South Meath Driving School

Road markings give information and warnings. Their advantage is that they can be seen when other signs are hidden from view and they can give a continuing message as a driver progresses. The earliest road markings were the simple continuous (or broken) white line on the centre of the road but now with much upgraded roads, dual carriageways and motorways, road markings have developed into a world of their own. The hatched area markings has become a very prominent feature of late and appear not to be understood by many motorists: or might it be a case of they simply ignoring them altogether? Hatch Markings indicate a dangerous area where it is necessary to separate the streams of traffic completely, such as at a sharp bend or where traffic is turning right and requires protection. Such areas are painted with white chevrons or diagonal white stripes.

Where the boundary line is solid do not enter except in an emergency. Where the boundary line is broken you should not drive on the markings, but, if it is safe to do so, one may enter such hatched area when turning right so that traffic intending to go straight ahead is not unduly delayed.

Locally, a good example of those markings is on the approach roads from Navan and the bypass from the Boyne to the traffic lights at Navangate. It is at those locations that flagrant disregard for safety can be regularly observed. For example, a driver approaching those traffic lights from the Navan direction indicates to turn right in the Athboy direction, but correctly stays in the single lane and left of the hatched area in the centre of the road: but just as he ‘ rounds’ the paintwork and into the turning lane, a looder trundles down through the whole hatched area as he (or indeed, she) is also turning right, narrowly missing the driver in front. That is nothing short of dangerous driving. Sadly it is happening by the hour with impunity. Traffic Corps members might take note and either educate or prosecute offenders. I see the likes of that driving as a call for the need of everyone taking compulsory driving lessons every three or four years, even with a full licence. Afterall, us driving instructors have a stringent instruction test every two years with a RSA examiner; Gay Byrne, start reading ‘Focus!’

The Yellow Box Junction is another distinctive road marking consisting of a pattern of criss-cross yellow lines. The simple rule states that you must not enter the box unless you can clear it without stopping. The exception is that you can enter the box and stop in it if you are turning right. The RSA ‘ Rules of the Road’ book states so but, I think, falls a little short on that rule as it is silent on the fact that a driver exiting from a minor road and turning left can also enter the yellow box and stop in it. Of course the reason one doesn’t enter the box unless it can be cleared when going straight on is that traffic crossing from left or right can proceed; and of course it’s a lot simpler and cheaper to paint a junction yellow than to erect sets of traffic lights.

Incidentally, us folk on Marcie’s Road are still waiting for a yellow box at the exit onto the bypass. During the last Local Elections a few firm handshakers promised that the junction would be looked at urgently – they’re still looking and I am waiting for them to come back when the next election approaches.

Cats Eyes are a prominent feature on most roads and are to be found on the centre or edge. They are especially helpful in fog or reduced visibility in that they reflect light to guide the motorist. The cat’s eye consists of four reflect lenses, two facing fore and two aft. It was invented by Percy Shaw in the 1930s.

The centre white line was first applied in the USA in 1911 in an effort to curb the high number of crashes especially on narrower roads despite the small number of cars then in use. In 1971 they switched to a yellow centre line.

There’s a vast array of other recognisable road markings, like rumble strips to slow traffic approaching a dangerous bend; hard shoulder defining the left edge of a traffic lane; cycle lanes with solid or broken white lines; zigzag lines indicating the approach to a pedestrian crossing; bus lanes have a solid white line on their outer limit.

Many motorists do not heed those road markings. If you are a seasoned driver with the benefit of a full driving licence, you may not be up to date with the vast array of recent road signs, road markings, motorway regulations etc. An idea is to purchase the RSA Rules of the Road book or read it on the internet. No, it isn’t going back to school: it makes interesting reading. I do harp on about it, but, the cost of losing your no claims bonus is damaging to the health, perhaps all for the lack of just a little knowledge. It pays dividends. Take heed.

A regulatory sign is one that shows the course a driver must follow and an action that’s required to be taken. One such sign is the ‘yield’ sign, identified internationally as an inverted triangle, usually with a white background and red surround and showing the word ‘yield’. In Gaeltacht areas the sign reads ‘ Geill Sli’ and in the UK ‘Give Way’. The original yield sign was designed by a policeman named Clinton Riggs from Oklahoma and it was first used there. Accompanying road markings, in white, will have a solid line in the centre of the road with an inverted triangle in the centre of the exiting carriageway and a broken line at the yield point. A driver does not necessarily have to stop at a yield sign or line, the requirement being that you slow down and let oncoming traffic pass. The main difference between the yield sign and a stop sign is that a driver must stop at the STOP sign whether or not there’s any oncoming traffic. Note, too, that the stop line is solid, not broken. Road engineers from the County Council  analyse the dangers involved in deciding which sign should be erected and that decision is approved  by the Garda Commissioner and Minister thereafter.

