Learner drivers are being offered a chance to cut 10 per cent off their insurance bills if they take part in a new national road safety programme.
The "How's My Driving?" scheme for young or learner drivers is intended to help tackle the problem of driver error, which is the cause of 90 per cent of all crashes.
To qualify, motorists have to commit to taking at least five professional lessons.
They must also display a "How's My Driving?" licence plate casing and window sticker which will carry details of how other motorists can report them if they are spotted driving in a dangerous or reckless manner.
Callers can also use the 24-hour hotline to compliment a driver or to report on the condition of the vehicle.
A similar scheme has been in operation in the commercial driving sector for the past five years.
The driver is then sent an Incident Report Form and a Corrective Action Report via e-mail or fax. He or she must fill out the corrective action report and address any issues in subsequent driving lessons.
Participants can claim a 10 per cent discount in their insurance premium during their first ten months on the programme, rising to 20 per cent or a two-year no claims bonus in their second year.
If the learner is a named driver on a parent's policy, the saving is applied to the entire insurance premium.
Drivers joining the programme must pay a €20 set up fee and a further €5 per month.
Details of the scheme were announced today by Minister for Transport Martin Cullen, who said road safety was a top priority.
The programme is being supported by major insurers and the National Youth Council of Ireland.