EDT Lesson 1

1.3 Primary controls (1)
Objective
The learner driver must understand the function of the primary vehicle controls and know how they operate.
Guidance
Topic The learner driver should:
Foot brake
Know the location of the foot brake. Understand the function of the foot brake and know where, when and how to use the foot brake.

Handbrake (parking brake)
Know the location of the handbrake or parking brake; Understand the function of the handbrake or parking brake; And know where, when and how to use the handbrake or parking brake.

Accelerator
Know the location of the accelerator; Understand the function of the accelerator and Know where, when and how to use the accelerator.

Clutch
Know the location of the clutch. Understand the function of the clutch and where, when and how to use the clutch.

Gears
Know the location of the gears. Understand the function of the gears and know where, when and how to use the gears.

Indicators
Know the location of the indicators. Understand the function of the indicators and why it is
important for a driver to signal intent to change direction in a timely manner and know where, when and how to use the indicators.

Steering wheel
Know how and why to steer correctly.

1.7 Communications, signs and signals (1)
Objective
The learner driver must know and understand how to respond appropriately to traffic signs, signals
and other types of communication.
Guidance

Topic The learner driver should:
Road signage
Be able to identify road signs in good time. Know the meaning and significance of all road signs and
Know the rules that apply to all road signs.

Indicators
Know when, where and why to use indicators. Understand the benefit of indicators to other road users; and
Be able to interpret indicator signals given by other road users.

Hand signals
Know when, where, why and how to use hand signals. Understand the benefit of hand signals to other road users and be able to interpret hand signals given by other road users.

Headlights
Know where, why and how to use headlights and know when it is a legal requirement to use dipped headlights.

Horn
Know when, where, why and how to use the horn. Know when it is legal and when it is not legal to use the horn. Understand the potential consequences of not using the horn when it ought to be used; and
Know how to interpret the use of the horn by other road users.

Hazard warning lights
Know when, where and how to use hazard warning lights and understand the benefit of hazard warning lights to other road users.

Traffic lights and pedestrian crossings
Know the various types of traffic lights and pedestrian crossings (and their purposes) together with the legal requirement for compliance.

Gardaí, customs officials, school wardens, persons in charge of animals
Know where, why and how to comply with signals given by gardaí, customs officials, school wardens and persons in charge of animals, and the legal requirement for compliance.

1.9 The environmental impact of driving
ObjectiveThe learner driver must know about and understand the environmental impact of driving and how
that might be mitigated by the way drivers use their vehicles and the vehicle controls.
Guidance
Topic The learner driver should:
Environmental impact of primary controls
Be aware that improper use of primary controls (such as excessive use of accelerator, brakes, etc.), can affect fuel consumption and emissions.

Environmental impact of vehicles
Understand how vehicle size, engine size, vehicle design, fuel type and the way a vehicle is driven impact on the environment; and Consider whether or not a journey is necessary before setting out.

1.10 Preparing for a journey (1)
Objective
The learner driver must know how to prepare for a journey. This includes understanding route
planning, the importance of being fit to drive, the potential risks of carrying passengers, and how
to load a vehicle appropriately.
Guidance
Topic The learner driver should:
Planning a journey
Know how to plan a route, including where to get relevant information – for example radio broadcasts, weather
forecasts, announcements, maps, navigation systems, and so on. Take into account weather, road works, events, diversions and other factors that might make the journey take more
time and know how to plan for breaks and refueling stops on a journey.

Fitness to drive
Be aware of the importance of personal fitness to drive and how alcohol, medication, drugs, fatigue, stress and other factors can affect a driver’s ability to drive safely and Be aware that other road users may be affected by these factors.

Fitness of passengers
Understand the potential risks involved in carrying passengers – for example, those who might distract the
driver.

Appropriate loading of the vehicle
Understand the importance of not overloading the vehicle and how poor weight distribution of the load, passengers or animals can affect the safety and dynamics of a vehicle; and know the legal implications for drivers of overloading the vehicle or carrying more passengers than the vehicle is
designed for.

1.11 The environment and vehicle choice
Objective
The learner driver must demonstrate an understanding of the impact of different types of vehicle
on the environment, and be able to determine the most eco-friendly modes of transport for
journeys.
Guidance
Topic The learner driver should:
Harmful emissions
Be aware of the harmful effects of vehicle emissions on the environment and know how vehicle size, engine size, vehicle design, fuel type, poor servicing and improper use of primary controls affect
fuel consumption and emissions into the environment.

Eco-friendly vehicles
Understand how electric vehicles and smaller vehicles have a lesser impact on the environment and use fewer natural resources; and Know how to identify and access sources of information
regarding eco-friendly vehicles.

2.1 Practical vehicle safety and maintenance
ObjectiveThe learner driver must have a knowledge and understanding of vehicle safety and maintenance,
and should know how to enter and leave the vehicle safely, operate all key safety features, and be
able to carry out routine safety checks.
Guidance
Topic The learner driver should:
Vehicle checks
Be able to perform the necessary daily, weekly and periodic safety checks both inside and outside the vehicle at the appropriate times and know where to find further information on safety checks
– for example, in the vehicle’s user manual.

