Learning To Drive

Getting Started (Category B Licence)

1. Before you can get a permit  (provisional driving licence) you will need to apply for your theory test and pass it. You can apply for your theory test up to three months before your 17th birthday. (This would enable you to sit your theory test on your 17th birthday or shortly thereafter.)
2. Once you get your permit you can start your driving lessons.
   From the 4th April 2011 all new first time learner permit holders for cars will be required to undertake mandatory essential driver training (EDT) with an approved driving instructor (ADI).
   The course is made up of of 12 individual one hour lessons. The learner will be able to take the lessons at any point during the learning process and can practice with an accompanying driver during the time while taking lessons. Evidence of completing the lessons will be signed off in a learner’s logbook by the Approved Driving Instructor. The logbook showing completion of the lessons may have to be presented before taking a driving test.
3. You cannot book the driving test until 6 months after you have passed the theory test. The waiting time for a driving test varies in test centres. Sooner dates are usually available through test appointment cancellations.

 

What’s the best way to learn how to drive?

The best way to learn to drive is to take regular lessons spread over a few weeks on a semi-intensive basis.

eLPASSo provides materials to remind you of what you did during the last
lesson while preparing for the next. The materials are also extremely useful if you are able to get any supplementary practice between lessons as they can be used to guide the relative or friend who supervises you.
Again this supplementary practice helps to overcome the problem of taking too long and paying more than you need as a consequence of only taking one lesson per week.

Pupils using the one-lesson-a-week approach may spread out the cost but you do end up paying more in the long run.This is because you often forget what you’ve learnt from one week to the next .

If you are taking one-lesson-a-week you would need to increase the hours you need to learn to drive by at least 50% – e.g. if on a semi-intensive basis you need 30 hours to learn to drive it is likely that you would need 45 hours on a one lesson per week basis.

Learner comfort and safety

In the interests of comfort and safety learners are advised to wear suitable footwear and clothing which does not restrict movement. Learners must also take note of any medication they are taking that may affect their ability to drive safely and advise their instructor accordingly before taking any lesson booked.