Yielding is  all so easy for drivers when the sign and road markings are in place. The problem arises when there are no such signs in place on some minor back roads but more commonly in housing estates and their exits.

Who has right of way?  Among other circumstances, the following are noteworthy –

(a)    Traffic travelling straight ahead along a major road,

(b)   At a junction where roads are of equal importance, traffic approaching from the right has right of way.

(c)    On the approach to a T-junction, one must yield to traffic already on the road

you’re joining.

(d)   Turning right at a cross junction, you must yield to traffic coming from the opposite direction and turning left or going straight on.

It is important to note that right of way is not an absolute right; one should proceed with caution, showing regard for other road users. Even a green traffic light does not always give you right of way.

Of course pedestrians have right of way at crossings designed specially for them – Zebras, Toucans, Pelicans and when the ‘ green man’ shows at a crossing. Would someone tell me when does a pedestrian not have right of way? Every yard of road appears to me to be used as a pedestrian crossing with impunity. Time then for a new Fine on the Spot for those causing obstruction. It’s referred to as ‘Jaywalking’ in other parts and, indeed, it is a rarity to see anybody prosecuted for the offence here. Even in the event of a collision between a Jaywalker and a car, who is more likely to be prosecuted or pay up, at least: the poor motorist, again.

As for  the terms ‘Major road’ and ‘Roads of Equal Importance’, the major road is obvious in that it carries the greater volume of traffic and there’s yield or stop signs on approach roads. Those of ‘equal importance’ are more anonymous , harder to define or remain undefined. It just might take two senior counsels, two juniors, a few solicitors offices and a High Court judge to come to a conclusion as to who has right of way on certain unmarked and signless roads. ( Ably supported by a few insurance companies – all financed by those who drive cars.) So, whether it’s a ‘Y’ or a ‘T’ junction, approach and negotiate with caution. Protect your ‘no claims bonus,’ the 3 second cautionary delay will have been worth it.

The reshaping, streetscaping and reregulation of Loman Street is spectacular but it has thrown up a few noteworthy aspects. Firstly, the old ‘yield’ sign at Mill St – Loman St. (former) junction remains in place despite the new through road to Watergate St. The position of the pedestrian crossing as one enters Loman St. is so close to the junction mouth, that it is somewhat dangerous, especially as a driver enters from the Watergate St direction – there’s very little view.

The new Toucan crossing at the Priory pub is amazing. It is designed as a pedestrian crossing – the two white parallel lines across the road. But this one is supported by a STOP sign. It would be acceptable, were it not located a few yards from the mouth of the junction with Haggard St at which point there’s a yield sign. A pedestrian has a common law right of way when crossing at such junction (correct me if I’m wrong.) So, is the crossing supported by the STOP sign really required? And, incidentally, on a one-way street that forms into two lanes at that point, there should be a second STOP sign on the right side of the road, to properly complete the signage, if it’s required at all.

I have observed that nearly all drivers pass through this crossing, ignoring it – but not deliberately. It’s just not recognisable as a pedestrian crossing to any driver approaching.  It may all seem harmless enough for drivers to ignore the STOP sign when there are no pedestrians on the crossing. But what if a dutiful Garda placed a camera on the spot and prosecuted all those who had failed to STOP. I hazard a guess that 95% of all who cross the spot don’t stop. It would be woefully unfair. The STOP sign should be removed. It’s a serious violation under  the Road Traffic Act not to stop at a Stop sign  Should any such sign be deemed necessary, it should be replaced  with a zebra crossing which would have much greater visibility than the existing sign that is actually stuck in amongst poles and hardly noticeable. I warn you, someone will come to grief there, soon!

A number of driving tests are not conducted/completed because test candidates do not meet certain requirements on the day of the test.

Set out below are the main requirements that must be met. Some of these conditions are legal requirements eg. tread depth for tyres. In other cases, they are to ensure thatthe vehicle complies with health and safety requirements eg. head restraint in place.

