7 Proven Ways to Speed Up Your Driving Progress in Ireland
We’ve all seen it: someone breezes through their EDT lessons and passes first go, while others feel stuck repeating the same mistakes. The secret isn’t magic—it’s smarter practice. Here’s how to make real progress between those 90-minute lessons.
Who This Is For
If you’re a learner driver who…
- Feels nervous or frustrated after lessons
- Wants to minimise total lesson hours (and costs)
- Is juggling work/study with learning to drive
Step-by-Step: Getting Started Right
1. Nail the Basics Before Lesson 1
Spend 30 minutes before your first lesson practising:
- Adjusting mirrors and seat position (you’ll do this every time)
- The ‘push-pull’ steering technique (critical for tight roundabouts)
- Finding your car’s bite point – practice on a quiet incline
2. Choose Manual or Automatic Wisely
| **Manual** | **Automatic** |
|—————-|——————–|
| Required for any license | Restricted to automatic-only vehicles |
| Steeper learning curve initially | Less focus on gear control early on |
| Better for rural roads/hills | Easier in stop-start city traffic |
Tip: If hill starts terrify you, auto buys time to master observation skills first.
Common Mistakes That Slow Learners Down
The Roundabout Stumble
Approaching a busy roundabout? 4 out of 5 learners we see:
- Check mirrors too late (do it before signalling)
- Signal left while exiting without checking blind spots
- Stop completely when it’s safe to merge (hesitation fails)
The ‘Paddles’ Problem
Grabbing the steering wheel like bicycle handlebars limits control. Practice the ‘9 and 3’ hand position—it helps negotiate narrow Kerry roads.
What to Expect in a Quality Driving Lesson
A typical two-hour block with us covers:
- 0-15 mins: Recaps, goal-setting (No vague “I want to drive better”)
- 15-90 mins: Focused drills (e.g., reverse-around-corner while explaining each step)
- Last 10 mins: Clear feedback + homework (e.g., “Practise lane discipline on the N7 next time”)
Why Choose Epic Driving School
Our RSA-approved instructors…
- Teach exclusively in modern, dual-control cars
- Tailor lessons to your learning style (visual? We draw diagrams)
- Use real test routes during pre-test lessons
FAQs About Fast-Tracking Your Driving
1. How many EDT lessons do I actually need?
The 12 mandatory EDT sessions are a minimum. Most need 2-4 extra hours for test readiness—usually focusing on weak spots like parallel parking.
2. What if I fail my first test?
Don’t panic. Book a detailed assessment lesson to debrief exact faults. Many pass second time after targeted practice.
3. Can I practise outside lessons?
Absolutely (with a qualified supervisor). Use supermarket car parks early on for clutch control. Later, practise test routes at quiet times.
4. Are intensive courses worth it?
Helpful if you’ve driven abroad or need a refresher. For total beginners, spaced lessons let skills ‘sink in’ better.
Next Steps
Irish driving tests have a 53% first-time pass rate—be the prepared half. Tell us your biggest struggle, and we’ll match you with an instructor who specialises in that area.