1. education
2. school

Learning
to Drive
in association with the Road Safety Authority
get up to speed with
the new learning to
drive requirements
how to become
a better, safer, more
competent driver
From passing the
theory test to getting your
licence; your complete guide
to getting behind the wheel!
02
Contents
04
In theory
05
Permission granted
06
Formal training essential to becoming a better driver
08
The role of the Sponsor
10
Your Logbook
12
10 ‘Golden Rules for Success’
13
What it takes to get behind the wheel today
14
Driving for life
17
Beyond your EDT training
18
Get on your bike
20
Taking the test
22
Experience is the key
25
Enforcement activity
26
Are you ready for your driving test?
27
“It can happen to anyone”
28
Understanding the impact
30
Get the point, not the points
Credits
A BeCreative Editorial Production
Editor: Tara Leigh tara@becreative.ie
Contributors: Mark Corcoran, Meghan O’Dowd
Advertising: Eoin Healy ehealy@independent.ie
(01) 7055403
Design: INM Design Studio studio@production.ie
Repro: Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Ltd
27-32 Talbot Street, Dublin 1
A Message from
Noel Brett, CEO,
Road Safety Authority
This booklet is designed to guide those learning, or who are
thinking of learning to drive, through the entire process.
In addition to candidates themselves, it will also be a
useful reference for their Approved Driving Instructors
(ADIs) and Sponsors.
On some of the pages you will find QR code links to on-line
videos. The videos have been produced to further help clarify
the roles and responsibilities of the Learner, the ADI and the
Sponsor.
By understanding these roles and responsibilities the
RSA believe that your learning will progress as efficiently as
possible and that it will have a deep and lasting effect on how
you interact with other road users.
There are also some additional short videos that
explain the learning to drive process, from Theory Test to
compulsory lessons, right though to preparing for and sitting
the practical driving test.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you well as
you learn this very important life skill. It will open the door to
new possibilities in terms of your personal freedom, mobility,
and employment prospects. But please don’t forget that with
such new found personal freedom comes responsibility, a
responsibility to yourself and to those in your community,
with whom you share the road.
Good luck and safe and happy motoring!
Noel Brett
CEO – Road Safety Authority
03
Learning to Drive
‘Learning to Drive’ can be a stressful but equally rewarding
experience for many people. It’s also different to the way
somebody would be used to learning in school or college.
It is carried out on a ‘one to one’ basis with a professional
trainer, which in itself can be a challenging situation for
some. What is being learned is a very important life skill
and unlike theoretical knowledge learning a practical skill
requires a different approach.
People have different learning styles and trainers need to
be able to identify each individual’s personal learning style.
This is in order to make the training a success and as cost
effective as possible. It is with that in mind that Approved
Driving Instructors (ADIs) develop individual training and
lesson plans to suit each individual learner.
Some learners are known as ‘Kinestetic’ type learners
and learn best from training methods that include ‘hands
on’ activity. Such learners may require more practical
experience. Therefore, it is important for an ADI to recognise
this and utilise a training plan that involves more practice.
Other learners may be ‘Auditory’ and respond best to
training methods that focus on spoken words and sounds.
Their ADIs may spend more time explaining things rather
than demonstrating.
‘Visual’ learners respond well to methods of training that
include strong visual components so plenty of demonstration
may be required.
Other learners respond best when they read or write
something and ADIs may set written work to help them
progress through their learning to drive experience.
Whatever type of learner you are you will need time to
practice outside the formal lessons, so it helps to be aware of
your learning style and be guided by your ADI as to how best
to practice. By practising what you have learned you will be
able to develop and hone your driving skills. It will also help
you to become a safer and more socially responsible driver.
What is Safe & Socially Responsible Driving?
Many drivers go through life without ever being involved in
a crash and, as a result, regard themselves as ‘safe’ drivers.
This may be the case, but are they socially responsible?
Social responsibility includes being aware of the many issues
that affect the way you drive, including whether or not you
should be driving at all.
This booklet is designed to guide you through the learning
to drive process in Ireland with the ultimate goal of helping
you to become a safer and more socially responsible road
user.
The three main elements of being a safe and socially
responsible road user are having a:
n Safe Vehicle n Safe Driver n Safe Journey n
Safe Vehicle
Having a Safe Vehicle, which is well maintained, not only
helps keep you and your family or friends safe, but helps
other road users and communities in the areas where you
travel. A well maintained vehicle will produce less harmful
emissions, burn less fuel saving you money and help to
reduce your overall running costs. Properly serviced vehicles
can use up to 20% less fuel than a poorly maintained vehicle.
A safe vehicle should have a warning triangle, a first aid
kit and a hi-viz vest or jacket for everyone in the vehicle.
Clean windows make it easier to see, especially at times
of the year when the sun is low in the sky or at night-time
when headlights of oncoming vehicles dazzle.
Safe Driver
A Safe Driver is someone who does not drive under the
influence of alcohol or drugs. A safe driver does not drive
when tired (See page 13) or use a mobile phone when driving.
A safe driver is someone who concentrates on the task of
driving and doesn’t get distracted.
A safe driver drives the way he or she did when under the
guidance of their instructor or their Sponsor. Remember,
drivers are responsible for the majority of collisions (84%)
that happen on the road. Concentration, Consideration and
Courtesy cost nothing at all, but could save your life or the
life of a passenger or other road user.
Safe Journey
A Safe Journey is one of the hardest things to plan for, as it
involves interaction with other road users who you have no
control over. But you can anticipate what they might do and
plan to keep yourself safe. A little time spent planning each
journey can make all the difference.
It begins by asking – is the journey necessary? It may
be that weather conditions are such that it is not safe to take
your normal route or mode of transport. A simple decision
to delay the start of your journey or to take the train instead
might be the wisest course of action in such a situation.
If the journey is necessary, then plan for the safest
route. Think about school times or peak times for traffic
(to and from work) and ask yourself can you organise your
journey to avoid the highest risks. Doing this can also save
you considerable costs as you avoid getting stuck in traffic
queues.
A driver can make a journey safer by making sure they
have adequate fuel for the journey.
The main point is, the better the advance planning the
safer the journey will be.
Value for your money
As a learner you owe it to yourself to get the most out of
the learning to drive process. It is hard to believe but some
learners turn up for their driving lesson without having given
a single thought to their driving since their last lesson. These
learners may eventually pass their driving test but all the
good practice will be very quickly forgotten. This group of
drivers are the most at risk on the road for the next two years
or so. This is because they slowly experience what they
should have been learning while being taught by their ADI
and mentored by their Sponsor.
04
In Theory
INTRODUCED in 2001, the Driver Theory Test is now
an essential part of obtaining a Learner Permit. The test
comprises several elements relating to road safety and
motoring legislation, including elements such as risk
perception, eco-driving, hazard awareness, and good driving
behaviour. Required for all categories of licence, the Driver
Theory Test is completed in a user-friendly computerised
format, suitable for people of all levels of computer literacy.
Preparing for your Driver Theory Test
The most effective way to prepare for your Driver Theory
Test is by combining both study and practise. The Driver
Theory Test study material comes in the form of a book
and also an interactive CD-ROM, which can be used with
your computer. Both of these materials provide information
on each category within the exam and for each category
of licence. Study the material in detail to ensure you are
knowledgeable in every area. The most recent version of the
study material (October 2011) includes a rationale as to why
the correct answer is correct. This rationale will help you to
not only learn the correct answer but more importantly, to
understand it. It is common knowledge that where adults
understand an issue they are far more likely to recall it and
apply it in everyday driving situations.
