Learner drivers must take lessons

COMPULSORY LESSONS are to be introduced for learner drivers and a two-year restricted period will apply after they pass their test, under reforms announced by the Road Safety Authority.

The changes over the next two years will see an expansion of the driver theory exam and a significantly revised driving test format.

Legislation providing a range of new sentencing penalties for driving offences by learners caught speeding, not wearing a seatbelt or breaking traffic lights will also be drawn up.

These punishments will include a requirement to retake the test; fit a speed limiter, being barred from carrying passengers and/or having a curfew imposed.

The authority wants the legislation to provide for an “alcolock” to be fitted for those convicted of drink-driving, and the introduction of a tracking device.

An alcolock is a device which measures the alcohol level in the driver’s breath before allowing a car to start.

An “R” plate will apply for the first two years after a driver passes their test. From the end of 2012 drivers on this restricted licence will be required to pass a hazard perception test.

An “R” plate driver will be subject to many of the same restrictions as a learner permit holder, but will be allowed to drive on a motorway. Not displaying an “R” where it’s appropriate is likely to be punished by penalty points.

Penalty points allocated for the most serious road offences, including speeding, not wearing a seatbelt or ignoring traffic lights, will double for learner drivers.

While the punitive measures are targeted at learner and “R” plate drivers, authority chief executive Noel Brett said widening their use to offenders holding a full licence “makes sense”.

Mr Brett said the reforms were a response to research showing drivers between 17 and 24 years of age were five times more likely to die in a crash, with inexperience thought to be a significant factor.

The measures have been approved by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey and a new Road Safety Bill is to be drawn up, following consultation with the Department of Justice and the Courts Service.

Enforcement of the restrictions will be aided by the introductionnext year of a new driver licence containing a microchip holding a motorist’s details, including any endorsements.

Automatic number plate-reading technology and the roll-out of privatised speed cameras will also improve enforcement according to the RSA.

From December 6th, those applying for a motorcycle learner permit will be required to complete a minimum of 16 hours’ tuition with an approved driving instructor. This requirement will extend to those learning to drive a car after April 4th, 2011. Tuition will not be mandatory for existing learning permit holders.

The revised test will have more emphasis on “open road” driving and less on manoeuvring at low speeds. Motorway driving will not be included in the new test.

Another requirement is for a supervising driver to maintain and sign a logbook detailing a minimum of 36 hours where the learner motorist was accompanied, including driving at night.

More than one person can be nominated as an accompanying driver, once they have a full, clean licence for a minimum of two years.

A driver will receive the logbook when they sign up for compulsory lessons with a driving instructor.

The instructor will be required to sign the logbook to confirm the student completed the lessons. Falsifying this log will be an offence. A driver will have to produce the logbook before sitting the test.

A 20mg/100ml blood alcohol limit will apply to learner and novice drivers from the end of 2011, when equipment required to test at this level becomes available.

Based on an average of €35 per lesson, the new measures mean it will cost a minimum of €530 for a learner to obtain their full licence.