Info for preparing for driving test

Flying Abruptly

Hi, i've spent a while looking through the citizens information and RSA website for info about preparing for the driving test but couldnt find answers to some questions:

1. Is taking 10 lessons a legal requirement for taking the test? My Dad seems convinced it is but I can't find anything saying you even need 1.
2. Does the instructor have to be on the RSA approved driver list? A friend has recommended someone to me but they're not on the list.

(If anybody has links to answers it would be great)

My Dad taught me how to drive a few years ago but I'm only now pushing ahead with getting the license as I want to get a car soon. Got my permit in June and I was insured on the family car for the 3 months over summer and would say I'm a competent enough driver at this stage and drove any chance I could. I plan on taking some lessons anyway as I've now gone back to college and am off the insurance at home but want to continue getting expierence before the test.

Thanks in advance:)

Alanstrainor

Is taking 10 lessons a legal requirement for taking the test? My Dad seems convinced it is but I can't find anything saying you even need 1.

There is no legal requirement to take any lessons before taking the driving test.

Does the instructor have to be on the RSA approved driver list? A friend has recommended someone to me but they're not on the list.

Every instructor must be an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), to give lessons for reward. A list of all ADI permit holders can be found on http://www.drivertesting.info/. I believe this is the most up to date list of ADI's in the country, however your instructor should be able to show you his/her license on your first lesson so you can check whether they're qualified or not.

DrivingInfo

Is taking 10 lessons a legal requirement for taking the test?

No. But you should be prepared.

Does the instructor have to be on the RSA approved driver list? A friend has recommended someone to me but they're not on the list.

If you take lessons with this person you do not have to pay as only RSA ADI's are entitled to charge for lessons.

This person should not even be teaching as they are not a approved driving instructor.

Flying Abruptly

Okay thanks for the replies, I need to do more practice on stuff like parallel parking so hopefully only a few lessons will get me sorted. I dont think ill be taking lessons from the recommended instructor, I finally found info saying an unregistered instructor can get fined €2000 or max. 6 months in prison. I'll go to the other thread to get recommendations for a different instructor

driverite

there is no parallel parking on the test. You can take instruction from an non--adi person, they just cant be paid for it.......but i dont know why you would.

Flying Abruptly

driverite wrote: »

You can take instruction from an non--adi person, they just cant be paid for it.......but i dont know why you would.

What do you mean? This person is supposed to be very good and has a very high first-time pass rate. The list hasnt been updated since April so I'm wondering is that the reason hes not on it

**Timbuk2**

Flying Abruptly wrote: »

What do you mean? This person is supposed to be very good and has a very high first-time pass rate. The list hasnt been updated since April so I'm wondering is that the reason hes not on it

It's the law that only ADI qualified instructors can charge for giving lessons. When you take a lesson with him, ask to see his ADI badge. (It's not rude to ask - it's quite a common question). If he can produce one, then it's legal. If he says he doesn't, then just refuse to take the lesson (obviously without paying him).

Alanstrainor

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

It's the law that only ADI qualified instructors can charge for giving lessons. When you take a lesson with him, ask to see his ADI badge. (It's not rude to ask - it's quite a common question). If he can produce one, then it's legal. If he says he doesn't, then just refuse to take the lesson (obviously without paying him).

+1, he should have his license on display i believe, although some of the ADI's on here might clarify that. But certainly ask him to show it to you at the beginning of your first lesson, and if he doesn't have one just walk away.

Flying Abruptly

Ok thanks, I plan to ring him in the morning

DriveSkill

Just to clarify a little on the ADI rules. The system finally came into place at the end of July 2009 so as others have said it is now against the law for anyone who is not an ADI to be giving driving lessons and charging for them. (So still OK for your parents/brother/sister etc to give you "lessons" as long as you are not paying them )

The PDF on the RSA website is a little out of date (last updated in May) but the online search by county is pretty accurate - although there have been mistakes and omissions made.

If the instructor is an ADI then he/she will have an ADI 5 digit reference number - you can ask for that and then check with the RSA if you wish or find it on the website - they will be able to tell you if the person is fully qualified or part the way through, there are 3 parts to the qualification and you get assigned the number once you start with part 1.

If fully qualified, the ADI will also have an ID card which looks a little like an ID you'd see in a taxi. It is normally displayed in the car but it is not actually a legal requirement at the moment to display it.

The only requirements at the moment are around style and colour of the ADI logo!!! If displayed it must contain the ADI number under it also however, there is currently no requirement for cars to display the logo - although it is encouraged!!

If you are ringing the recommended instructor ask for his ADI number and then check with the RSA (the ADI unit actually answer the phone very quickly 096 25007), otherwise go with someone off the ADI list.