Learn to drive in our fleet of electric and hybrid cars — quiet, automatic, instant torque, and zero emissions. RSA-approved instructors, 37+ years in Naas.
Quick answer: Naas Driving Academy has multiple electric and hybrid training cars. Lessons run €60/hour. Suitable for first-time learner drivers going EV from day one, or licensed drivers transitioning from petrol/diesel. Test in the same car you trained in.
Why learn to drive in an electric car?
Ireland is going electric fast. New car sales in 2026 are dominated by EVs and hybrids, and the public charging network has tripled since 2022. If your first car will be an EV, learning in one makes sense — the muscle memory you build is the muscle memory you’ll use.
- No clutch, no gears — like driving an automatic, but with smoother, instant power delivery
- Quieter cabin — easier on nervous learner drivers, easier to hear your instructor
- Regenerative braking — different feel from petrol cars, worth practising before you own one
- Zero local emissions during your lessons — fewer fumes for the M7 commuter belt
- Lower running cost long-term — typical EV drivers save €1,200–€1,800/year vs petrol
Our electric and hybrid training fleet
We run a mix of full electric and hybrid models so you can choose the experience that suits you:
- Pure electric vehicles — for learner drivers committing to an EV from day one
- Toyota Hybrid C-HR — for learner drivers who want hybrid versatility (no charging worry, automatic transmission)
- All cars are dual-controlled, fully insured, and modern
- Test-day car hire available — sit your test in the same car you trained in
What's different about driving an EV?
The basics — observation, position, signalling, junctions, roundabouts — are exactly the same. RSA test marking is identical. A few mechanical things change:
- No clutch — your left foot is redundant
- No gear stick to manage — selector is usually a dial, button or stalk
- One-pedal driving — lift off the accelerator and the car slows itself via regenerative braking
- Instant torque — gentle pressure on the accelerator gives a quicker response than petrol; takes a few minutes to calibrate
- Silent at low speed — extra observation for pedestrians and cyclists who can't hear you
- No idle — engine doesn't run when stopped at lights
None of these are difficult — most learner drivers adjust within the first lesson.
Who electric driving lessons suit
- First-time learner drivers whose family car is an EV
- Learner drivers who want to future-proof their licence (the EV transition is happening regardless)
- Mature learner drivers who find clutch operation tiring or stressful
- Drivers returning to learning after a break, who don't want to relearn manual gear control
- Anyone planning to buy an EV as their first car after passing
What we offer
- Single EV lessons — €60/hour, manual booking
- EDT in an EV — full 12-lesson Essential Driver Training programme in our electric fleet
- Pretest lessons in an EV — for learner drivers testing in an electric car
- Test-day car hire — use our EV for the actual RSA test
- Refresher lessons — for licensed drivers transitioning from petrol/diesel
Frequently asked questions
Will my licence be restricted to automatic?
Yes. The driving test in an electric or automatic car results in an automatic-only licence. If you want a manual licence later, you’ll need to retake the practical test in a manual car.
Are EV lessons more expensive?
Slightly. Our EV/hybrid lessons are €60/hour vs €55/hour for manual. The difference reflects higher fleet costs, not more difficulty.
Will I struggle to pass the test in an EV?
No. The RSA test is the same regardless of fuel type. EVs are arguably easier to test in — no stalls, no kangarooing, smoother takeoffs.
Can I do my EDT in an EV?
Yes. All 12 EDT lessons can be delivered in our electric fleet.
What if my family car is a manual?
If your sponsor-practice car is a manual, learning in an EV adds an extra step — you’ll need additional manual practice if you ever want to drive your family car. Most learner drivers in this position stick with manual lessons.
Where do you charge the EVs?
Charging happens between lessons at our base. You’ll never be in a car that runs out of charge during your lesson.
Can I book an EV pretest only?
Yes. Even if you did your EDT elsewhere, you can book pretest hours with us in an electric car.
Book your first EV lesson
Manual or electric instructor available, six days a week. Test-day car hire included as an option.
Call 045 879969 or 045 879903