The study that you do now to prepare for your driver
theory test will also help you when it comes to your practical
lessons in learning to drive a car or motorcycle.
The CD-ROM has the added benefit of allowing the user to
complete practise tests, which gauge your progress as you
study. By doing these, you can see where your weaknesses
lie. It is a very valuable tool in your preparation for the real
test. The multiple choice format of the test requires that you
answer 35 out of 40 questions correctly in order to pass your
Driver Theory Test. With this in mind, you can practise until
you feel you are ready to book your test in one of the 41 test
centres around the country.
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06
So you’ve passed your theory
test and secured your learner
permit, Tara Leigh writes on
what it takes to get behind
the wheel
Michael Dolan
Formal
training
essential
to
becoming
a better
driver
Essential Driver
Training (EDT)
Scan here to watch our video
on Essential Driver Training
(EDT)
ON the 1st September 2010, the Road Safety Authority (RSA)
announced a range of measures, as part of their Graduated
Driving Licensing system, to enhance the way those learning
to drive would be trained, tested and licenced in Ireland.
One of the most notable changes was that learners are
now required to undertake at least 12 hours of compulsory
Essential Driver Training (EDT) with an Approved Driving
Instructor (ADI).
According to the Road Safety Authority the introduction
of the Essential Driver Training scheme will not only help
learner drivers learn vital driving skills but also enhance their
understanding of road safety. The 12 one-hour sessions tackle
specific ‘high risk’ issues to ensure drivers are fully equipped
to drive safely from the very beginning of their motoring
careers.
In addition to taking mandatory lessons with an ADI it is
also strongly recommended that each learner driver chooses
a Sponsor. A Sponsor is an experienced driver, often a family
member, who supervises the learner’s driving practise outside
of formal driving and EDT lessons.
“Within the learning to drive process there are three
participants - the learner, the Approved Driving Instructor and
the Sponsor,” says Michael Dolan. “All three roles are equally
important to the process and if one element is missing, the
learner will struggle.”
The most important factor for the learner, says Dolan, is
that the ADI and Sponsor understand their roles and interact
with each other.
“For the learner this means choosing the best ADI and
Sponsor for you, so that you get the most from your learning
to drive experience.”
However, it is just as important for the learner to take a
hands-on approach to their learning.
“Once you have chosen an ADI it’s necessary to prepare
in advance for each lesson. You don’t just turn up ad hoc, pay
your money and off you go.”
Choosing an Approved Driving Instructor
Over 1,900 instructors nationwide have been approved by the
RSA. To find an ADI in your locality simply log on to rsa.ie
where you will find a full list of ADI permit holders.
The ADI’s role is to help the learner become a better,
safer more competent driver. To do this, they need to not
only deliver the EDT programme but structure the learner’s
training around his/her needs and progress.
07
“A common misconception is that you simply show up, tick
off the 12 lessons and take your test,” says Dolan. “It’s not a
matter of taking EDT lesson one, EDT lesson two and so on.
“The reality is that everyone progresses at different
rates so it’s not just a matter of undergoing 12 hours of
training. How quickly you progress depend on a number of
factors including how much work you and your Sponsor put
in between lessons and your personal commitment to the
process, as well as your own innate ability. Therefore it is the
ADI’s responsibility to tailor the training to each individual.”
Once you’ve found an ADI it is vital to ask them for advice
on how to prepare for the course of EDT lessons. Your ADI
should let you know what practise and background reading
is required.
At your first EDT lesson, and each lesson thereafter, your
ADI will check your learner permit, and if you are using your
own car, will check to make sure your insurance, motor tax,
NCT and the roadworthiness of the vehicle are all in order.
At the end of each lesson – whether it’s an EDT lesson or
not – the ADI will inform the learner of their progress. This
will include spoken feedback as well as written feedback on
EDT lessons in the learner Logbook. Some ADIs provide
written feedback on other formal non EDT lessons also.
The learner keeps the Logbook and it should be used as
a learning tool to aid their formal lessons with their ADI and
their practise sessions with their Sponsor. It also offers an
opportunity for self- analysis and for the learner to review
their own progress.
“Self-analysis is an important aspect of the Essential
Driver Training programme as it encourages the pupil to
observe and question their strengths and weaknesses, while
at the same time guarding against over confidence, “ says
Dolan. “It is important that the student is made aware that
this is not about criticism, it’s about advancing to becoming
a better, safer, more competent driver. If you feel you did
something well then say so but include why you did it well –
that will help you to remember it later on.
“People can absorb the information and adjust to it better
when it’s also in black and white. When some drivers make an
error and it hasn’t caused a crash, they are inclined to ignore
it and forget about it. The self-analysis part of the training
makes learners ask questions such as what happened, how
did it happen and how can I change it?”
While the Logbook is an important tool in self-analysis it
can also be extremely useful to the Sponsor who can check
your Logbook for feedback and structure your practise time
accordingly.
“Traditionally when people learnt to drive they went out
with their mother or father so the Sponsor is not a new role,”
asserts Dolan. “However, the Sponsor should not be teaching
the learner new skills that have not been covered by the ADI.”
According to the RSA, to become a competent driver a mix
of both formal and informal training is required. That said the
Sponsor’s role is to reinforce the learning that is happening in
the formal lessons.
“Basically, the practice sessions need to be undertaken in
a structured manner so that all of the training is consistent,”
asserts Dolan. “It is therefore a good idea for the Sponsor to
be guided by the ADI so that no discrepancies arise between
what the learner is being taught by their ADI and what they
are hearing from their Sponsor. This is why the Logbook is so
important.
“There is a page at the back of the Logbook specifically
for the Sponsor to make records and notes on the training
sessions. That way, if there is something they are not sure
about or they feel the learner is missing, the ADI will be able
to see and address it at the next lesson.”
Learner
Driver
Scan here to watch our video on
the roles and responsibilities of
the learner driver as you learn
to drive
Your EDT Training
According to the RSA each EDT lesson lasts about one hour and it is recommend that you
leave two weeks between each of the EDT lessons to allow for further instruction, practise
and learning. Ideally, the EDT course should be spread over 6 months.
n LESSON 1
CAR CONTROLS AND SAFETY
CHECKS
n LESSON 2
CORRECT POSITIONING 1
n LESSON 3
CHANGING DIRECTION
n LESSON 4
PROGRESSION MANAGEMENT
n LESSON 5
CORRECT POSITIONING 2
n LESSON 6
ANTICIPATION AND REACTION
n LESSON 7
SHARING THE ROAD
n LESSON 8
DRIVING SAFELY THROUGH
TRAFFIC
n LESSON 9
CHANGING DIRECTION (MORE
COMPLEX SITUATIONS)
n LESSON 10
SPEED MANAGEMENT
n LESSON 11
DRIVING CALMLY
n LESSON 12
NIGHT DRIVING
08
The role
of the Sponsor
Undoubtedly, learning to drive is a major step on the road
to independence; however, one should not forget that it is one
that carries risks. It is for this reason that the Road Safety
Authority is calling on parents, family members or friends
to take a more active role in preparing the youth of today to
become better, safer, competent and more responsible drivers.
Learner Permit holders have always been required to
have a full licence holder present while driving. The major
difference under the Essential Driver Training measure is that
learner drivers (who hadn’t already done so) are now advised
to choose a Sponsor with which to undertake supervised
driving time between each lesson.
According to the Road Safety Authority learner drivers
As part of the Essential
Driver Training programme
the Road Safety Authority
is encouraging learners to
enlist the help of a Sponsor
to supervise driving practiCe
between lessons
who practise between lessons will make better progress
during their driving lessons and in turn achieve their goal of
becoming a skilled driver.
