Training Example: Allied Driving Instructors – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

[H2] Learning to Drive.
If you are a beginner and learning to drive we can get you through the twelve compulsory, Essential Driver Training (EDT) driving lessons or our traditional non EDT driving lesson syllabus. However we can help if you have been practicing for a while or need a full licence quickly. If so we run intensive driving courses as a specialty.
But then if your driving test is coming up we can help. In this case we help improve your driving and familiarise yourself with the driving test routes on our pre test lessons. Some of the routes are shown on our Driving Test Routes page for Raheny, Finglas, Tallaght, Mulhuddart, Dun Laoghaire and more. You will also need to prepare for your test with a mock test. We will show you more of the test routes during these driving lessons in Dublin and other areas.
Although if you are an improver we offer driving lessons on fuel efficient eco driving. As well as learning to drive in harsh weather conditions such as snow, ice and floods. Or maybe, you need help dealing with roundabouts or have passed your test and are not comfortable with motorway driving.
[H2] Specialist services.
We can help if you are a transition year student or a TY coordinator. As such we are involved in transition year driving and road safety courses in numerous schools.
However we can also help if you have a full licence from another country. This could be our very popular intensive reduced EDT course or it could be a driving orientation course. The later is often paid for by the multi national company that brought you to Ireland. This quick two hour course can also be booked in advance from Dublin airport.
But then we also offer on road driving assessments for the older driver.
Additionally we run training for ADIs.
Allied Driving Instructors offers category B (car and light van) driving lessons in Dublin. We have independent RSA ADI qualified driving instructors offering driving lessons throughout Dublin and surrounding counties. During which, you can get all the knowledge and skills you need to learn to drive.
You never stop learning. So we can help wherever you are in the Learning to Drive Process you are. We have a huge amount of information on the various pages of this site. You should make full use of all of this free information. So scroll and click through all of our pages.
[IMG: Learning to Drive Driving lessons Dublin]
[H4] Click here for more details

