Driving School - Frequently Asked Questions

I just passed my driver theory test, and I’m waiting for my learner permit to arrive, but I have my driver number. Can I book a driving lesson now?

You cannot book any driving lesson until you have your physical learner permit. This is vital when taking your driving lessons and needs to be shown to your driving instructor before every lesson.

What happens at my first driving lesson with Aviva Driving School?

This is an introductory lesson where the Aviva driving instructor gives you an Essential Driver Training (EDT) Learner Driver Information Booklet.

You will then receive your EDT logbook at the end of your first ‘EDT’ lesson which is at Lesson Two of the Level One (Educate) package. The EDT logbook is provided free of charge, however, if you misplace it, you may be charged for a replacement EDT logbook. You can find out more information on replacing your EDT logbook on the Road Safety Authority’s website.

What do I need to bring to my driving lessons?

This is an introductory lesson where the Aviva driving instructor gives you an Essential Driver Training (EDT) Learner Driver Information Booklet.

You will then receive your EDT logbook at the end of your first ‘EDT’ lesson which is at Lesson Two of the Level One (Educate) package. The EDT logbook is provided free of charge, however, if you misplace it, you may be charged for a replacement EDT logbook. You can find out more information on replacing your EDT logbook on the Road Safety Authority’s website.

What do I need to bring to my driving lessons?

You should bring your learner permit to every driving lesson.

When you are given your EDT logbook after your first EDT Lesson, make sure to bring that to every driving lesson too.

Do I need to have an Aviva policy to avail of driving lessons with Aviva Driving School?

No, you don’t, driving lessons are available to anyone, regardless of whether you have an Aviva car insurance policy or not.

However, in order to avail of the Accompanied Driver Cover with Aviva, you’ll need to be added to the car insurance policy of an existing Aviva policyholder.

How does the Accompanied Driver Cover work?

Once you have completed your first lesson with your driving instructor you can get insured on an existing Aviva policyholder’s car insurance. The policyholder must be a parent, guardian, spouse, partner, aunt, uncle or grandparent of the Driving School pupil. The policyholder with an Aviva Direct car insurance policy will need to contact us on 1800 335 577 to arrange this cover on their policy. If the policyholder has Aviva car insurance through a broker, they must contact their broker directly to activate the Accompanied Driver Cover using the pin number.

You can drive with the policyholder, a named driver on that Aviva car insurance policy and with your Aviva driving instructor or RSA approved driving examiner.  The policyholder and named driver must hold a full EU or full UK driver’s licence (which is a current and valid licence to drive in the Republic of Ireland), for a continuous period of 2 years in respect of the vehicle category.  The accompanying driver must also be named on the current Certificate of Insurance, issued under the relevant Aviva policy, and must accompany the learner driver at all times.

What if the policyholder is an Aviva Broker customer and is not insured with Aviva directly?

You can still buy driving lessons through us directly, but to avail of the Accompanied Driver Cover with Aviva, the policyholder will need to contact their broker directly.

I’ve bought the Aviva Driving School Level One (Educate) package and my first lesson is booked; am I immediately insured as an Accompanied Driver?

No. You need to complete your first lesson on Level One (Educate) with your Aviva driving instructor before the policyholder can insure you as an Accompanied Driver on their Aviva car policy. The policyholder will need to contact us directly on 1800 335 577 or their broker to request the cover to allow you to drive. Please note that you cannot drive until the policyholder has added you to their Aviva policy.

At the end of this lesson your Aviva Driving School instructor will give you a pin number which the car insurance policyholder must use to activate your Accompanied Driver Cover. 

Important Note: The cover must be activated within the first 7 days after taking your first driving lesson.

What do I need to do with this pin number?

If the Aviva car insurance policy was brought through a broker, just give them a call with your 6-digit code provided by your driving instructor to activate your cover.  

If the Aviva car insurance policy was bought directly with Aviva then you can activate your accompanied driver cover online https://www.aviva.ie/about-and-support/contact-us/car-insurance-email-enquiries/accompanied-driver-request/ or you can contact us on 1800 335 577. 

When the policyholder has an Aviva Direct car insurance policy, we will then take the necessary details and add you to their insurance policy, for either 3 or 6 months from that day, depending on whether you are on the Level One (Educate) package (6 months) or the Level Two (Achieve) package (3 months).

The policyholder checked their insurance policy documents and I wasn’t named on the insurance documents, am I still covered by the Accompanied Driver Cover insurance?

Yes, you are covered by the stand alone letter we issue to the policyholder and this is your confirmation of cover with Aviva. If you have not received this letter within 3-5 working days, please contact us at Aviva Direct on 1800 335 577 or email us on direct@aviva.ie. If the policyholder has Aviva car insurance through an Aviva broker, they must contact their broker directly.

Important Note: This stand-alone letter confirming your insurance cover needs to be in the car, (that you are completing the Accompanied Driver Cover on) always when driving. In addition, you must be accompanied by the policyholder, who is the policyholder of the car, a named driver on that policy, an Aviva driving instructor or an RSA approved examiner, when driving.

