How drivers get licence now -
* Learner drivers must pass the Driver Theory Test to get a learner permit. The test costs €35.60 and includes questions on rules of the road, risk perception, technical aspects of the car and driving behaviour.
* Those who pass get a driver theory test certificate. This is valid for two years, meaning the test can be taken at 15 years.
* A learner permit is a licence which allows inexperienced drivers to learn to drive and to apply for a driving test. A person must be aged 17 years to apply, and it is valid for two years. It costs €15.
* Permit holders must be accompanied by a person with a full licence for at least two years. They must display ‘L’ plates and cannot drive on a motorway.
* Candidates must wait six months after receiving their learner permit before applying to sit the driving test. The test for driving a car costs €75.

How they will get it in future -
* Learner drivers will still have to pass the theory test before getting a learner permit, and wait six months before applying to sit the driving test.
* They will also have to complete a number of hours of training given by an approved driving instructor.
* The RSA has suggested that 20 hours’ training could be needed. This could cost up to €700.
* An approved syllabus from the Road Safety Authority would also have to be completed. This will include coping with road hazards and will set out the responsibilities of drivers.
* A log-book showing the number of hours spent practising would also have to be kept. This would be filled in by the accompanying driver.
* Measures that have been ruled out include imposing curfews and banning the carrying of passengers by inexperienced drivers.

Source: Independent.ie

Post by: Patrick James