Under the Essential Driver Training programme,
learners are required to complete a minimum of 12 onehour lessons focusing on ‘high risk’ road safety issues over
a six-month period. The Road Safety Authority advises
learners to leave at least two weeks between each lesson
to allow for practice with their Sponsor, a person who has
held a full driving licence for more than two years. In the
interim the learner driver will be required to take additional
lessons with their ADI (Approved Driving Instructor)
depending upon their rate of progress and access to
practise with their Sponsor.
The responsibilities of the Sponsor
While ADIs are responsible for delivering formal driver
training the role of the Sponsor is to help learners practise
in the skills learned during their EDT lessons.
Research shows that accompanying drivers can have a
real impact on the learning to drive process so it is vital to
choose someone that you feel comfortable with such as a
family member. However, it is just as important to select an
individual who is able to put in the time and effort to help
you. Your Sponsor must have held their own full Category B
driving licence for a minimum of two years and should ideally
have at least 100,000km of driving experience.
09
“One of the most important decisions you make as
you consider learning to drive is who to choose as your
Sponsor,” says Noel Brett, Chief Executive Officer with the
Road Safety Authority. “This is a hugely important role and
so it is vital that this is a person you feel comfortable with
and who demonstrates safe driving behaviour you can learn
from. This might be a parent, uncle or sibling, but it must
be someone who can make the commitment to contribute
their time to helping you to become a better, safer and
competent driver. ”
That being said, the role of the Sponsor is to ensure
learner drivers get time to practise what they have learned
with the Approved Driving Instructor. Sponsors should not
attempt to teach the learner driver anything that has not
been covered by the Approved Driving Instructor. It is the
Sponsor’s job to offer support and display a real interest in
the learner driver’s progress.
In order to do this successfully, the Road Safety Authority
advises Sponsors to take the time to meet with the Approved
Driving Instructor. These are not mutually exclusive roles and
learner drivers get the best results when the Approved Driving
Instructor and Sponsor work closely together. Once this is
achieved, the training received from the Approved Driving
Instructor and practise with their Sponsor will be consistent.
The Road Safety Authority has a number of tools
available to Sponsors to enable them carry out their
role as effectively as possible. Log on to www.rsa.ie
to download the Rules of the Road and an Essential
Driving Training booklet.
Sponsor
Scan here to watch our
video on the role of the
Sponsor
Driving for life
Tara Leigh talks to Cathy and her Sponsor Val about the importance of
learning the correct driving skills from the beginning and why it is never
too late to get behind the wheel
CATHY, who is in her 60s, began taking lessons three weeks
ago and while she recognises she still has a long way to
go before becoming an accomplished driver she already
considers her Essential Driver Training extremely valuable.
“Tomás, my Approved Driving Instructor, is very patient
with me and explains everything clearly, which has really
helped my confidence,” says Cathy.
While Cathy believes mandatory lessons are essential
to her progress in learning to drive she is eager to purchase
a car so that she can practise with her Sponsor in between
lessons. When selecting a Sponsor she chose her daughter
Val and both women feel it is important to choose someone
you trust.
“I think you need to have a good relationship to be able to
practise with someone,” says Val. “I live directly across the
road from my mother, so we are very close and she knows
we are not going to fight or get in an argument when we are
out driving. She’s comfortable with me in the car and that is
very important.”
However, it is not just about feeling comfortable with
the person, acknowledges Val, you have to be sure you are
passing on the right information. To ensure this, Val has sat
in on Cathy’s lessons with her Approved Driving Instructor
(ADI) to become familiar with his approach.
“If you are going to be conveying the information to the
learner in between lessons, you need to know what the ADI
is teaching. It is helpful to know what has been covered
and that way our practise sessions can reinforce what was
learnt,” states Val.
“When you have been driving for a long time you don’t
think every step through one hundred per cent of the time
but when you are learning to drive, you are in a situation
where you have to think everything through all of the time. By
bringing someone else on board it not only makes everybody
responsible for the learner’s advancement but everyone will
become better drivers.”
Charting your progress
While practising with a Sponsor is a great way to build upon
the tuition received with the ADI, documenting your progress
in a Logbook will ensure you know exactly where your
strengths and weaknesses lie, and give you something to
think about in-between lessons.
“After each lesson myself and Tomas, the ADI, record
our analysis of the lesson in the Logbook. This way, we can
see in black and white what she needs to go back over. My
mother completes her self-analysis page during the week
when she has time to reflect on the lesson without any
pressure.”
The Road Safety Authority believes that by utilising all of
these aspects of the Essential Driver Training programme, a
learner will become a better safer driver and develop skills
they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
“Everybody becomes complacent over time but if you
grasp these skills when you are starting out they will stay
with you and you will not develop bad habits,” continues Val.
“When I was learning to drive ten years ago, it was a
completely different system. My husband gave me a few
lessons and after that I took a few with a driving instructor
but I drove myself to and from the lessons. When you think
about it now, it was absolutely crazy. I could have driven to
my test, failed it and driven home. With the Essential Driver
Training scheme the onus is put on drivers to get involved in
the learning properly and from the very beginning.”
10
the logbook iS a uSeful tool
for the learner, the SponSor
and the adi in helping the
learner become a better, Safer,
more competent driver. below
we take a look at a Sample
logbook to illuStrate thiS
Your
Logbook
ONE LEARNER’S SELF- ANALYSIS
AND ThE SpONSOR’S RECORDINgS
11
SELF ANALYSIS – LESSON 1
In analysing your performance on EDT Lesson 1, please think about the following questions. What were the expected outcomes for this
lesson? Did I meet those outcomes? Do I understand the theory behind the topics covered? What did I do well? Why did I do it well?
What did I not do so well? What do I think caused me not to perform those pieces so well? Was I properly prepared for the lesson?
How can I be better prepared in future?
To get the best out of your self analysis, you should complete it as soon as possible after the lesson while it is fresh in your mind. This
is an exercise for your own use but your ADI may wish to discuss your self analysis with you before your next lesson and you should
find that a short discussion with your ADI or Sponsor will often be helpful. The main thing to remember is to take the time to carefully
consider your own performance.
Self Analysis
(See notes section inside back cover)
I was not very well prepared for today’s EDT lesson as I did not do plenty of practise beforehand. I know the practise is a crucial
part of my course and need to make sure I take the time to practise in future. That will help me to be ready for each lesson as they
come along.
Generally I was using the system of car control well but on occasion forgot to check the mirror before I signalled. By doing that I do
not always know it is safe to start slowing down or even if the signal might startle another driver who is overtaking me. I need to
be more consistent and remember the MSMM routine. (Mirror, Signal, Mirror, Manoeuvre)
My reversing was great. I managed to do three reverses correctly, one after another. This went well because this is the thing I was
practising all week; I also remembered to use the markings Brian gave me. I think I have the handle on that now but must keep
practising. Brian tells me to always reverse into my driveway at home. That way I will be able to see properly when reversing in and
when I drive out again. I am good at things when someone shows me how to do it, the demonstration really helped.
Brian said I need to watch the speed, he said I tend to be ‘heavy footed’ so sometimes I don’t realise how fast I am going – for that
reason I need to pay more attention to the Speedo. I must ask Brian when I might be ready to do EDT lesson 5. I feel ready. In the
meantime I will ask Dad to watch my speed in the practise sessions.
