It is recommended that all drivers learning to drive for the first time obtain driving lessons from a qualified instructor. While the learner driver may feel confident and competent driver in their own local area, the driving environment is increasingly complex and it is important be that the ability to cope with this is confirmed with the help of the instructor’s experience.

From 30th April 2009 Driving Instruction in Ireland is regulated. Learner drivers can be confident that if they use a full ADI Permit holder they will get good quality tuition. An exemption to practice has been given to instructors who have passed Stage 1 of the ADI process until the end of July 2009.

Drivers with a disability, who require special adaptations to their vehicle, may find greater difficulty in obtaining instruction. A number of providers provide lessons in cars with automatic transmissions but there are a limited number of agencies providing tuition in cars with standard and advanced adaptations for people with disability.

The Disabled Drivers Association provides centre based training in vehicles which are specially adapted for drivers who have a disability requiring this. The Association is fully compliant with legal requirements as instruction is always provided by a fully qualified ADI permit holder. We have long experience in the teaching drivers to drive with specialist adaptations (e.g. hand controls, left foot accelerators, steering spinners etc.) and are familiar with the needs of a wide range of disabilities. In addition to standard hours of tuition, the Association provides instruction through a unique intensive residential course at Ballindine centre. The tuition element of this course is supported by a grant under Health Payment/Allowances from the Department of Health and Children as administered by the HSE. It consists of three weeks of tuition which can be taken in block or in phased week long periods of tuition.

The Irish Wheelchair Association operates a number of vehicles, which are based or visit their centres nationally. One car is permanently sited at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.

Southern Mobility Assessment and Tuition Specialists are a private sector supplier providing services in Cork City and surrounding area.

Mr Bobby Dunphy, Driving Instructor, New Ross, Co. Wexford also maintains an automatic vehicle with adaptations.
Specialist courses of instruction not only provide driving instruction but can be an learning process of establishing what assistive technology will maximize the driving competence and comfort of the student.

Students who may require custom designed adaptations in specially modified vehicles may find it necessary to source the vehicle first and obtain instruction in their own vehicle. It is critical that a high degree of assessment is conducted to ensure driving is a realistic goal. Similarly, in choosing an ADI instructor, it is important that the instructor is experienced in instructing in highly adapted vehicles

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