Dublin People - Motorist highlights driving licence predicament

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Motorist highlights driving licence predicament

Wednesday, 23 July 2008

A NORTHSIDE motorist on a second provisional licence has highlighted the difficulties he’s experiencing since the new driving ban came into effect on July 1.
Raymond Cranley, from Baldoyle, is one of thousands of motorists affected by the new law, which means that drivers on provisional licences have to be accompanied by a person who has held a full licence for over two years, until they pass their test.
Unaccompanied drivers on provisional licences face fines of up to e1,000 and gardai have vowed to uphold this law.
Raymond, who is employed as a lifeguard, said the new law means he is unable to drive his fully taxed and insured car until he completes his test at the end of the summer.
He has been driving since he was 16 when he bought his first moped and has a full motorbike licence, as well as two years’ experience driving a car.
“It’s ludicrous that I would be fined e1,000 for driving my car when I was able to do it just last month,” Raymond told Northside People.

“I work on the beach in Howth and it’s been really hard getting up recently in the bad weather, knowing that I can’t take the car.
“I’m damp most days by the time I arrive at work and then I’m on a beach in the Irish summer weather all day, so I never fully dry off.”
Raymond said it’s annoying to see the car lying idle in the driveway and he can’t take it out because of this new law.
“It can really affect me too when I have to go to other beaches further away like Portrane where I was stationed last week,” he stated.
Raymond is also a musician and needs to use his car to move equipment to practice sessions and gigs, something he will now have to put on hold.
“I play in a band called ‘Cops and Robbers’,” he said.
“We all live locally but we practice out in Kinsealy.
“It’s quite a distance with guitars and amps so without the car we just aren’t able to practice.
“My Dad has helped us out a few times by travelling in the car with us but he can’t do that all the time.”
Raymond acknowledged that something had to be done about the inexperienced drivers on the roads.
“I’m not sure that this new law is the best idea though,” he added.
“I don’t think it will necessarily make people better drivers; it will just mean people will apply for their test sooner without gaining important experience.
“Driving by yourself is a completely different experience for a new driver and they need to understand that before they sit their test.”
A spokesperson for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) told Northside People that waiting times in north county Dublin driving test centres have now been reduced to an average of 10 weeks.
“Research shows that the safest and most effective way for a learner driver to become competent is to take formal lessons combined with a period of driving accompanied by a competent qualified driver,” the spokesperson said.
“The changes to the driver licensing system are aimed at reducing the number of collisions, deaths and injuries among young and inexperienced drivers and to ensure that the next generation of drivers is well prepared for their driving career.”
The RSA is advising learner drivers to engage with a competent driving instructor and only apply for a test when their instructor feels that they are ready.
Dublin North East TD Terence Flanagan (FG) said the new law has forced thousands of drivers off the road and has added hours to their journeys.
He said the situation also highlighted the need for designated driving tracks to be provided for all motorists awaiting driving tests.
“Currently, many people on provisional licences have no alternative but to practice in industrial estates which is dangerous,” he added.

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