Sponsor’S PAGE
Sponsors should use this section to record the dates and times of when practise sessions are taken and which topics were practised. Be
guided by your learner’s ADI who will have noted details of the EDT lessons taken and may have included details of what needs to be
practised further, what the learner needs to read up on or have covered before the next EDT lesson. Sponsors may also use this section
to leave comments for the learner or ADI as appropriate. By keeping in touch with the learner and the ADI, a Sponsor will be able to
help reinforce, for the learner, the learning that has taken place during both EDT and other driving lessons.
Notes:
14th February 2013
Karen drove to Tesco’s and on the route we were able to practise many roundabouts (7 in total). She drives well but sometimes
forgets to check her mirror before signalling. She does it well when I remind her but not so well when left to her own devices.
17th February 2013
Today Karen drove to Naas. Her mirror work was much better and she only forgot it once and even then she recognised that herself.
Her confidence when approaching junctions is really growing now.
23rd February 2013
Not a good day today, Karen seems to have reverted to her old ways with the mirrors again. She was very upset by this so we
changed to practise her reversing instead and that seemed to cheer her up. I must talk to Brian to see what I could do to help her
remember to check her mirrors.
28th February 2013
Better again today. Brian had Karen talk her way through the system of control on the approach to each junction – seemed to do
the trick. We did over 70Km today and Karen did extremely well. I think she is ready to do her 5th EDT lesson and will chat to
Brian about arranging that.
12
10
‘golden Rules
for Success’
Do seek a recommendation from family or friends
when choosing your ADI. Before booking your
first appointment ask the ADI for a full list of terms and
conditions, including their cancellation policy. If using a large
driving school ask which ADI will be assigned to you and if
you are not happy let them know, they will be keen to hold
onto you as a customer. Some learners complain about the
driving school changing their ADI from one lesson to the
next. Again, if this is happening to you and you are not happy
with it say so, you might decide to say it at the start so you
always get the same ADI. It’s up to you.
Make sure you always get a lesson ‘wrap up’ from
your ADI. This should include feedback on the
lesson just completed, progress against your training plan,
recommendations for practise with your Sponsor and some
recommended reading (related to either what you have just
been doing in your lesson or what you will be doing in your
next lesson).
Make sure your ADI gives you an appointment card
which sets out the date, time and location of pick up for
your next lesson as well as what type of lesson it is (EDT, non
EDT etc).
Make sure your Logbook is properly completed by your
ADI. The Feedback section and Recommended Actions
must be completed. If anything is missing let your ADI know
that you need them to complete it fully. See page 11 of this
handbook for examples of ADI comments.
01
02
03
Be careful when deciding to pay for lessons in advance,
many are just paying on a per lesson basis these days.
Ask to see your training plan (this will not be available
at your first lesson) and check your progress against it
from time to time.
04
Be careful when choosing a Sponsor – make sure they
will be committed to the task and can spare the time to
help you.
05
Do ask questions of
your ADI and your
Sponsor. Do not let things
slip by, if you don’t know
ask or you wont know!
06
07
Take time to complete your ‘self-analysis’. This is a very
important part of skills learning for adults. See page 11
of this handbook for some examples.
08
09
Check that your progress is being sent to the RSA by
logging onto ‘MY EDT’ or ‘MY IBT’ available from the
RSA website ‘MY IBT’ will be available from October 2013.
Learners will not be able to get a test appointment without
their ADI updating their EDT or IBT record. Most ADIs
update the RSA records at least once a week. For further
information on IBT see page 18.
10
ADi
Scan here to watch our video on
the role of the Approved Driving
Instructor (ADI)
14
Tara Leigh talks to learner
James King and his Sponsor Pat
Horgan about the importance
of undertaking a structured
mode of training and why 12
lessons alone are simply not
enough
What it
takes to
get behind
the wheel
today
15
“Before each lesson
I spend an hour or two
going over the
EDT syllabus. I think
it is important to take
the time to prepare for
your lesson so you
know what that lesson
will entail and where
everything is on
the car”
LIKE most men his age, James, 21, decided to take
driving lessons so that he could get to and from work with
ease. After beginning his Essential Driver Training (EDT)
he believes preparation is of the utmost importance in
becoming a proficient driver.
“Before each lesson I spend an hour or two going over
the EDT syllabus. I think it is important to take the time to
prepare for your lesson so you know what that lesson will
entail and where everything is on the car.”
Each EDT lesson has a preparation requirement which
not only involves studying the EDT syllabus but practising
what has been demonstrated by the Approved Driving
Instructor (ADI) with a Sponsor. When James’s Sponsor
was no longer able to put in the time necessary to help
him practise between lessons, James’s ADI Tomás O’
Callaghan asked Pat Horgan to step in.
“I think Tomás probably asked me to be James’s
Sponsor because I was very hands on when my son was
learning to drive,” says Pat.
“I used to sit in on his lessons with Tomás so that I
could take in everything Tomás was saying while my son
concentrated on the road. When a learner driver is being
taught and has the ADI in the passenger seat he is only
taking in so much, whereas a Sponsor sitting in the back
of the car can take in a lot more information and relay that
information to the learner at a later stage.”
“Having the Sponsor sit in on the lessons also helps
people who are nervous driving with passengers,” adds
James. “They can get used to someone else being in the
car.”
However, Pat is quick to point out that the learner will
only become a skilful driver if both the Approved Driving
Instructor and Sponsor are working together.
“If the Sponsor does not interact with the Approved
Driving Instructor the Sponsor may be imparting their
impressions on the learner rather than what is required
under Essential Driver Training. The Sponsor may have
ten or twelve years of collision free driving behind him/her
but that does not mean he/she is driving correctly. Without
a good degree of interaction, the Sponsor and Approved
Driving Instructor cannot be on the same wavelength.”
Preparation is key
While it is vital for learners to undertake the 12 mandatory
lessons set out by the Road Safety Authority with their ADI
and practise with their Sponsor between each lesson to
become a proficient driver, James argues that the learner
must every day be striving to become a better driver.
“I think it is important to practise in between lessons
but an hour or two with your Sponsor is simply not enough.
I take an hour every day to familiarise myself with the
controls of the car so that I am ready for my next lesson.”
“The standard of driving on Irish roads is not great,”
continues Pat. “I see a lot of people making mistakes and it
is largely down to the fact that they have not been trained
correctly from the start of their driving career.
“If you are trained by someone who is not an Approved
Driving Instructor, you are not getting the right information
and chances are you will not become a safe and competent
driver. It is necessary to learn from the start what is safe
and what is not safe so that it becomes habit.” Get all of
your driving lessons from an ADI.
17
once your approved driving
inStructor (adi) haS
Stamped each eSSential
driver training (edt)
leSSon aS complete in your
logbook, your leSSonS are
not over SayS the rSa
Beyond
your EDT
Training
WHILE the EDT training is an important component of
the graduated Driving System you should not consider
your training finished once you have completed all 12
lessons successfully.
The 12 lessons can be considered part of what is
required for safe driving. After you finish your EDT course,
you may still need to complete your individual driver
training plan. This may well include additional lessons
with an Approved Driving Instructor to improve your
driving skills and confidence on the road. Everyone is
different and most people will need different levels of
training. EDT is just part of that.
The RSA also recommends continuing to practise with
your Sponsor as much as possible to get comfortable
behind the wheel.
According to Michael Dolan that principle applies
whether you have passed your driving test or not.
“Some people look at the driving test as the end goal,”
says Dolan. “That’s not the case. Sure, passing your
driving test is a rite of passage that all learner drivers look
forward to, but to stay safe you should be advancing your
knowledge and understanding as well as your skills all
of the time.
“This may involve taking extra formal lessons with an
Approved Driving Instructor, regularly reading the Rules
of the Road and re-familiarising yourself with Driver theory
test books. Rule change and new road signs are introduced
from time to time so it is good practise for every driver to
read the Rules Of The Road at least once a year.
