South Meath Driving School

From January 1^st, 2010, the Road Safety Authority plans to introduce a Graduated Driver Licensing system in Ireland for all learner drivers and it will apply for a period of four years overall. You read it correctly, four years.

The GDL system is directed at the more vulnerable Learner Driver, generally those in the 17 to 24 year age group. The system now considered by the RSA is in operation in British Columbia, Canada, and it’s most likely that it will be adopted here, albeit modified to suit Irish circumstances.

The Canadian GDL system may be defined as follows —

Phase One, over a two year period:

(1) Initial Learner Permit from age 16 onwards, commencing with a theory test and optical

(2) Supervised driving ; where learner is under 19 years, the supervisor must be a parent or guardian.

(3)   Zero alcohol level.

(4) One passenger allowed, plus supervisor.

(5) Accelerated penalty points.

(6) Night time curfew, 12m.n. to 5.00 am.

(7) After 12 months, a learner can take a 45 minute road test, which, if passed, allows one to progress to the next phase.

Phase Two, over a minimum two year period:

(1) Maximum ONE passenger, except for family members.

(2) Zero alcohol level.

(3) Any traffic offence here and back you go to restart phase 2.

(4) Accelerated penalty points.

(5) Fifty minute road test to progress to full licence without restrictions.

It may be somewhat daunting for the 17 year old to look at that prolonged period of 4 years before qualifying. And, with a proposed mandatory 20 hours driving lessons with an approved driving instructor, this new scenario presents a bigger challenge and expense than heretofore. Though, when it all leads to happier homes for many in the statistic that shows a much reduced figure in road crashes, how can one quibble? The figure of 279/2008 should be etched on every drivers mind – that’s fatalities: how many broken legs: how many broken hearts. Does it make 100 deaths in ’09 or ‘10 any more acceptable?

Lets compare the current Irish qualification system to that outlined above for BC :

Stage 1 – Pass the theory test, getting 35 out of 40 questions correct.

Stage 2 – Apply for Learner Permit.You’re on the road with a few little conditions –

Be accompanied by qualified driver for two years.

Cant drive on motorway.

Display ‘L’ plates.

Cant apply for test for six months.

Then, pass the test and you can drive without restriction. If that isn’t a cakewalk, by comparison with whats to come, then I’m a floating cirrus!

It’s no certainty that all or, indeed, any of the British Colombian system will come into force here, but, my belief is that it will, probably in its entirety. Therefore, my tip of the year is ‘ Pass your driving test in 2009.’