Prior to starting the Essential Driver Training (EDT) programme a certain amount of preparation is required.
Use the information on this page and apply it to a family members / friends car to help prepare for your first EDT lesson.
EDT #1 consists primarily of a thorough explanation of the vehicle safety checks.
The Primary Controls – Accelerator, Brakes, Clutch, Gears, Steering and the Secondary Controls – Lights, Fan, Wipers, Demisters etc….. will also need to be explained in detail.
Below is a brief summary of the Vehicle Safety Checks that make up a large part of the 1st Essential Driver Training (EDT) lesson. How, when and why you perform these checks will need to be explained.
VEHICLE SAFETY CHECKS
P. . . . Petrol
O. . . . Oil – engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid.
W. . . Water – windscreen washer fluid, coolant
E. . . . Electric – how to check all lights are working including brake and indicator lights.
R. . . . Rubber – check for wear on the tyre, cuts/bulges on the sidewalls, tyre pressure.
The above P.O.W.E.R. Check should be carried out on a weekly basis at least and also each time before setting out on a long journey.
OTHER VEHICLE CHECKS
- Seatbelts are functioning properly.
- Seat and headrest are correctly positioned.
- Mirrors are correctly aligned.
- The horn is working.
- Wipers are in good condition.
- Battery is in good condition with good connections on it.
- Windscreen and all other windows are clean and free of cracks.
- All lights are clean.
- Number plate is legal, and clean.
- All loads are properly secured.
- Bodywork is in good condition.
- Spare tyre is in good condition and properly inflated.
- Jack and wheel brace are available.
Understanding what documentation / items you need to have displayed on your vehicle and how, when, why and where you get these will need to be discussed and explained.
DOCUMENTATION; ITEMS TO BE DISPLAYED ON THE VEHICLE.
- Tax disc.
- Insurance disc.
- NCT disc. When a vehicle is 4 years old it must undergo its first NCT test of roadworthiness. This test is to be conducted every 2 years from then on until the vehicle is 10 years old then it must be tested every year.
- “L” Plate must be displayed front and rear. Do not cut down or remove the white portion of the “L” plate.
- A person who obtains their full driving licence on or after 01/08/2014 is required to display “N” plates on their vehicle for a period of 2 years,
OTHER DOCUMENTS
- Learners Permit; This must be carried by the Learner Driver at all times while driving a vehicle.
- Accompanying driver must have a full permit for the vehicle category for a minimum period of 2 years AND have it in their possession.
- Vehicle manual.
How to plan a journey and eco driving also need to be discussed as part of EDT #1.