The Republic of Ireland has recently issued a Consultation Paper to seek the views of the public on the introduction of a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system for learner drivers. The document can be downloaded from the site of the RSA (Road Safety Authority).
Ireland’s current system already contains one element of a graduated driver licensing model: a learner period of at least 6 months before taking the practical test. However, having passed the test, there is currently no probationary period for novice drivers who thus immediately obtain full driving rights.
The measures being considered in Ireland are:
- Zero alcohol levels
- Night-time curfew
- Increased penalty points
- Hazard perception testing
- Age restrictions for passengers
- Mandatory tuition
- Restricted car power
- Extended supervised driving
- Upgraded driving test
The RSA welcomes feeback to its consultation paper by 14 March 2009 by post or email for the attention of: Ms. Loretta Connolly, GDL Consultation, RSA, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co. Mayo, Ireland or forward comments by email to gdlconsultation@rsa.ie