My 6 months Accompanied Driver Cover with Aviva has run out and I still have driving lessons to take. Can I extend the insurance?

No extension can be offered on the Accompanied Driving Cover. However, if the policyholder contacts Aviva or their broker they may be able to buy additional Aviva insurance cover.

Can I activate the Accompanied Driver cover on more than one Aviva car insurance policy?

Yes, if the second policyholder is one of the following individuals, a parent, guardian, spouse, partner, aunt, uncle or grandparent of the Driving School pupil. However, the period of cover for the Accompanied Driver will not extend past the 3 or 6-month time frame, (depending on which package you bought), which started from the date you were first added to a policy using the Accompanied Driver cover.

I’ve already started my driving lessons and activated the Accompanied Driver cover but I won’t be able to take my next driving lessons for a couple of months. Can I extend/split the Accompanied Driver Cover?

The Accompanied Driver Cover cannot be extended or divided throughout the year. The 3 and 6-month Accompanied Driver Cover (depending on which package you bought), must be consecutive.

Is the Accompanied Driver Cover consecutive between packages?

No, the policyholder will need to activate or reactivate cover with each package you buy.

Important Note: In order to buy Level Two (Achieve) Package you must have completed all 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) requirements.

If you have not completed your EDT (Essential Driving Training) requirements with Aviva Driving School, you can still purchase the Level Two (Achieve) package to get you test ready, however you will not be able to avail of the Accompanied Driver cover offer with Aviva.

I’ve booked the first lesson of my package [Level One (Educate)/Level Two (Achieve)/ Level Three (Decision)], with the Aviva Driving School, how do I book my remaining driving lessons?

Your second and subsequent driving lessons must be booked directly with your Aviva driving instructor.

How often should I get driving lessons?

The Road Safety Authority recommend one driving lesson every two weeks and at least three hours practice between each driving lesson.

Can I block book driving lessons?

Yes you can, and we recommend that you take a driving lesson every two weeks with your Aviva driving instructor.

Can I book double driving lessons, (i.e. book two driving lessons one after the other)?

Yes, although it is not recommended to double book driving lessons as it does not give you the opportunity to get your recommended three hours practice between each Essential Driving Training lesson.

My driving instructor no longer works in my chosen location. How do I change driving instructors?

Please contact the Aviva Driving School call centre on 1800 663 663 to move to a new location or to change Aviva driving instructor.

Can I use one of my driving lessons from the package to take my driving test in the driving instructor’s car?

No. This is because the Level One (Educate) Package is designed specifically to cover the EDT syllabus and the Level Two (Achieve) Package is focused specifically on driving lessons relating to Pre-Test Preparation. You can contact us at the Aviva Driving School 1800 663 663 for more information on our car test hire pack which is available for €120 on the day of your driving test. Notice is required, and the use of the Driving Instructor’s vehicle for the purpose of the official driving test is only permitted where the Driving Instructor agrees to provide the vehicle.

How do I know when I’ve completed my 12 EDT lessons?

You will be able to view all your completed driving lessons within your pupil EDT log book. You can also check this online via the Road Safety Authority portal. We recommend that you check the Road Safety Authority portal at least on three occasions when doing your EDT lessons to ensure that the driving lessons have been uploaded successfully. This should be done at Lesson 4, 8 and 12 of the Level One (Educate) Package. If they have not been uploaded successfully, please contact your Aviva driving instructor directly.

Do I pay the Aviva Driving School or my driving instructor directly?

You pay the Aviva Driving School directly. You can make a payment by credit/debit card when you are purchasing the Level One (Educate) package online via MyAviva, or alternatively through the Aviva Driving School’s call centre in Galway at 1800 663 663. Please note that your bank details should not be provided to us by email.

Can I book a lesson online or through the Driving School call centre and call back later to pay?

No, to book a driving lesson, we need to take the full payment at the time of booking whether that is online via MyAviva or through the Aviva Driving School team in Galway. For further information, you can contact them on 1800 663 663.

Can I pay for the package by setting up a direct debit?

No, we take the full payment of all driving packages upfront, by credit/debit card, at the time of booking.

Can I buy a Driving School Gift Voucher online?

Gift vouchers are currently only available to buy over the phone through the Aviva Driving School team. You can contact them on 1800 663 663.

Can I pay for the Level One (Educate) package online with my gift voucher?

Unfortunately, you cannot use gift vouchers to buy online. Please contact the Aviva Driving School team in Galway on 1800 663 663 for further information on how to redeem your gift voucher for one of our Driving School Packages.

I’ve passed my driving test but there’s one month left on my Accompanied Driver Cover; can I drive on my own?

Even if you have passed your driving test, you still need to be accompanied by the relevant policyholder or a named driver of the car who holds a full EU or full UK driver’s licence (which is a current and valid licence to drive in the Republic of Ireland) for a continuous period of two years in respect of the vehicle category, for the remainder of the Accompanied Driver cover with Aviva. If you wish to be added on to the policyholder’s Aviva car policy as a named driver, the policyholder will need to arrange this cover on their Aviva car policy for an additional premium. The policyholder should contact us on 1800 335 577 for more information or to arrange this cover.