Roadworthiness
Know how to ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive and Be aware of the potential consequences of driving a vehicle in an un-roadworthy condition.

Maintenance requirements
Know what is required to ensure that the vehicle is maintained and serviced at the required times.
Know when, where and how to book a service and know the importance of scheduling services at correct
intervals to ensure that the vehicle meets all safety and legal requirements.

Entering, starting, stopping and leaving the vehicle
Know the correct procedures and be able to enter, start, stop and leave the vehicle safely, ensuring that it is safe and secure and take into account their own safety and the safety of others.

Instruments
Be able to locate and interpret the instrument panel, the meters and warning lights; and know where to find and how to operate the ignition control.

Vehicle breakdown
Know the correct procedures to follow to ensure their own safety and that of others in the event of a vehicle
breakdown, including: Using hazard warning lights and phoning emergency services.
Topic The learner driver should:

Pre-start routine Seat
Be able to make correct adjustments to the seat to ensure a comfortable and safe position when driving.

Seat belt
Understand the function of the seat belt. Be able to fasten the seat belt and make
any necessary adjustments to it and be aware of the necessity for all passengers
to wear a seat belt and the possible consequences of not wearing a seat belt.

Head restraint
Understand the function of the head restraint and be able to adjust the head restraint so that it is positioned correctly.

Mirrors
Be able to correctly adjust the mirrors, both interior and exterior. Know how to ensure that the mirrors are
clean and serviceable. Be aware of the possible consequences of having incorrectly adjusted mirrors and be aware of how to adjust the interior mirror in the event of being dazzled from the rear.

Doors
Be able to ensure that all the doors are secured correctly.

Handbrake (parking brake)
Be able to ensure that the handbrake or parking brake is applied correctly before starting the vehicle.

Gears
Be able to ensure that the vehicle is not in gear before starting the vehicle.

Steering wheel
Be able to ensure that the steering wheel is correctly adjusted before starting the vehicle.

Fuel
Be able to ensure that there is sufficient fuel for the journey.

2.2 Regular technical checks
Objective
The learner driver must have the knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to perform
regular technical checks inside and outside the vehicle.

Guidance
Topic The learner driver should:

Check on engine fluids
Be able to check all engine fluid levels – for example, engine oil, fuel, brake fluid, coolant, and so on; and
Be aware of the potential consequences of incorrect or inadequate levels.

Lights and reflectors
Understand the importance of keeping lights and reflectors clean and in good working order. Be able to check the correct functioning of the lights, and be aware of the potential consequences of faulty or nonfunctioning lights and know the importance of replacing light bulbs as necessary.

Tyres
Understand the importance of correct air pressure, tread depth and know the legal requirements in relation to tyres. Be able to check the air pressure in the tyres. Be able to check the tread depth of the tyres; and
Be able to check that tyres meet all legal requirements.

Vehicle manual
Know how to locate, read, interpret and find relevant information in the vehicle user manual.

2.3 Primary controls (2)
Objective

The learner driver must have the knowledge, skills and understanding to operate the primary
controls effectively, accurately and without prompting. The learner driver must also be able to use the primary controls in a timely fashion when it is appropriate, and in such a way that use of the controls does not in itself present a distraction.

Guidance

Topic The learner driver should:
Foot brake

Be able to operate the foot brake appropriately with correct pressure.

Handbrake or parking brake
Be able to operate the handbrake or parking brake appropriately (especially on inclines, declines and when
stopped for a longer duration).

Accelerator
Be able to operate the accelerator appropriately to control the vehicle’s progress and engine speed.

Clutch
Be able to operate the clutch appropriately to ensure smoothness when moving off, stopping and changing gear.

Gears
Be able to operate the gears appropriately with proper selection for vehicle and engine speed and with
consideration for environmental impact.

Indicators
Be able to operate the indicators appropriately to give timely communication to show an intention to change
direction.

Steering wheel
Be able to steer appropriately and smoothly when changing direction; and be able to steer quickly when necessary to take evasive action.

2.4 Secondary controls
Objective

The learner driver must have the knowledge, understanding and skills to operate the secondary
controls effectively, accurately and in a timely fashion when it is appropriate to do so.
Guidance

Topic The learner driver should:
Windscreen wipers and washers

Understand the importance of using the windscreen wipers and washer controls and the potential
consequences of not using them appropriately and be able to operate the windscreen wiper and washer
controls while driving.

Lights
Understand the importance of using the lights correctly, and the potential consequences of not using them
appropriately and be able to operate the vehicle lights while driving.

Horn
Know the location of the horn and how to check that it is working correctly. Be able to operate the horn while driving and Know the circumstances in which it is appropriate to use the horn.

Front and rear demisters
Know the location of the front and rear demister controls. Be aware of when, where and how to use the demisters at the appropriate times and the potential consequences of
not using them appropriately and be able to operate the front and rear demisters when driving.

Climate control (if available)
Be able to operate the climate control when driving and Be aware of the potential consequences of not using the climate control.

Windows, doors and door locks
Know how to operate windows, doors and door locks. Demonstrate how to use them and know the potential
consequences of not using them appropriately.