“Just because the theory test is out of the way, doesn’t
mean that study time is finished. Learners and qualified
drivers should be constantly refreshing their knowledge.
“Research shows that learning in a structured manner
will help you preserve those skills throughout your
lifetime.
“So drivers need to learn the necessary skills now
which will help them become better, safer and socially
responsible drivers for the duration of their driving life.”
For more information visit rsa.ie
18
Tara Leigh on what it takes to
become a licenCed motorcycle
rideR today
Get on
your bike
DUE to the fact that they have less protection and their
narrow profile, motorcyclists are far more vulnerable on
roads than drivers of cars or most other vehicles.
In fact, research shows that motorcyclists are three
times more likely to be killed on Irish roads than in any
other EU country.
In an attempt to bridge this gap, the Road Safety
Authority has introduced new measures for training
motorcyclists so that they have the information and skills
needed to deal with the various hazards faced when
riding a motorcycle .
According to the Road Safety Authority, Initial Basic
Training (IBT) is the first step on the road to becoming a
better, safer and more competent motorcyclist.
What is Initial Basic Training?
The RSA worked with motorcycle instructors to devise
the course which is comprised of both on-road and
compound based off-road tuition. In general and
depending on the path chosen the learner motorcyclist
will take four modules covering core areas of motorcycle
safety including Personal Protection Equipment,
Anticipation and Reaction and travelling in severe
Weather Conditions. IBT training must be completed
On the day of your
motorcycle test
Scan here to find out what you
should expect on the day of your
motorcycle test
with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). To find an IBT
Approved Driving Instructor in your area simply log on to
www.rsa.ie.
To get the most from your Initial Basic Training,
the RSA advises all learners to consult with their IBT
trainer on how best to prepare for the course and also
to familiarise yourself with The Rules of the Road, the
Learning to Ride a Motorcycle booklet and Essential
Skills- the official motorcycling manual.
Self- analysis
At your first lesson, your trainer will give you a personal
Logbook setting out the lesson plan for your Initial
Basic Training course. As each module is successfully
completed, your trainer will sign off and record this in
your Logbook; this will allow you to move onto the next
Module.
The Logbook also offers an opportunity for selfanalysis. According to the RSA self-analysis is an
important part of your training as it offers an opportunity
to reflect on your training and focus on areas that you
may feel are weak. At your next lesson, your IBT trainer
can review those areas with you and help you to become a
better, safer more competent motorcyclist.
Motorcyclists cannot take to the roads unsupervised
until the programme has been completed. Once you have
completed all four modules, your trainer will give you a
Certificate of Satisfactory Completion, which must be kept
with your learner permit for the bike you are riding as both
documents may need to be produced for Garda inspection.
However, it must be noted that all four modules have
to be completed within two years of completing module
one or you will have to repeat the entire course.
19
E
L
P
AM
S
During your
motorcycle test
Scan here to watch
our video on what
happens during the
motorcycle test
What the new progression module means for you
On January 19th of this year a further progression module
was introduced as part of the new licensing rules. This
progression module allows riders in certain instances to
change vehicle types and sizes and obtain a higher category
of driving licence.
Progressing to an unrestricted Category A driving
licence for learner permit holders
Prior to 2013 holders of a Learner Permit for Category A
were initially restricted to driving motorcycles subject to a
power limit of 25kW. This restriction continued for two years
after you completed your motorcycle driving test and had
obtained a full driving licence for this category.
The new rules mean that if you are 24 years old or over
and the holder of the old Category A restricted to 25kW
(paper type) Learner Permit or the holder of a Category
A2 (plastic type) Learner Permit you can progress to the
new unrestricted Category A licence by first obtaining a
Category A unrestricted learner permit, then undergo the
required IBT training. For example this can be done by
undertaking modules 1,3 and 5 of the Initial Basic
Training (if you have not previously completed IBT) and
passing your practical driving test, after the 6 months
learning period.
initial Basic
Training (iBT)
Scan here to watch
our video on Initial
Basic Training (IBT)
Learner
Motorcyclist
Scan here to watch
our video on your roles
and responsibilities
as you learn to ride a
motorcycle
If on the other hand you have previously completed IBT
and held a Category A restricted to 25kW Learner Permit
(paper type), you only need to successfully complete the
progression module 5 on a motorcycle with a minimum
power output of 40kW as well as the practical driving test.
(*From November 2013 the motorcycle used must have a
minimum power output of 50kW.)
In addition, for those who have held a provisional licence
prior to 1989 without a break in validity exceeding 5 years,
you are only required to undergo a practical driving test.
Progressing to an unrestricted Category A driving
licence for full driving licence holders
If you are aged 24 years or older and have been issued
with a Category A full driving licence within the last two
years and wish to remove the power restriction, you will
need to complete modules 1, 3 and 5 of the IBT course on
a motorcycle with a minimum power output of 40kW if you
have not completed any Initial Basic Training.
For those who have previously completed IBT on any type
of motorcycle, completion of the progression module 5 on a
motorcycle with a minimum power output of 40kW is all that
is required. (*The minimum power output of 40kW will be
increased to 50kW in November 2013).
20
Pat Travers
Taking
the test
WHEN it comes to becoming a competent driver there is no
doubt that driver education plays a central role. It was with
this in mind the RSA introduced the new Essential Driver
Training/Initial Basic Training programmes. That is, all of
those applying for their first learner permit for a car on or
after the 4th April 2011 must undertake at least 12 hours
of compulsory training. According to the RSA this formal
structure will ensure those learning to drive become safer
drivers and sail through their driving test.
“When a person has come through their Essential Driver
Training, taken the test and been successful, the feedback
we get is positive,” says Pat Travers, Chief Driver Tester with
the RSA. “They will then be glad they have gone through the
mandatory training, benefitted from their training and gotten
value from their experience.”
No more
waiting
Driving test waiting times have been steadily falling in
recent years. It is for this reason you must ensure that
you are ready for your test before applying. Your Approved
Driving Instructor will be able to advise you as to when you
are ready to take the test. The RSA aims to have a national
waiting time on average of 10 weeks, in many areas it is less
than this, so only apply when you are ready to do so.
New electronic marking
system being introduced in
driver testing
THE Driver Testing Service of the Road Safety Authority is
currently implementing a system that records driving test
results electronically. What this means for you is that your
driver tester will be making notes on a tablet device during
the test. Your ADI will have explained that you should not
be put off by this as driver testers routinely make notes
throughout the test. After your test has finished and you have
been given your result, your tester will show you details on
the screen.
Regardless of the result (Pass or Fail) he / she will also
provide you with a Feedback Form which indicates the areas
that would benefit from further attention. This information
is important and whatever your result you should discuss
the feedback with your ADI, to help you to become an even
better safer driver.
Depending on the correspondence method you selected
when you applied for your test, you will also receive a
detailed marking sheet via email or post. This is available
immediately to those with access to emails via a tablet or
smart phone. If possible, discuss it with your ADI there and
then. If it is not possible, you should arrange to meet your
ADI to discuss it at a mutually convenient time.
21
passing
the test
WHEN it comes to sitting the test there are a number of
key areas to be aware of. The most important factor, says
Travers is to be prepared.
Travers is quick to point out that being unprepared does
not mean that a person is not a good driver. “You could be
an excellent driver but if you do not show up with a valid
learner permit you will not be able to take your test. Not only
is it a legal obligation to carry a learner permit it is also a
key requirement in ensuring the identification of the person
taking the test.
“You also need to ensure that your brake lights and
indicators are in working order and that the car is taxed,
insured and the NCT is displayed.”