I haven’t finished my Level One (Educate) and my Accompanied Driver Cover has run out. Can I go straight to Level Two (Achieve)?

You must complete all 12 EDT lessons and they must be recorded in your EDT logbook and logged on the Road Safety Authority portal by your driving instructor to move onto Aviva Driving School’s Level Two (Achieve) package. Please check the Road Safety Authority portal to confirm.

Can I just buy the Level Two (Achieve) package with Aviva if I’ve done my 12 EDT lessons with someone else?

Yes, if you’ve completed all 12 EDT lessons with a Road Safety Authority approved registered driving instructor you can purchase the Level Two (Achieve) package with Aviva. However, you will not be able to avail of our Accompanied Driver insurance cover unless you have completed the Level One (Educate) package with the Aviva Driving School.

How can I move on to Level Three (Decision) package?

To move on to the Level Three (Decision) package and to avail of the Accompanied Driver cover, you must have completed either Level One (Educate) or Level Two (Achieve) and have passed the driving test. Level Three is also only available for newly qualified Novice drivers (N Plate) who wish to develop their driving skills to a higher level.

Please note that if you have not previously purchased the Level One (Educate) package or Level Two (Achieve) package with Aviva, you can still purchase the Level Three (Decision) package, however you will not be able to avail of the Accompanied Driver cover offer with Aviva.

Can I still avail of Accompanied Driver Cover with the Level Three (Decision) package?

If you have completed Level One (Educate) and/or Level Two (Achieve) with Aviva Driving School and previously availed of the Accompanied Driver cover and do not have your own insurance policy with Aviva, you can avail of a further 6 months Accompanied Driver cover on an Aviva policyholder’s existing Aviva private car insurance policy. The Aviva policyholder includes one of following eligible individuals namely, a parent, guardian, spouse, partner, aunt, uncle or grandparent.

I have completed all 12 EDT Lessons as part of the Level One (Educate) package and used my 6-month’s Accompanied Driver Cover, but I failed my test. What should I do next?

You could buy the Level One (Educate) package a second time, but unfortunately you will not be able to avail of the 6 months Accompanied Driver Cover again.

A better option may be to buy the Level Two (Achieve) package. The Level Two (Achieve) package offers you 6 pre-test lessons to get you ready for the driving test and 3 month’s Accompanied Driver Cover on a policyholder’s existing policy. The package costs €265.

Please note that if you have not completed your EDT (Essential Driving Training) requirements with Aviva Driving School, you can still purchase the Level Two (Achieve) package to get you test ready, however you will not be able to avail of the Accompanied Driver cover offer with Aviva.

Alternatively, you can buy a single driving lesson for €45 or a pack of 3 driving lessons for €135. If you do not buy the Level One (Educate) or Level Two (Achieve) and wish to buy individual driving lessons you must ensure that you are appropriately insured, if you do not use the driving instructor’s car.

I have completed the Level One (Educate) package and the Level Two (Achieve) package and used my Accompanied Driver Cover, but I just failed my test! What next?

You could buy the Level Two (Achieve) package a second time, and avail of a further 3 months Accompanied Driver Cover again. 

Alternatively, you can buy a single lesson for €45 or a pack of 3 lessons for €135. If you do not buy Level Two (Achieve) and wish to buy individual driving lessons you must ensure that you are appropriately insured, if you do not use the driving instructor’s car.

I have not learned to drive yet. My partner/spouse wants to purchase Driving Lessons for me, what do you suggest? Can I still avail of Aviva’s driving lesson packages and Accompanied Driver Cover on my partner/spouse’s car?

Of course, there are many options available. Our Level One (Educate) package is tailored to suit any of our customers regardless of age and experience to help you with your EDT requirements. If you have already satisfied the EDT requirements and want more help getting Pre-Test ready, we suggest our Level Two (Achieve) package.

If you do not buy the Level One (Educate) or Level Two (Achieve) and wish to buy individual driving lessons you must ensure that you are appropriately insured if you do not use the driving instructor’s car.

To avail of the Accompanied Driver Cover with Aviva on either of the packages, your spouse/partner must have an Aviva Direct car insurance policy with us or be insured with Aviva through a broker. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on the Aviva Driving School packages. Alternatively, you can contact our Aviva Driving School team in Galway on 1800 663 663 for more information.

How do I cancel my driving lesson with the Aviva Driving School?

If you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment, contact your Aviva driving instructor directly or alternatively contact our Driving School Team on 1800 663 663 at least 48 hours before the scheduled driving lesson All contact details of your Aviva driving instructor will be in your confirmation of booking email.

What are the Aviva Driving School call centre’s opening hours?

Our Driving School team is here to assist you, Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.30pm, excluding bank holidays.

I want to log a complaint about Aviva Driving School. What do I need to do?

We aim to give excellent service to all our customers; however, we recognise that things may occasionally go wrong. We will do our best to deal with your complaint as effectively and quickly as possible.

If you would like to log a complaint relating to the Driving School, its services or in relation to your driving instructor(s) please email us at drivingschool@aviva.com or alternatively contact our Driving School directly on 1800 663 663.