesson, your ADI will register you and give you your Logbook. They will then set out the aims of the course and any rules about things such as asking questions and taking breaks.

At the end of each lesson, your ADI will stamp and sign your Logbook to confirm that you have completed the lesson. They will also give you feedback on whether you met the outcomes for the first lesson. They will advise you on what you need to practise and how to prepare for the next lesson.

The 12 Lessons are set out as follows

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