While this may seem like basic information the reality is
that up to 20 per cent of people show up to their test without
these requirements in place. “In this instance their test can’t
go ahead,” continues Travers. “They will have to re-apply,
re-pay their fees and come in again in another 10 weeks. It
is absolutely vital to become familiar with RSA booklets such
as the ‘Preparing for your Driving Test’ booklet before the day
of your test.”
The driving test itself should last approximately 40
minutes and will include questions on the Rules of the Road,
as well as demonstration skills such as reversing around a
corner, a turnabout in the road, and a hill start. You will also
need to know how to perform a check on the tyres, lights,
reflectors, engine oil, coolant, windscreen washer fluid,
steering, brakes and horn.
Commo
during thn mistakes ma
de
e drivin
n Inadeq
g test
uate obse
rv
atio
junctions,
at roundab n when moving of
lanes
f,
outs and
when chan at
ging
n Failure
to anticip
ate the ac
tions of ot
her drive
n Incorr
rs
ect ro
when turn ad position on stra
ing, at rou
ight, bend
ndabouts
s
or overta and
n Incorr
king
ect, in
mirrors an adequate or inap
propriate
d signals
use of
n Non-com
pliance w
ith
road sign
s and mar traffic controls su
kings
ch as
n Excessi
ve speed
for the ro
condition
ad or traf
s
fic
n Lack of
confidence
in the reve
manoeuvr
rse and tu
es
rnabout
Whether you pass your test or not, it is vitally important,
says Travers to take heed of the tester’s feedback. “Your
tester will focus on the key learning points that you need to
address, so if the issue with your drive today was that you
were blind to stop signs, he would focus primarily on that and
identify the other areas that you need to concentrate on.
You’ve
passed!
What next?
AFTER you pass your test, the tester will issue you with a
Certificate of Competency, which you can then exchange for a
full driving licence from the licensing authorities.
On the day
of your test
Scan here to find out what to
expect on the day of your
driving test
During your
driving test
Scan here to view a video of
a candidate undergoing her
driving test
22
You’ve undertaken all your
EDT training, have completed
your test and are feeling more
confident than ever. However,
as the research shows,
experience and necessary
caution are essential to safety
on our roads
Experience is
the key
ROAD crashes are the biggest single killer of young people
worldwide. It is vital that young and inexperienced drivers
are aware of, and take seriously, the risks and hazards
that every driver encounters on the roads. It is important
to remember that, as the research shows, young drivers,
charged with the excited energy of driving for the first time,
are far more likely to be involved in a crash than their older
counterparts.
And the studies back this up. Irish research, completed
in 2011, showed that 17 – 20 year old drivers had a 12.9%
of risk of being killed in a road collision. When you compare
those figures to the 2.5% risk of 25 – 29 year olds and the
1.7% risk of 30 – 39 year olds you can see that there is a
considerable discrepancy.
But it is not only in Ireland where younger inexperienced
drivers are at the most risk.
Research conducted in the UK makes for interesting
reading. Results from studies there show that an 18-yearold driver is more than three times as likely to be involved in
a crash as a 48 year-old and that one in five new drivers has
a crash within six months of passing their test.
Why are young and inexperienced
drivers more at risk?
It is common that inexperienced drivers become
complacent or even arrogant about their skills. It is
this kind of thinking which can put lives at risk. The first
few years of driving are crucial in determining the crash
liability of new drivers. Increasing age also results in a
reduction in crashes, although the magnitude of this effect
in the first few years of driving is considerably less than
the effect of added experience. Taking the time to drive
in a safe and socially responsible way will dramatically
reduce the risk for newly qualified drivers, their friends
and family.
But what is it about the lack of experience that leaves
young drivers at such a high risk on the roads. It is clear
that over-confidence plays a part. Young people quickly pick
23
up the physical skills of driving and, as a result, feel they
have mastered it. Thus, they are left feeling very confident
about their driving ability. This means young drivers may
drive unsafely, but think that they are actually in control.
Many young people also admit they think crashes only
happen to other people. The research shows that younger
and more inexperienced drivers are more likely to take risks.
People do not generally take risks in a deliberate way - risk
taking creeps in where new drivers do not take the time to
keep themselves safe.
Inexperience can also affect a driver’s ability to assess
hazards and spot them quickly and effectively. Although
some hazards on the road are easy to identify, there are
some situations where hazards are not immediately
obvious. Your driving instructor will have taught you to
look forward and anticipate hazards; drivers who do so
are among the safest drivers of all. Looking ahead and
anticipating what might happen will not only help keep you
safe but will save you money.
REMEMBER –Concentration – Courtesy and
Consideration help keep everyone safe
Driving is a new experience for young people and
they can tend to use most of their mental energy on the
immediate tasks such as gear changing, rather than general
observation of the potential hazards. If there is a sudden
need to avoid a situation, young people may be less able
to deal with it due to their mental energy being focused on
other tasks. The good news is you can substantially reduce
the danger during the period of highest risk by continuing to
drive the way you were taught.
The three Cs will help. CONCENTRATION,
CONSIDERATION, COURTESY were all things we
learned from a very young age. Carrying those skills
into using the road will help to keep you out of trouble
and more importantly help to make you a safe and
socially responsible driver.
25
“waiting timeS or acceSS
to Quality tuition are
no longer excuSeS for
driving long term or
breaching the termS of
the learner permit.”
Enforcement
activity
THE gardai have begun to mount regular enforcement
campaigns targeting non-compliance by Learner Drivers of
the terms of their permits.
Four operations were held in 2012 targeting learner
permit holders and their legal obligations to have a fully
qualified driver with them at all times, plus the display of L
plates. Although the compliance rate has increased since the
first operation in March, it remains at an unacceptably high
level, and this will continue to be addresses in future garda
operations.
Additional and regular enforcement is planned in 2013.
The results of the four enforcement campaigns found that
of the 4,423 learner drivers stopped at checkpoints, 1,610
(36%) were driving unaccompanied and 1,136 (26%) did not
display ‘L’ plates.
These requirements are there for the Learner Driver’s and
every road user’s protection and there will be a continued
focus on ensuring our learner driver’s do it right.
Historically learner drivers may have blamed waiting times
for a driving test as an excuse for driving unaccompanied or
without ‘L’ plates. Waiting times or access to quality tuition
are no longer excuses for driving long term or breaching
the terms of the Learner Permit. There are almost 2,000
Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) nationwide, registered
with the RSA, who are able to provide a high standard of
tuition to candidates. Waiting times for the driving test have
been cut dramatically and are below a ten week national
average and in some places this waiting time is lower.
If someone needs an urgent driving test, for example
to secure a job, the RSA can prioritise that candidate for
a test. There is also an issue of parental responsibility
involved and the RSA would also appeal directly to the
parents of young learner drivers to stop turning a blind eye
to what’s going on and do not allow their son or daughter
access to a vehicle, unless they are accompanied and have
‘L’ plates displayed.
26
Are you ready for
your driving test?
You’ve put in the time and effort with your Approved
Driving Instructor, you are progressing through the
Essential Driver Training/Initial Basic Training programme
ad your ADI and you both feel ready for your test. However,
as the day of your test approaches there are certain
considerations to be made.
With the average waiting times for driving tests getting
shorter – the average waiting time is just ten weeks – the
Road Safety Authority is urging people to wait until they
and their Approved Driving Instructor feel that they are
ready to sit the driving test. That said there is much more
to preparing for the driving test than considering yourself a
competent driver.
In 2011, 16.73 per cent of booked driving tests were not
conducted for a number of reasons including a fault with
the vehicle presented for the test, documentation not being
in order and the candidate not turning up or being late.
