By most standards, Ireland’s system for new drivers has been a bit peculiar. New drivers entering the system got a provisional license, which allowed them to drive with an accompanying licensed driver.  What then made this unusual, and delightfully Irish, was if they took their driving test and failed it, they could apply for, and get, a second provisional license, and happily drive without a fully licensed driver!

Uniquely the learner driver did not have to take a driving test and subsequently fail this to get a new two year provisional licence; they could simply not turn up for the driving test and use the appointment letter to renew their provisional licence. However from the 30th June 2008 provisional licence holders must have a fully qualified driver with them at all times, or face a fine of up to €1000, or imprisonment if they fail to pay this. We know at Bill Plant that after years of driving you can build up bad habits and it’s really difficult to get rid of them without training. As they say it can only happen in Ireland!

One of the most important documents a person can possess is their driver’s license.  It not only serves as a representation of your authority to operate a motor vehicle, it also serves as a photo identification to prove that you are who you say you are.  Photocard driver licenses include your photograph, which is updated every ten years, what type of vehicle you are licensed to drive, your name and address, and a number that has been assigned specifically to you.  An additional paper counterpart to the photocard license lists any endorsements or penalties you may have.

If you are interested in obtaining your provisional driver’s license and you have never had one, you can apply for it at your local post office.  The cost is £45. 00 and if you are from overseas, you will need to present your passport to the clerk so that they can verify your identity.  If you are a current resident of the country and are applying for your license, you will be required to attend and pass both classroom and practical driving classes before you will be issued your full license after passing a test.

Some people may need to renew their driver’s license even before the ten-year mark because of medical conditions.  Once you reach the age of seventy, you are required to renew it every three years.  Commercial drivers may need to renew their licenses at more frequent intervals because of the special nature of the vehicles they operate.  If you have a change of address, there is a way to notify the licensing bureau and having it updated by mailing in the information.  Your post office carries all of the booklets and forms necessary for you to get and obtain your driver’s license.

Roundabouts are probably the biggest challenge for any learner driver in the United Kingdom.  If you do not know how to properly navigate one, you may find yourself literally driving in circles!  For anyone who is learning how to drive for the first time on a provisional licence, roundabouts can be very daunting.  More and more driving schools are taking the time to make sure that their students are properly trained in mastering the art of roundabouts.

The biggest problem with roundabouts is the way that the roads are marked.  They also have multiple lanes of fast moving traffic and this is the most likely time that a student driver will make a mistake on their test.  Their skills have yet to be tested and being able to make a judgement call about when to merge and exit the roundabout has not been fully developed. 

Other issues on the practical test that have been identified as problematic include junctions, parallel parking, and reversing around a corner.  These four items are the ones a student driver should attempt to practice when driving with their practice partner in between formal lessons.  With the special learners plates on the vehicle other drivers will be aware that there is a student driver in the car who is possibly hesitant on the roundabout, some might be a little more willing to let the learner merge in and out as necessary.  If the new driver can master all of these skills – especially the roundabouts – they will pass their test with flying colours.