[H1] Lessons

EDT driving lessons for Dublin North & South. Contact Us of Call NOW on 0876697076 or go to our Prices and Terms page to find out how to get this discounted price and other special offers.
This is a sample plan incorporating the EDT driving lessons used in Dublin City & County. We can tailor the lessons to suit your level of ability. Driving lessons can be done in your car or our dual-control driving school car. Non EDT, practice driving lessons can also still be done.
If you have a driving test coming up take a look at our Pre-Tests page.
[H4] Driving Lessons include:
[H3] EDT Driving Lessons 1a – Pre-Drive Checks
[IMG: Driver in car]
Doors: All closed properly.
Handbrake: Check that the brake is on.
Gears: Check if the vehicle is in neutral.
Seat: Adjust the seat to your driving position.
Steering Wheel: Adjust the wheel to your driving position.
Safety Belt: Ensure you and your passengers are safe.
[IMG: Car Mirrors]
The internal mirror should show as much of the back window as possible. You should be able to see a small amount of your car in the side of the wing mirrors and the end of the road should be halfway or slightly above halfway on the mirrors. Feel free to adjust the mirrors and seat at the start of your driving lessons.
Mirrors should be checked before and after all actions.
They can be used to learn and confirm your road position.
Windows should also be used to help check blind spots.
[H4] Post Ignition Checks:
Turn on electrics such as; lights, wipers and demisters.
Do you have enough fuel to get where you want to go?
[H4] Safety / Maintenance and Legality.
Tyres: Properly inflated and sufficient thread (1.6mm).
Is the car generally in proper working order?
Make sure to keep insurance, tax and NCT in date.
[H3] EDT Lesson 1b – Primary Controls
[IMG: Pedal Layout]
[H4] Accelerator (“Gas”)
The more you press down (smoothly), the faster the engine turns. If that is connected through the clutch and gears to the wheels the faster the vehicle drives. Ease off, the vehicle moves “less fast”.
[IMG: Pedal Layout with feet in place]
[H4] Brake
As you smoothly adjust the pressure on the brakes they:
Signal the vehicle behind that you are slowing with the brake lights
Steady / stabilise the vehicle
Slow the vehicle at a controlled rate, “progressive braking”
Stop the vehicle and keep it stopped.
[H4] The Clutch
The left foot controls the clutch. It opens and closes the link between the engine and the gears / wheels. Therefore it controls whether the vehicle “drives” or not. The clutch can take a few driving lessons to get used to.
If you press fully down on the clutch it separates the engine from the gears and wheels. This allows the gears to be changed or for the wheels to be stopped, without stalling the engine.
Partway up is the biting point. Here the engine has a partial grip on the gears and the vehicle is just about trying to drive.
Fully up off the clutch allows the vehicle to drive properly. Don’t come fully off the clutch in 1st gear.
You should be trying to drive your vehicle slightly before releasing the brake to prevent rolling backwards. Fine clutch control must be practiced to achieve good controlled driving. If you are pressing on the clutch you are not “driving” and your control of the vehicle is reduced.
[H4] Steering
Left hand stays left side. Right hand stays right side.
Use the push-pull technique.
One hand pushes or pulls the wheel while the other hand matches it in height, ready to take over.
Indicators follow the direction of the wheel.
Take the strain off the wheel to release the steering lock
[IMG: Steering Wheel]
[H4] Handbrake
To be used if stopping for three or more seconds, on hills or if gas is needed to move off easier.
Up is on / down is off.
To release: Take the strain, press the button, bring the lever down fully, release.
To engage: Press the button, pull the lever up, release the button before the lever.
[H3] EDT Lesson 1c – Gears
[IMG: Gears Layouts]
Bring your hand to the gear stick.
Press fully down on the clutch.
Make a smooth and precise gear change.
Come smoothly up on the clutch and away.
Bring your hand back to the steering wheel.
You need to be mostly off the accelerator as you are pressing on the clutch. However you can keep your foot on the brake if you need to be slowing. The gear change between 1st and 2nd is often so early that you don’t take your foot all the way off the clutch. Some people get used to the gears quickly some need to practice for a number of driving lessons.
[H4] Ranges and Common Uses.
Lower gears are more powerful. Higher gears can be more efficient. Below are some guidelines of speed ranges and typical uses.
1st
0 to 15kmh
Manoeuvring and moving off.
“Blind” T-junctions.
2nd
10/15 to 30kmh
Simple left and right turns.
Difficult sections of road.
3rd
25/30 to 45/50kmh
Slow continuous driving.
Housing estates and villages.
4th
40/50 to 60/65kmh
Mid-speed driving.
Big easy roads in built up areas
and some faster roads.
5th
55/65+kmh
Fast Driving.
Where speed limits, conditions, etc allow.
6th
75+kmh
High-speed driving.
Big easy roads,here speed limits, conditions, etc allow. e.g. Motorways
You will often need to use a lower gear further into the next range in a diesel engine car, in an older car, to accelerate faster, go up steeper hills or move more weight in, on or behind the vehicle. Listen to the engine revs as a prompt to change up. Look at the road ahead as a prompt to change down.
You can stop in any gear, leaving the clutch alone until you have slowed down. Also you can change down through each gear, coming off the clutch to use each gear. The best method may be, if you are in a high gear, make one completed gear change and then stop.
[H3] EDT Lesson 1d – Moving Off / Hill Starts
Gears: Engage 1st gear.
Observation: Check your mirrors and blind spots to see if you will be able to move off without causing other road users to change their speed or direction.
Signal: Indicate that you intend to move off.
Set the pedals: Press on the accelerator to give the vehicle enough power to move off. More power may be needed for hills, busy roads, etc. Set the clutch at the biting point so the vehicle is trying to drive.
Handbrake: With a final check of the road, release the handbrake. Press down further on the accelerator and come smoothly up on the clutch.
Get into the appropriate road position. Typical road position is slightly to the left of the centre of the lane. Road position can vary for different obstacles and road types.
Change up through the gears to the appropriate speed.
Check your mirrors as you go.
Generally when you are moving off from shorter stops you should get the clutch to the bite before releasing the foot-brake. This GOSH sequence will be referred to throughout your driving lessons.
[H3] EDT Lessons 1e – Stopping on the Left
Check your mirrors before any manoeuvre.
Signal your intention to park.
Adjust position smoothly.
Reduce speed by braking. Add the clutch if or when the car is slow. Try almost stop a couple of metres before you need, so you can ease slightly off the brake to stop gently.
Look around to ensure you are parked Safely and Legally .
Apply the handbrake, select neutral, cancel the signal, relax.
Generally when you are stopping you should Brake Before Clutch ( BBC ) to slow down. If you have been creeping, using clutch control you will already be on the clutch.