When a test is not conducted, it not only means that waiting
times for learner drivers who are ready to take the test are
longer but the candidate has to reapply and thus pay the
fee again.
So how should you prepare for the driving test?
The first step is to ensure that your car is roadworthy well
in advance of your driving test as your car may require
maintenance. This means ensuring that the brake, indicator
lights, handbrake and seatbelts are working efficiently. Tyres
should meet the legal minimum tread depth (1.6mm for a car
and 1.6mm for a motorbike).
In addition to the car being in working order a candidate
must ensure that they have the correct documentation with
them on the day of the test. In 2011, for example, 595 failed to
take their test due to not having a valid NCT disc, 328 arrived
with no L plates, 533 did not have valid tax, 724 had no valid
insurance and 829 did not have a learner permit. The above
are all required legally to drive your car and so are mandatory
for completing the driving test.
While it may seem obvious the last step is to ensure you
are in the waiting room of the correct Driving Test Centre
before your driving test. Would you believe that 677 tests
were not carried out in 2011 due to candidates being late?
This is one of the simplest steps you can take in getting your
driving licence so it’s important to ensure you give yourself
plenty of time to get to your test centre on time. Many test
takers want time to relax, or go to the toilet before going out
on test so give yourself plenty of time.
“It can
happen to
anyone”
27
The tragic effects of
a fatal crash on one
Irish family
Meghann Scully’s brother Marcus was a local sporting
hero, a keen academic who had dreams of becoming a vet
and someone who could make friends easily. Being two and
half years older than her, Meghann looked up to her brother
who “seemed as though he could do everything.”
Tragically in 2005 while travelling home from rugby
training with his friend, Marcus was involved in a car crash.
The driver of the car died instantly and at 2.45am after being
taken to a local hospital Marcus took his last breath.
Having just turned 18, eighteen days before the crash,
Marcus had so much to live for.
“It was hard to believe that this could happen to someone
so young,” says Meghann. “It broke our family apart.”
Meghann who was only 15 at the time has memories of
waking in the middle of the night and finding her mother
clutching Marcus’ clothes. A year and a half later Meghann’s
father, who had been suffering from illness, died.
“My father never picked up after Marcus died. He just
couldn’t go on.
“It was a rollercoaster ride for us all. I had to grow up
really fast. I felt like I had to step up to the mark.”
Feeling as though she had to hold everything together for
her family, it was some time before Meghann grieved and
came to terms with the reality that Marcus was dead.
“When Marcus died we were kind of in a bubble. We were
in denial and it was difficult to move on with our own lives.”
As the years went on Meghann realised that she wanted
to do something positive to honour Marcus memory.
“During my Masters I made a radio documentary about
Marcus. It told the story from when Marcus was born to the
night he died and how it has affected our family since.”
When the radio documentary was complete Meghann
received an overwhelming response from her lecturers and
family. She then came up with the idea to share her story
with school children in an effort to educate them on the
realities of road danger.
“When young people hear guards and teachers ‘lecturing’
them about road safety they tend to tune out. I think the
reaction to me has been so positive because I’m just a
normal girl being as honest as I can about how speed has
affected me and my family.
“When you get your first car, you are so excited, you want
to take your friends everywhere and impress them with your
driving. When you do that you can be inclined to take chances
but you have to realise that that’s someone else’s son or
daughter in your car.
“People don’t think it will happen to them but it can
happen to anyone. I never thought that I would be standing
in front of a congregation giving a eulogy at the age of 15.”
If Meghann had one piece of advice to offer road users it
would be to take caution on the road and to live every day to
the full.
“The thing that always strikes people is how much Marcus
had to live for. When he died his dreams died and in a way my
family’s did too. I used to imagine visiting him and my nieces
and nephews when I was older. That’s not going to happen;
I’m never going to have nieces and nephews now.
“We all think we are invincible but we are not. I try to
do something every day that makes me happy or makes
a difference. Going through something like that you are
reminded how short life is.”
Do all you can to learn to drive safely and stay safe. The
Road Safety Authority have developed this booklet to help
learners learn effectively. Their advice on a blended mix of
formal driving lessons together with plenty of practise with a
Sponsor is proven to work best. Follow their advice and be a
safe and socially responsible driver – it won’t guarantee your
safety but will go a long way towards keeping you safe for
you, your family and friends.
28
MARK CORCORAN examineS how
to make your driving more
Socially reSponSible
understanding
the impact
EVERY driver must be aware of the impact that each
car journey has on the environment. From day one, it is
important for learners to know about and understand the
environmental impact of driving and how that might be
mitigated by the use of vehicles and the vehicle controls.
It is a fact that vehicle size, engine size, vehicle
design, fuel type and the way a vehicle is driven impact
on the environment so drivers have a social responsibility
to consider whether or not a journey is necessary before
setting out.
Reducing the environmental impact of driving
Both your choice of car and your driving style impact on
the amount of fuel you use and the amount of pollution
you produce. However, there are a number of ways
to reduce the environmental impact of driving. These
tips will not only have a more positive effect on the
environment, but they may also save you a great deal of
money in the long run.
By accelerating and braking smoothly, by being more
attentive, looking further ahead and by better planning
you can considerably reduce fuel consumption and
emissions. Remember to avoid using air conditioning
when it is not necessary, to remove excess luggage
from the car and empty roof racks which are not being
used. A fully loaded boot not only means increased fuel
consumption but can also mean increased tyre wear.
Driving at 50km/h is more fuel efficient than driving at
70 km/h, so remember – don’t rush. You can reduce the
distance you drive by combining trips and planning your
routes. Finally, switch off your engine whenever you stop for
more than a minute and be sure to have your car serviced
regularly.
Choosing your car
Did you know that one of the greatest factors influencing
the environmental impact of your driving is your choice of
car? A 4×4 car can produce as much as three times the
emissions as the most efficient small car.
So, it’s very important to choose a car to suit your
everyday needs, rather than for rare occurrences. For that
off-road trip you want to take for your holiday, why not hire
a 4×4 for the duration of the holiday?
By driving a smaller, more efficient car the rest
of the year, you could save more than enough money to
pay for this. Road Tax is also considerably lower on more
efficient cars. A revised rates structure for vehicles taxed
on the basis of CO2 emissions was announced in Budget
2013.
Euro NCAP
If you are considering buying a new car you should examine
29
IT IS A FACT ThAT vEhICLE
SIZE, ENgINE SIZE, vEhICLE
DESIgN, FuEL TYpE AND
ThE WAY A vEhICLE IS
DRIvEN iMPaCT on
THe environMenT SO
DRIvERS hAvE A SOCIAL
RESpONSIBILITY
TO CONSIDER
WhEThER OR NOT
A JOuRNEY IS
NECESSARY
BEFORE SETTINg
OuT.
closely information regarding the safety performance of
individual car models.
Euro NCAP
provides a realistic and independent
measurement of the safety performance of some of the
most popular cars sold in Europe. They crash test vehicles
in order to provide accurate information for anyone
buying a car about the safety performance of their cars.
Consumers then have the opportunity to compare the
safety performance of similar sized vehicles with their
chosen vehicle.
Established in 1997, Euro NCAP is backed by
seven European governments, the European Commission
and motoring and consumer organisations in every EU
country.
By law, all new car models must pass certain safety
tests before they are sold. But legislation provides a
minimum statutory standard of safety for new cars; it is
the aim of Euro NCAP to encourage manufacturers to go
beyond these minimum requirements.
