South Meath Driving School

When one looks at another’s misfortune, it can help to lessen one’s own. Consider the poor lady from South Korea who attempted the Driver Theory Test every day it was up and running for the past four years, eventually succeeding on the 950^th effort! She’s probably much better behind the wheel. One punter passed the driving test here in Ireland recently after fourteen attempts.

The pass rate in Navan is 58%, Nenagh 69% and Rathgar 42%. An applicant can apply for any test centre of choice, so wouldn’t you be slightly inclined to avoid Rathgar. When the SGS (Swiss Co.) were employed here to help clear the backlog of 420,000 applicants a few years ago, there was a feeling that their testers had a slightly softer attitude than the RSA testers. It was pointed out on RTE that in the same town the RSA pass rate was about 20% lower than that of the SGS from another office block up the street. Maybe only a coincidence!

A supervisor at the Navan centre has said that standards have dropped of late and this has been noted by the testers generally. It was considered that this might be down to the economic times that were thrust upon us over the past three years.The new Mayo machine in Leinster House will change all that, so relax. The feedback certainly was that people were not taking as many driving lessons as heretofore; therefore, they were not properly prepared for a test.

Preparation for the Test is a serious undertaking that requires dedicated preparation and time. There’s no quick fix involved and it’s merely throwing good money after bad to take the short route. One should remember that the benefits of passing are a high financial reward in a vastly reduced insurance premium and the comfort of driving without the restrictions of carrying an L plate.

The waiting time in Navan is at present is about one month, so those who have applied already will soon have an appointment date. Having got a date, it is important to get out on the road and not to lose the show in the ‘boardroom.’ For it is the little things that can be overlooked when the moment of truth is nigh. The Learner Permit must be current on the test date and six months must have elapsed between the acquisition of the Permit and the test application.

Ensure that Tax, Insurance and NCT discs are current and properly displayed, plus L plates on front and rear. Where L plates are fitted to the exterior, one or both may blow off, so preferably display them on the inside.

Any warning lights on the display panel will entail a cancellation. These amber lights might include airbag, low fuel guage, windscreen washer empty etc. A very common problem is an indicator or brakelight bulb blowing on the way to the centre. A cure is to have a few spares and a screwdriver – with a bit of luck and enough time it will be rectified. Electrically controlled side windows and wing mirrors are regular problem areas – some drivers just don’t repair them when they stall as it may incur a hefty bill..

I already addressed the graduated driver licensing system that will be in place, come April 4^th next. Briefly, it refers to drivers who apply for a Learner Permit after midnight on the 3^rd of April. There will be a minimum of twelve hours instruction for each learner with an Approved Driving Instructor. The programme will, overall, be in 2 x 2 year phases; driving will be supervised by a sponsor who may be a parent or guardian etc., zero alcohol consumption, two driving tests, only one passenger will be allowed, except for family.

There will be three Booklets in use:

1. Essential Driver Training for the instructor, with information to help the ADI understand the requirements and content of the programme and how to implement it.

2. EDT Information booklet – aimed at the learner driver.

3. EDT Logbbok. On commencing a driving course, the learner will receive this book from the ADI, at a wee cost! A record of lessons will be kept  with advice on preparation and suggestions on ensuring an effective learning process.

Already we are close to being in the top five nations in Europe for road safety with the death rate down to nearly 200 per year from a high of over 600 at the worst of times. Maybe it should have been introduced as a Leaving Cert subject and inculcate in the student the importance of road safety and respect for other road users. Until four years ago we had no official driving test standard, now it is on a par with the best in the world. Well done to all in the Dept of Transport and RSA.