1. You must be present in the test centre before the appointed time of your test. If you are late, the test cannot be conducted and your fee will be forfeited.

2. You must produce your current Irish learner permit for your test category. The driver tester will check that it relates to you, is current and is for the correct category of vehicle. If you are a fi rst time learner permit holder and your test is for a motorcycle, works vehicle or car (licence categories M, A1, A, W, B or EB) you can only take a test if you have held the learner permit for at least six months.

3. If you are taking a motorcycle test, i.e. category A or A1, you must satisfy yourself that the vehicle presented for test is consistent with any restrictions denoted on the learner permit.

4. Please ensure that the vehicle you are using for your test meets the minimum vehicle requirements for the
driving test as set out in your appointment letter. It is also essential the vehicle has reasonably clean seating
or seat covering i.e. free from excessive dust/dirt dampness or moisture. Broken/unstable seats are not
acceptable for test purposes for safety reasons.

5. You must be insured to drive the vehicle. The vehicle must display a current valid original Insurance Disc
(white background with a green band extending along left hand side). The disc must clearly show the
Registration Number (or fl eet name) of the vehicle (not Chassis Number) and the policy dates. If the details
are faded you should get the disc replaced prior to the test. You will be asked to read and sign a statement
confi rming that the vehicle insurance cover is in place and is adequate.

6. Vehicles used as taxis or hackneys are not permitted to be used as driving test vehicles unless the appropriate rate of Vehicle Excise Duty has been paid i.e. Class Private.

7. Vehicles hired under a hire agreement are not generally insured for a driving test. If you plan to use such a
vehicle you must get a note from the hire company indicating that it is insured for the driving test. This must
be given to the driver tester on the day of the test.

8. Vehicles registered outside the State are not accepted for test purposes.

9. The following must be displayed on your vehicle:
a) Current valid motor tax disc and insurance disc.
b) NCT disc – vehicles obliged to undergo the National Car Test will not be taken for test if not displaying the
appropriate disc. (You can call the NCT service on 1890 412 413 for further information).
c) ‘L’ plates front and rear (a rectangular plate or sign bearing the letter ‘L’ not less than fi fteen centimetres
high in red on a white background and a border of at least 2 centimetres). From 1st December 2007 all
provisional licence/learner permit holders for motorcycle licence category A, A1, or M, must when driving
such a vehicle display a yellow fl uorescent tabard bearing the letter ‘L’ not less than 15 centimetres high
in red on a white background, in clearly visible vertical positions front and rear worn over the chest
clothing.

10. The vehicle must be in a roadworthy condition at the time of the test and you will be asked to sign a
statement to this effect. Specifically:
a) Tyres should, upon visible inspection, comply with Road Traffi c Acts requirements (minimum tyre tread
depth requirement is currently 1.6mm for a motorcar),
b) Loads should be properly secured; loose objects inside the vehicle such as screwdrivers, knives, gas
bottles etc. must be secured before the test.
c) You may not carry passengers or pets while on the test,
d) The windscreen should be clean and free from visual obstructions, including excessive cracks. Vehicles
presenting for test with tinted front windscreen and front passenger and driver door glass will be
acceptable for test purposes only where the tinting is part of the original manufacturers build and
specifi cation i.e. the glass should be clear to the naked eye. Vehicles not meeting this criteria will result
in the test not being conducted and your fee may be forfeited.
e) The seat belt on the tester’s side should be fi tted and in good working order,
f) The passenger door on the tester’s side should be working properly and, in particular, should be possible
to open from the inside as well as the outside,
g) The suspension should not be defective,
h) The brake and indicator lights should be tested to ensure they are working efficiently. All indicator lights
should be clearly showing amber.
i) The handbrake should be in good working order,
j) Today’s vehicles are fi tted with a number of warning lamps on a dashboard that let the driver know if
certain critical safety, and performance features are not working properly. They are important safety
features and it is in the interest of the driver and road safety that all safety systems in the vehicle are
in full working order. Consequently any warning Lights indicating a malfunction or a defect, that shows
before or during the test may lead to the non-conducting/non-completion of your test. This may result
in your fee being forfeited.
k) There should be no leakage, into the vehicle, of exhaust fumes.
l) Where car seats are designed to hold head restraints, these restraints must be in place on the day of the
test,
m) As vehicles presented for a driving test are regarded as an enclosed workspace, all vehicles must be smoke
free in accordance with the Public Health (Tobacco) Act, 2004. As this Act also covers environmental
tobacco smoke, test candidates are asked not to smoke in the vehicle before the driving test,
n) Other – there may, in exceptional circumstances, be other defects that would lead a tester to conclude
on health and safety grounds that the test vehicle was not in a suffi ciently roadworthy condition to
conduct the test.