Parking on hills: Ensure the handbrake is properly engaged. Turn the wheels so the vehicle would not roll out onto the road. Leave in the gear that would be used for driving up the hill (1st or reverse).
[H3] EDT Driving Lessons 2/3 – Left & Right Turns
[IMG: Turning Right]
Remember your MSPSL sequence. Many future driving lessons are based on a variation of this MSPSL sequence.
[H3] EDT Driving Lessons 2/3 – Roundabouts
This ad by the RSA explains well, how to use roundabouts.
[H3] EDT Driving Lessons 4/10 – Speed, Progress & E-Stops
[H4] Speed
Can we stop the vehicle in the distance we can see to be clear?
Can we control the vehicle?
[H4] Factors that affect our potential to stop or control the car.
You, The Driver: Your ability to drive and level of concentration. Your knowledge of the road. Your experience. Are you sick, tired, etc. Are you distracted be something inside or outside the vehicle? You have a range of options between just taking it a little slower then usual, to not driving at all.
Your vehicle: There are differences between one vehicle and the next. For example size, shape, blind spots, mechanical features. Your vehicle can also change with load and maintenance. Ensure your tyres are properly inflated and have minimum 1.6mm thread depth.
Other road users: Pedestrians walking across the road, along the road, playing, directing traffic, doing road works, loading or unloading a vehicle, alighting, walking a dog, moving farm animals. As well as push bikes, motorbikes, cars, buses, lorries etc. Basically the closer you get, the more careful (slower) you should be. Also consider the number of other road users and how many different directions they are going.
The road: The size of the road. The number of lanes, road markings, bends, junctions, traffic lights, hills, speed limits, etc. As the road gets easier you can often drive faster. But as it gets more complicated you should consider slowing down, before getting to the more difficult point.
The conditions: Rain, snow, condensation, mist, fog, frost and darkness can all effect your ability to see through the window, through the air or to see the road markings. Water on the road can double your stopping distance. Snow or ice can multiply it by ten. Strong winds can also affect your control.
[IMG: Hazards]
[H4] Emergency Stop
This manoeuvre is to be used to stop the car very quickly, in an emergency.
Do not check mirrors. You have to stop as soon as possible.
Brake quickly and firmly. If your vehicle has ABS press down fully. If it has no ABS then quickly and repeated release a small amount of pressure and re-engage fully.
Hold firmly onto the steering wheel.
Add the clutch when the vehicle has slowed.
Apply the handbrake once stopped.
Have a full look around before moving off again.
[H3] EDT Lesson 5 – Turnabouts & Reversing
[H4] Turnabout key points:
GOSH sequence moving off.
Low clutch to drive very slowly.
Steer fast, ideally while the car is moving and try straighten up just before stopping.
Look 360′ out all the windows throughout. Particularly while stopped.
[H4] Reversing key points:
Pull in properly and remember to move off properly afterwards.
Lots of 360′ observation from before the start to after the finish.
Stop if anyone comes near. Give them time to pass. But if they don’t you have to go back to the start.
Low clutch to drive very, very slowly.
Steer based on the left mirror. Keeping a small gap to the kerb.
[H3] EDT Lesson 7 – Anticipation & Pedestrian
How can we tell where other traffic is going? No one of these signals is good enough on its own. We will always want two or more to make it a more educated guess.
[H4] We can:
Look at their indicators, to see if they are signaling or not. If the indicators come on as they are approaching it is a little more likely then if it has been on as long as you have seen them. If they are not indicating they may be going straight. But the driver may not be using their indicators properly.
Notice at their position. If they are positioned left, right or centred it may suggest they are going left, right or straight. Also if they adjust their position it is a little more believable. If they are in a lane specifically marked for going one direction, that is a much stronger signal and almost completely believable. Although the driver may simply not be in the correct position for what they plan to do.
Judge their speed. If they are staying fast they are probably going straight. If they are slowing down it may be to turn or they may just be cautious. It may still be an opportunity to pull out.
Use local knowledge and common sense. Some roads are more used they others. Particularly at certain times, days or when events are on. For example, traffic going into town for work in the morning and coming out to the suburbs in the evening. People going to beaches or parks on sunny days. As well as school pick ups. Consider which road leads in and out of a housing estate.
Look at which way they are actually going. Again, none of the above can be believed on its own. They need to pair up. But this little detail can allow us to react to a gap just that little bit earlier and sometimes allow us out onto that busy roundabout.
If a pedestrian is crossing the road ahead of you they have priority (right of way). You have to make the decision as to how you will react.
[H4] You could:
Simply check your mirrors and keep going.
Just check your mirrors and ease off the gas.
Check your mirrors and break.
Or perform and emergency stop.
Any of these are possible solutions depending on how far ahead the pedestrian is. The earlier you see them, the less drastic your reaction may be. You need to try and figure out if the pedestrian is going to still be on the road as you get near or whether they will have finished crossing the road.
If the pedestrian is at a designated crossing point, then you should have checked your mirrors and be more prepared to stop.
Also if a pedestrian is about to cross the road you need to figure out whether they have seen you or not, whether they are planning on waiting until you have gone past or if they are going to cross regardless.
Look out for someone who is running; late for work, jogging, trying to get out of the rain, children playing. Also, look out for someone who is not paying attention; on their phone, talking to  a friend. Additionally look out for someone who sees you but will ignore you and cross anyway. Finally also be aware that some people will begin to cross the first half of the road, waiting for you to drive past on the opposite side.
[H3] EDT Lesson 6 – Traffic Lights / Crossroads
[H4] Sequence and Meanings of Traffic Lights
Green means GO if it is safe to do so.
Amber means stop IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. You should have checked your mirrors and stop in a controlled manner before the stop line allowing the vehicles behind time to stop comfortably as well.
Red means STOP before the stop line, if it is safe to do so.
Flashing Amber at a pedestrian crossing means go IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.
[H4] Crossroads
Amongst the many complications at crossroads is what to do if you are trying to turn right. If a solid green light shows you are to move forward, if safe. Also, if a green arrow shows you can usually continue in that direction. If on the green light there is a gap in oncoming traffic you may be able to complete your turn. If you are in the junction as the lights change amber and red you are entitled to clear the junction. It is the correct thing to do. Your waiting position can vary in

