Sir, – There are approximately 280,000 holders of driver learner permits in Ireland. Since June 30th, 2008 the law requires all learner permit-holders be accompanied while driving by a person who holds a full driving licence in the same vehicle category and has done so for a minimum of two years. Yet many of those 280,000 continue to drive solo every day, possibly without any formal driver training and safe in the knowledge that it is still considered acceptable by much of society.
The already overstretched Garda Síochána have made some welcome prosecutions in relation to this law, however the norm is that transgressors are rarely stopped and few are convicted of the offence. Is Ireland to be the last in Europe to realise that anyone allowed to operate a tonne of lethal equipment should be given basic instruction prior to access? They should also be supervised until they reach the required skill level. It is unacceptable that Irish law is so blatantly ignored.
Our politicians must give leadership in this issue and instruct the Garda to end this practice. In many countries driving offenders are required to take part in practical driving courses to help educate them and encourage responsible driving behaviour.
Our courts must also play their part and when faced with people convicted of driving offences impose a requirement for offenders to take professional driving lessons with an RSA- approved driving instructor as part of their sentencing. – Yours, etc,