11. Test applicants must wear suitable footwear during the practical driving test. (Flip flops/beach sandals or
other backless type footwear or barefoot driving is not acceptable).

12. If you have diffi culty communicating in English, or you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can have an
interpreter/assistant with you. This person must not be your driving instructor and may not accompany you
on the practical test. Please inform Driver Testing Section before the day of your test that you will have an
interpreter/assistant with you.

If you have any query on any of these matters please contact me in advance of your test.

Credit: www.drivingtest.ie

You can check the pass rates for the various test centres for 2009 here. (Adobe reader required)

There seems to be a huge variance between test centres, 30.6% in Rathgar comapred with 67.1% in Sligo. Its also interesting to note the difference between some neighbouring Dublin centres.

The National Car Test (NCT) is a preventative road safety measure aimed at ensuring older vehicles are in sound working order. Nearly half of all collisions involved vehicles that were 9 years old or more in ’07 and 45% of serious injury in that year also involved vehicles that were 9 years old or more. A car can be any age , yet be roadworthy, thereby lies the problem with the owner. It is a small minority of people who are putting their own lives and the lives of others at risk by driving dangerously defective vehicles: the defect may be worn brake pads/discs, bald tyres etc.

In Ireland, cars must be tested 4 years after first registration and, thereafter, every two years. Should one fail the NCT, a retest must be booked within 21 days, and the vehicle must be presented again for a followon test within four weeks. Meanwhile, the vehicle may be driven on public roads provided it does not have a dangerous defect. A retest which does not require the use of a test-lane is free of charge. These are minor visual items like wipers and registration plates. Meamwhile, drivers should have in their possession the notice of the followon test for inspection by the Gardai, if required. A test may be done anytime within 3 months of the expiry date of the NCT disc. In ’08 over 835,000 cars were tested at NCT centres.

Penalty points, for not having a valid NCT disc displayed, apply following a Court conviction ( 5 points, thank you. ) For failing to remedy a defect, identified in a NCT test incurs 3 penalty points. Add to that a maximum fine of up to 2,000 eur and 3 months in jail.

To book a NCT : it may be done here or phone 1890412413.

The NCT test includes:

Brakes

Exhaust Emissions

Wheels and Tyres

Lights

Steering and Suspension

Chassis and Underbody

Electrical systems

Glass and Mirrors

Transmission

Interior

Fuel System

Miscellaneous items.

Some are of the opinion that having a car tested to discover all its defects, then take it to a garage, just for those repairs, is a cheaper way of doing the job. The chic mechanic calls it ‘mean’ and says there may be other defects in the mechanism etc. of a car which may not be uncovered in the NCT alone and which could be detrimental to the longterm life and safety of the car. Owners of cars may not be notified of a due date for the NCT, therefore owners should check for the 4 year deadline (from date of first registration) or, thereafter, check the disc and apply for the test a few months before expiry date. ( For a driving test, the NCT disc must be displayed on cars etc. that are 4 years or older.) There are some subtle little matters to be attended to, apart from the heftier mechanical stuff like the registration plate must be clearly legible, showing the EU flag, the county in which registered and, if the garage provider displays their name etc., it must be in a separate frame at the bottom of the plate; hub caps must be removed and the rear seat centre seatbelt should be rolled up neatly. Amber lenses that have faded to near white must be replaced. Any ‘With it’ mechanic will put you merrily on the road to a ‘Pass’ and the short change left in your pocket still affords the comfort of knowing that you are now roadworthy for another two years. (And, Oh, watch out for the little crater that looks like a pothole, they keep garages open longer hours!)

When the NCT was introduced in 2000, less than 4% of vehicles passed the test first time out, however, since then the pass rate has climbed to 70% for cars that are 4 years old. Those 9 years old have a pass rate of just 30% at first attempt. Overall, the benefits to the environment, with less pollutants, cleaner air to breathe, more flowers for bees to pollenate, is an important contribution to road safety and a greener planet.