[H1] Prices and Terms

These driving lesson prices apply to manual driving lessons with Darragh and Barney. Instructors in other areas work independently and can set their own prices.
The basic price for driving lessons in Dublin is €55. For this you get expert one-on-one, tuition using a range of media; simple and complex explanations with the aid of diagrams, handouts demonstrations and videos, as required. Also, door to door service if suitable from home, work, school, college, clubs, etc. Your instructor will be R.S.A. A.D.I. qualified and experienced. They will be able to tailor your lessons to suit your needs and upload EDT lessons as needed.
Pretest driving lessons / driving test preparation costs €55 per hour.
[H3] Discounted manual driving lesson prices for bundles:
Single lesson (1.5 hours) €80 save 2.5
Double lessons (2 hours) €110
Reduced EDT (6 hours) €310 save 20
Standard EDT (12 hours) €595 save 65
Sponsor pack small (18 hours) €895 save 95
Sponsor pack midi (24 hours) €1180 save 140
All in pack (36 hours) €1770 save 210
[H3] Intensive driving lesson prices:
Reduced EDT (6 hours intensive week day) €360
Reduced EDT (6 hours intensive weekend or evenings) €410
Intensive driving course  (12 hours within two weeks during midweek day time) €640
Intensive weekend course (12 hours mostly during a weekend or evenings) €695
Prices correct as of 1st of February 2022.
[H3] Car rental for driving tests:
The normal price for using our car for your driving test is €165. This includes at least one hour of a driving lesson just before your test. For many people this is essential to calm the nerves and get those last minute tips and advice. You have use of the car, with insurance for the purpose of your test. It will also include a test debrief to explain your marks and a lift home if required and reasonable.
Discounts for tests: We will reduce the cost of car rental for the test to €150 if: you have previously done your EDT lessons with us, take a bundle of at least six hours pretest lessons with us before the day of your test or if you were unsuccessful in a previous attempt where you had taken at least five hours of pretest lessons with us.
[H3] Emergency Pretest Lessons:
There may be a possibility of getting a pretest lesson at short notice. The availability of these lessons is not guaranteed. It may require the driving instructor to work outside of their normal hours or to ask another learner to postpone their driving lesson. For these reasons a higher rate of 75 euro for 1 hour, 100 euro for 1.5 hours or 125 for 2 hours will apply. Typically this will mean the driving instructor is finishing the lesson later than 9 pm on a weekday and later than 4 pm on a Saturday or Sunday. If another learner is being moved they may be compensated by a longer lesson in the future.
[H2] Keep an eye out for our Special Offers.
Buy Gift Vouchers NOW!!!!
[H3] Terms and Conditions
Again these terms are specific to the Dublin driving schools. Each regional instructor can have their own variations of these terms. Please ensure you have a valid driving licence with you on the day of each lesson. Payment should be made prior to or at the beginning of driving lesson or pretest lesson.
Cancellation of a lesson with less then 48 hours notice may be charged 50% of an hourly cost or 50% of a prepaid hour. If less then 2 hours notice or non attendance  the full cost of an hour lesson may be charged or forfeit one prepaid hour. Cancellations of intensive courses with less than 1 week notice may be charged 50% of the deposit. If less than 48 hours the full deposit may be charged. Instructors can reduce these charges in certain cases for legitimate or exceptional circumstances.
The ADI will sign / stamp / upload an EDT lesson when the learner “has satisfactorily completed a lesson”* as per the expected outcomes of the EDT syllabus. If these expected outcomes are not achieved, the ADI can choose not to sign / stamp / upload the EDT lesson. *S.I. No. 406/2018 – Road Traffic (Courses of Instruction) (Cars) (Amendment) Regulations 2018.
We reserve the right to withhold the hire of the tuition vehicle for a driving test, if in the opinion of your driving instructor you are not fully prepared to sit your driving test.
All of these terms are inline with your consumer rights.