If you want to know the safety performance of your
current or future car - visit www.euroncap.com
Planning your journey
Every driver must know how to prepare for a journey. This
includes understanding route planning, knowing how to
load a vehicle appropriately and giving attention to weather
forecasts and radio announcements.
It is important to take into account road works,
events, diversions and other factors that might make
your journey take more time. Be sure to also plan for
breaks and refuelling stops on a journey.
Before you set off, it is important to check that your
car is in roadworthy condition. To do this, check your
tyre pressure and that you have the required tread on
your tyres. The RSA recommends replacing tyres when
the tread depth falls below 3 mm. Next, make sure that
your coolant fluids are at the required levels and that
you have the proper level of oil in your engine (by using
the dipstick).
get someone to test all your vehicle’s lights while
walking around your vehicle.
Make sure your spare tyre is in good condition, inflated
to the recommended pressure and that your wheel
spanner and jack are operational. You may also want to
carry a tyre inflator kit. Responsible drivers have hi-viz
vests or jackets permanently stored in their vehicle. Best
advice is to carry one for each seat in your vehicle.
Carrying a First Aid kit and two warning triangles
may be of great assistance if you should encounter
difficulties.
Finally, make sure also that you are displaying your up
to date car insurance, motor tax and NCT discs.
30
New learner penalty
point increases
THe rules of THe roaD are THere To ProTeCT anD noT
To aCT as an inConvenienCe. breaKing THese rules
anD noT Driving in a soCially resPonsible Manner
Can leaD To PenalTies. so, iT is in everyone’s inTeresT
THaT all MoTorisTs Drive in a resPonsible fasHion.
A target was published in the RSA’s Road Safety Strategy,
2007-2012. That target was to reduce road fatalities to no
greater than 60 fatalities per million by the end of 2012 –
equivalent to 252 deaths per annum. In 2012, there were 162
road deaths in Ireland, the lowest annual total since records
began in 1959. It represents 36 road deaths per million.
The good news is that Ireland’s road safety record has
improved dramatically in recent years and we are now
among the safest countries in the EU.
But while the trend is currently a positive one, the RSA
recognises that road death and casualty reduction needs to
be a permanent phenomenon, not just a one-off and they will
be endeavouring to ensure that the numbers keep shrinking.
The current Road Safety Strategy for 2013 – 2020 targets
not only road deaths, but in particular Serious Injury crashes.
The way we learn to drive must play its part in achieving
further reductions.
new penalty point offenceS are
on the way targeting learner
driverS but are deSigned to
encourage Safer driving and
reduce caSualtieS on our roadS
The Penalty Points System
A penalty point is essentially a formal reprimand by the
gardai endorsed on your driving licence record that shows
you are guilty of a specific driving offence.
There are 48 road traffic offences that attract penalty
points.
The penalty points system has been designed with drivers’
best interests in mind.
Introduced in October 2002, the aim of penalty points is
to improve driver behaviour and reduce levels of death and
serious injury on Irish roads.
The system is underpinned by a government strategy to
significantly reduce deaths and injuries on Irish roads and
bring Irish road safety in line with international best practise.
As of the 31st March 2013, the number of learner drivers
with penalty points endorsed on their licence is 31,186. The
number of fully licenced drivers is 455,907.
Penalty points remain on the licence for a period of
three years. Any driver who accumulates 12 penalty points
within any given three-year period will be automatically
disqualified from driving for six months. The driver is required
to surrender his/her licence to the appropriate licensing
authority within 14 days of receiving notification of the
disqualification. It is an offence not to surrender a licence.
It is also an offence to drive while disqualified.
Written warning
If you have committed a driving offence that
incurs penalty points you will receive a written
notification informing you that points are being
added to your driving licence.
This notice will include details of your
name, address, date time and location of
the driving offence concerned. It will also
confirm that you either paid the fixed
charge for the offence or were convicted
in the court of such offence. The notice
will also contain a date on which the
notice was issued to you. This is the
important date as the points will only
be added to your licence 28 days after
this date.
31
OFFENCES INCURRING PENALTY POINTS
Penalty
points on
payment
Penalty
points on
conviction
Using vehicle (car) without (NCT) test certificate
Driving vehicle before remedying dangerous defect
Driving dangerously defective vehicle
Using vehicle without certificate of roadworthiness
Bridge strikes, etc.
Holding a mobile phone while driving
Dangerous overtaking
Failure to act in accordance with a Garda signal
Failure to stop a vehicle before stop sign/stop line
Failure to yield right of way at a yield sign/yield line
Crossing continuous white line
Entry by driver into hatched marked area of roadway, e.g.
Carriageway reduction lane
Failure to obey traffic lights
Failure to obey traffic rules at railway level crossing
Driving a vehicle on a motorway against the flow of traffic
Driving on the hard shoulder on a motorway
Driving a vehicle (subject to an ordinary speed limit of 90 kms per
hour or less) on the outside lane on a motorway
Failure to drive on the left hand side of the road
Failure to obey requirements at junctions, e.g. Not being in the
correct lane when turning onto another road
Failure to obey requirements regarding reversing of vehicles, e.g.
Reversing from minor road onto main road
Driving on a footpath
Driving on a cycle track
Failure to turn left when entering a roundabout
Driving on a median strip, e.g. Boundary between two
carriageways
Failure to stop for school warden sign
Failure to stop when so required by a member of the Garda Síochána
Failure to leave appropriate distance between you and the vehicle in front
Failure to yield
Driving without reasonable consideration
Failure to comply with mandatory traffic signs at junctions
Failure to comply with prohibitory traffic signs
Failure to comply with keep left/keep right signs
Failure to comply with traffic lane markings
Illegal entry onto a one-way street
Driving a vehicle when unfit
Parking a vehicle in a dangerous position
Breach of duties at an accident
Speeding
Driving without insurance
Driver of car or goods vehicle not wearing safety belt
Driver permitting person under 17 years of age to occupy a seat
when not wearing safety belt
Driver of car or goods vehicle permitting child under 3 years of age
to travel in it without being restrained by appropriate child restraint
Driver of car or goods vehicle permitting child over 3 years of age
to travel in it without being restrained by appropriate child restraint
Driver of car or goods vehicle permitting child to be restrained by rearward
facing child restraint fitted to a seat protected by active frontal air-bag
Driver of bus not wearing safety belt
Using vehicle – (a) whose weight un-laden exceeds maximum
permitted weight, (b) whose weight laden exceeds maximum
permitted weight, or (c)any part of which transmits to ground greater weight
than maximum permitted weight
Driver found to be driving carelessly
Drink Driving Offences(In all cases where the BAC is between 50
mg and 80 mg of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood)
12 Penalty Points = Automatic Disqualification!
* Mandatory Court Appearance
m*
m*
m*
m*
m*
2
2
1
2
2
2
5
3
5
5
3
4
5
3
4
4
4
These are summary descriptions of the offences and not a legal interpretation.
Fixed Charge €
Amount paid in Amount paid in
28 days
next 28 days
Court Fine
Court Fine
Court Fine
Court Fine
Court Fine
60
90
80
120
80
120
80
120
80
120
80
120
1
3
80
120
2
2
2
1
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120
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1
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80
120
1
3
60
90
1
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60
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1
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60
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1
1
1
3
3
3
60
60
60
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60
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1
2
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m*
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4
5
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5
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4
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80
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60
60
60
60
60
120
120
120
120
120
90
90
90
90
90
60
90
2
4
60
90
Court Fine
Court Fine
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80
120
Court Fine
2
4
60
90
2
4
60
90
2
4
60
90
2
4
60
90
1
3
200
300
m*
5
Court Fine
3
n/a
200