Michael McAleer answers your questions
From David Bradley:
There is so much written about motoring, but seldom any reference to the ludicrous situation that is allowed to operate here, with regard to the blind eye towards unqualified drivers driving without being accompanied by a qualified driver.
Nowhere else in the EU would this be tolerated. Three times in the past year my car has been damaged by so-called 'learner' drivers who were unaccompanied, and hadn't a clue how to park, thus damaging my car. I suppose I should consider myself fortunate that I did not suffer personal injury also. Unless the authorities enforce the rule that provisional licence holders should be accompanied at ALL times, without exception, I would ask what is the point of the driving test at all, particularly in the context of a driver failing the test and then being allowed to drive the car away from the test centre?
No doubt implementation of the law would cause much inconvenience to many people - but inconvenience is not the most important issue. The issue is the safety of the L drivers themselves, other motorists, their vehicles and passengers, and pedestrians.
One wonders if the insurance of the provisional licence holders is invalidated in circumstances where they choose to drive outside the terms and conditions of their provisional licence?
While the issue of enforcement is really in the hands of the Garda, the strangest quirk in our system, and one that constantly amazes our European neighbours is the fact that, although you have failed to prove yourself a competent driver in the test, you are still regarded as being worthy of driving solo and you can also have two 2-year provisional driving licences before you even apply for a test.
And on your second provisional licence you do not need to be accompanied. The lack of compulsory basic training is undoubtedly responsible for incidents on our roads.
From Fabian Murphy, Co Cork:
After reviewing the manual regarding the new Scenic II, I noted that they recommended that the owner carries a full set of replacement bulbs in the car at all times.
This I understand is the law in France, where I have been on holidays in the past year, and I regard this as a good safety practice.
What I was surprised to read was that to change the front main bulbs would require a visit to the main dealer, and the task should not take more than one hour.
Apart from the additional cost of replacing a bulb which, thankfully, are quite reliable, I know that bulbs will only fail just when you need them the most (at night) proceeding on a journey knowing that you have a bulb failure is definitely not good safety practice. What would you suggest ?
Should I bring with me additional spanners etc to be able to remove the front grille and light fitting in order to replace the bulb ?
Knowing that during the coming winter there are many bulb failures, would you suggest that everybody who drives knows how to identify a bulb failure and examine their lights and replace them if necessary before they begin each and every journey.
You are correct, the manual for the Scenic does say this. However, Renault engineers claim the bulbs can be replaced on the side of the road and without tools, provided you have a bit of practice.
They advise that you always carry a spare set of bulbs in the car - good advice for all motorists.
Admittedly most Scenic owners probably don't know they need to practise this manoeuvre.
Another option is to contact the AA. If the car is new you get two years' cover and they will do it free of charge. If not, then you'd better get out there and start practising.
From P O'Sullivan:
On the M50 yesterday there was one of those illuminated signs telling motorists that the "fast lane is closed" because of work on the crash barrier.
Surely the powers that be know that its proper name is the overtaking lane.
Very true. While "fast lane" has entered the motoring lexicon, the proper name for the outside lane is indeed the overtaking lane.
However, on Irish motorways at least it would seem that it is neither a fast lane nor an overtaking lane. I would suggest that in rush hour most overtaking these days - particularly on the M1 - takes place on the inside lane. Perhaps the acceptance of it as the "fast lane" leads us to foolishly believe we'll get to our destination quicker if we stay out on it.
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