New rules to limit learners

The loophole that allows motorists to drive on their second and subsequent provisional licence without passing a test is to be closed, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has said.

As part of its plans to reform driver training, the RSA plans to end all unaccompanied driving for learner drivers, including the loophole that allows drivers to renew their provisional licence on the basis that they are waiting for a test.

Up to one in five of all driving tests are cancelled by applicants at the moment.

At present, drivers on their second provisional are deemed experienced, and do not have to be accompanied by a qualified driver.

Tens of thousands of drivers on their third or subsequent licence - indicating they have failed to pass a test after four years of driving - can currently apply for a provisional licence even if they have failed a test, or failed to take it.

Noel Brett, chief executive of the RSA, told The Irish Timeslast night that this loophole would be closed, with legislation if necessary. "Once we know the driving test is available on demand, we will look at the barriers stopping people taking the test, up to and including compulsion," he said.

The RSA expects waiting times for driving tests to fall to between 8-10 weeks by March of next year and Mr Brett said he would be "unhappy if, by late 2008, we didn't have these issues addressed".

To find out why some drivers continuously renew their provisional licence, the RSA is carrying out an analysis of long-term holders of provisional licences. "We want to know why people repeatedly fail, or avoid a test. Is it the level of preparedness? Is it the availability or cost of lessons, or other issues like literacy? Depending on what that review shows, we will try and find appropriate remedies without compromising the integrity of the test," he said.

"We may need to look at ways to get not just tuition to these people, but also look at ideas such as mentoring by experienced drivers."

Regardless of the solution, Mr Brett said the existing situation where a learner driver can fail their test and drive away unaccompanied from a test centre will end.

"The learner permit regime will have restrictions and nobody will be driving away unaccompanied if they fail. They will be required to arrive accompanied, and drive away accompanied if they fail. That is what the law requires now."

Mr Brett also said the insurance industry has a role to play in encouraging provisional drivers to take the test. "We would prefer to encourage people rather than always having to rely on legislation.

"The insurance sector has a role to play here in incentivising people to get through the test. Once people have access to a test, but don't take one, there are serious issues for insurance companies to address."

The learner permit system is one of a number of initiatives included in the new Road Safety Strategy which was submitted to the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey by the RSA last week. Mr Dempsey has said publicly that he plans to bring the strategy before Cabinet by the end of this month.