[H1] Buy Gift Vouchers

[H3] Buy Driving Lesson Gift Vouchers for yourself or someone else.
Is there someone you would like to buy driving lesson gift vouchers for?
Had enough of chauffeuring someone around? Someone who needs a little nudge.
Is there someone you want to pay for your driving lessons? If so, send them to this page.
It can be a big step starting driving lessons. Sometimes people need a little help.
Or even use this page to pay for your own lessons, as an alternative to a bank transfer!
Standard Gift Vouchers for Driving Lessons and Bundles.
Click on a button below and follow the link to a secure third party website. These vouchers are valid in Dublin and surrounding areas. The recipient must have an Irish learner permit or a valid driving licence before taking the lessons. Booking will be essential. It is advisable to confirm that we cover the area, the recipients will want to do their lessons in before purchase.
[IMG: 6 hours driving lessons gift voucher]
[IMG: 12 hours driving lessons gift voucher]
[H4] Choose the value of your Gift Voucher. Contact us if you require a specific amount on your gift voucher or require an alternate form of payment. Let us know if you want to and from names on voucher we can email or post to you.

[H1] Insurance Discount

[H3] Get a 1 year introductory discount and up to 20% off your first car insurance premium.
[IMG: insurance discount]
Allied Driving Instructors can help you get your insurance discount. The discount is administered by First Ireland Insurance brokers and their car insurance partners present ‘DRIVE First’. Any driver who completes the minimum ten hours of driving lessons with Allied Driving Instructors is eligible. This can be done before taking out their first insurance policy. They new driver is eligible for this exclusive 1 Year Introductory Bonus Discount and up to 20% off first time insurance. This is based on standard policy rates, with First Ireland. The discount is effectively an introductory No Claims Bonus. You can then build extra discounts  year after year. So that, you can reach the maximum No claims Bonus. This can mean great savings in the first year and continued over several years.
Call First Ireland on 01-8820830 for details on insurance. First Ireland have set this program up with young driver in mind.
Learner drivers should contact us on 0876697076 and be sure to ask your driving instructor for your Drive First certificate https://adidriving.ie/lessons/once you have completed your ten lessons with Allied Driving Instructors. However, to complete the EDT syllabus you must complete 12 hours of driving lessons.

[H1] Intensive Driving Courses

Fast Track your driving lessons with Intensive Driving Courses.
Learn to drive in less then a week and then pass your driving test with
Allied Driving Instructors – Dublin Driving School.
Since April 2011 it has been compulsory to complete twelve Essential Driver Training lessons as part of the process of learning to drive in Ireland. Many people spread these lessons out over six months. But for some this does not work. Some people need to get their EDT lessons completed as quickly as possible.
So, if you have held your learner permit for six month, this intensive driving course may be for you. The Gardaí no longer tolerate unaccompanied learner drivers. Don’t take the risk, pass the driving test and get your full licence.
Additionally, if you have a full licence from another country, this intensive driving course may be for you. Many foreign driving licences are only valid for your first year living in Ireland. After that, you may be driving illegally!
At Allied Driving Instructors – Dublin Driving School we have arranged the Essential Driver Training ( EDT ) syllabus so that it can be completed in four or six days. This will allow you to apply for your driving test and receive a driving test date within two to ten weeks. You should do final driving lesson or two should be taken closer to day of your test. These lessons are very useful as there will be a delay between the twelfth EDT lesson on the intensive driving course and your RSA driving test date.
[H4] The benefits of Intensive Driving Courses:
Start and finish your own home, work place or any other place of your choosing.
Free log book supplied and lessons uploaded promptly.
Multiple explanatory hand-outs to help you learn to drive perfectly for the Irish driving test.
Full intensive EDT covered in four / six days; using 1 hour, 1 1/2 hour or 2 hour driving lessons.
Mock test and local driving test routes covered.
Excellent discounts for bundles of lessons
[IMG: Intensive driving courses]
If you have left it late booking pre test lessons, you may consider an emergency pre test lesson.
By Darragh Dunne at Allied Driving Instructors – Dublin Driving School.
To find out more contact us here.
Check prices and terms here.