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Glossary of Irish licensing and document-fraud terms

Short answer: This glossary defines the Irish terms used on this site: NDLS, RSA, Public Services Card, MyGovID, driver number, EDT, ADI and more. Each definition follows how NDLS, the RSA or the 2001 Act uses the term, so you can read an official page or a court report without guessing.

Last reviewed: · By Mark Dent

NDLS
The National Driver Licence Service. It processes learner permit, driving licence, replacement and exchange applications, online and at 34 centres.
RSA
The Road Safety Authority. It runs the theory test, driving test, Essential Driver Training and MyRoadSafety.
Public Services Card (PSC)
The card needed, with a verified MyGovID, to apply online on NDLS.
MyGovID
The online identity service used to log in to NDLS and MyRoadSafety, in its verified form.
PPSN
Personal Public Service Number, asked for in person at NDLS and when applying for a driving test.
Driver number
The nine-digit number at box 4d on a plastic permit or licence, unique to you across your licence records. See driver number.
Learner permit
The first card issued after the theory test. It allows accompanied driving on all public roads except motorways.
Driver theory test (DTT)
The computer test with 40 questions and a pass mark of 35, booked at theorytest.ie.
Essential Driver Training (EDT)
12 driving sessions with an Approved Driving Instructor, or 6 under reduced EDT.
ADI
Approved Driving Instructor, listed on the RSA register of instructors.
IBT
Initial Basic Training, the equivalent training for motorcycles.
CPC
Certificate of Professional Competence, needed for some truck and bus categories.
Certificate of competency
What you receive after passing the driving test. It does not entitle you to drive as a fully licensed driver until NDLS issues the licence.
Letter of entitlement
A copy of a foreign driver record from the issuing authority, needed for some exchanges.
Recognised state
A country or territory with which Ireland has a licence exchange agreement. See exchange guide.
MyRoadSafety
The RSA portal for driving test applications and bookings.
N-plate
The plate a driver must display for two years after a first full licence.
Instrument
In the 2001 Act, any document, formal or informal. See the law page.
False instrument
An instrument that purports to have been made or altered by, or on the authority of, someone who did not make, alter or authorise it.
Impersonation
Sitting a test in another person's name. See theory test fraud.
GNECB
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, the specialist bureau for serious and complex fraud.
Garda Declaration
The form NDLS requires for replacing a lost or stolen licence.

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About the author
Written by Mark Dent from NDLS and RSA pages, the text of Irish legislation and court reports. We do not sell, issue or arrange any licence or document, and we are not part of the RSA, NDLS or any State body. See our editorial policy or report a mistake.