Sir, - No sane person would allow a 17-year-old novice out alone with a loaded shotgun without a modicum of instruction in gun etiquette and safety. Similarly, society usually demands strict standards of training before newcomers are allowed access to most industrial machinery, dangerous chemicals, medicines, explosives, etc.
A car in the wrong hands is as lethal as these hazards, yet one only has to look at the standard of driving in any country town in Ireland to see just how poorly equipped many drivers are for modern road conditions. Even simple manoeuvres, such as reversing or parking in confined spaces parallel to the kerb, seem to elude the capabilities of a disturbing number of motorists, while a recent accident reminded me painfully that many learner drivers are let loose on the roads without even knowing the meaning of "no right turn" and other basic road signs.
In most other European countries, learner drivers are expected to undergo formal training from properly qualified and registered driving instructors. I believe that in some countries this is mandatory. Here in Ireland, however, there seems to be a prevailing idea that driving skills "come naturally" with practice, and that it is perfectly logical and reasonable to allow a learner driver out on the road completely unaccompanied, presumably to learn the tricks of the business by trial and error. Yes, technically, the learner driver is supposed to have a qualified driver by his or her side during the first year of holding a provisional licence, but in practice does this happen?
Training alone will not stop accidents, of course. But education in road sense, courtesy and vehicle control a vehicle, will at least equip drivers with a better appreciation of the dangers in which they place themselves and other road users. - Yours, etc.,
Midleton, Co Cork.