Post June 30th: Driving unaccompanied and got stopped - post your experience here

DRice

1. How much did you get fined?
2. Did you display your L plates?

Wishbone Ash

DRice wrote: »

How much did you get fined?
Did you display your L plates?

Similar thread exists - thread locked.

Wishbone Ash

Thread opened again at request of the OP but may be locked again if necessary!






**hovers over 'lock' button** :pac:

Alanstrainor

Hehe, let's hope it doesn't spiral out of control into anarchy.
:pac::pac::pac:optimism for ya, ay?

Wishbone Ash

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Hehe, let's hope it doesn't spiral out of control into anarchy.
:pac::pac::pac:optimism for ya, ay?

Maybe we should limit it to answers to the 2 questions above!!

donhughberto

I think a sticky would be better to save us the bother of 20 of these threads. I think everyone is interested in the topic. I know bragging about not getting caught won't help. But maybe getting caught will help other people be aware.

I am sure a few fines might stop some people while others won't give a damn. For the record i parked mine today until i do the test. Better safe than sorry.

Wishbone Ash

donhughberto wrote: »

I think a sticky would be better to save us the bother of 20 of these threads

Yes but too many stickies only fill up the front page so we try to limit them. Very few browsers bother to go to page 2.

justbringit89

No This Thread should stay up , but let it be only as the title says... about experiences with getting stoped by the gards!

Yakult

I agree. keep this thread. But hopefully no debates happen as theirs alread enough threads for that stuff!

jcrowbar

I took my plates down this morning, as did almost everyone else from the looks of things.

I counted only one car with L plates (un-accompanied i might add) in my whole 40 min drive into Limerick this morning.

There's going to be alot of fines handed out by the Gardai in the coming months.

debbie72

well i dont know about you but this has got me totally confused even last night with the minister for transport on tv3 he is saying the law came in to effect at midnight but the gaurds are not going to enforce it so wtf is going on because im totally confused with it all :rolleyes:

Nightwish

The guards never said they wouldnt enforce it. They said they will enforce it as per any other law. They wont be setting up any checkpoints to catch L-Plate drivers.

Boggles

The guards will take a common sense approach. Best thing to do is everyone who is driving on a provisonal is to apply for the test today, bring the letter you recieve around with you with your license, don't take down the L plates, this will just píss the guards off if your caught.

For the few months while your waiting for your test, drive everyday like your doing your test, get enough lessons where your not only confident to drive but where your comfortable with someone in the car assessing you, buy a clipboard and give to your driving instructor if you have to.

Lastly, pass the bloody test, you will never have to do it again, throw the green license in the fire and watch it burn.

Stay safe, drive defensively.

NullZer0

Boggles wrote: »

The guards will take a common sense approach. Best thing to do is everyone who is driving on a provisonal is to apply for the test today, bring the letter you recieve around with you with your license, don't take down the L plates, this will just píss the guards off if your caught.

For the few months while your waiting for your test, drive everyday like your doing your test, get enough lessons where your not only confident to drive but where your comfortable with someone in the car assessing you, buy a clipboard and give to your driving instructor if you have to.

Lastly, pass the bloody test, you will never have to do it again, throw the green license in the fire and watch it burn.

Stay safe, drive defensively.

+1

Couldn't agree more.
I've left my L plates up.

I find that the Gardai are usually pretty understanding once they see your not a complete scumbag or out to do harm.

donhughberto

iRock wrote: »

+1

Couldn't agree more.
I've left my L plates up.

I find that the Gardai are usually pretty understanding once they see your not a complete scumbag or out to do harm.

I left mine at home. I find the gardai differ. There is a few young ones in our town making waves with the locals. Trying to make a name for themselves and would only be too happy to throw the book at someone.

A letter with test date does not mean a test passed. I also noticed all my neighbours bar one have removed Ls and drove on. This will not make the roads safer. One of them can't even drive a straight line.

Boggles

donhughberto wrote: »

A letter with test date does not mean a test passed. I also noticed all my neighbours bar one have removed Ls and drove on. This will not make the roads safer. One of them can't even drive a straight line.

If you HAVE TO DRIVE it will be alot better if your caught to have proof that you have at least applied for your test.

Plus if there is guards out to make a name for themselves, they are not going to ignore the fact that you have no L plates up.

NullZer0

donhughberto wrote: »

I left mine at home. I find the gardai differ.

From my experience thats not the case.

I got caught twice with no Tax and No NCT... on different occasions, under different circumstances.

I just visited the particular Gardai station and asked to speak to the Gard.. he was very understanding and had it struck out when the court date came.

- This is of course after explaining my situation and the fact that I don't have a record of traffic offences (or any other).

John Mason

i am in a spot of bother. i am waiting for a test date which means i have to practice. my driving instructor said he would be robbing me by taking me on anymore lessons.

i need to practice that corner thing, i dont have anyone who can drive with me

i wonder would i be okay on my road, doing my practice?

NullZer0

irishbird wrote: »

i am in a spot of bother. i am waiting for a test date which means i have to practice. my driving instructor said he would be robbing me by taking me on anymore lessons.

i need to practice that corner thing, i dont have anyone who can drive with me

i wonder would i be okay on my road, doing my practice?

I would imagine so... if you are a reasonable driver.
Of course it depends on where you live too. Theres also always the possibility of getting caught.... after all it is the law... but I reckon even if you do get caught the chances of the Gardai coming down hard on you are slim to none. :cool:

Antigone05

im on my 1st provisional, and im leaving my L plates up.

Ive applied for my full licence and only drive within the d16 area.

Ive only (for the 7months driving) seen 1 garda check point and that was last bank holiday..i was waved on after they checked my disks.

I drive slowly and always with caution of everything around me, if im stopped by a garda i dont mind, i knew ive always been breaking the law

Im not a moron behind the wheel like i see so often everyday locally, everyone speeds, without question. Im off to Dundrum to the bank now, make sure to wave at your friendly L plated cars!

NullZer0

+1

Good for you. Im in the same boat down the country... but on 2nd Provisional.

(Just thought I'd jump in there before the vultures start to appear).

davej

i need to practice that corner thing, i dont have anyone who can drive with me

How about getting up at the crack of dawn and (i.e. 5am) and practicing around a quiet area? I can't really see the Gardai coming down on you for this?

davej

donhughberto

davej wrote: »

How about getting up at the crack of dawn and (i.e. 5am) and practicing around a quiet area? I can't really see the Gardai coming down on you for this?

davej

Great idea as the Gardai will still be in bed. At least in my town anyway. Thats good solid advice DaveJ. Off course the high and mighty crew will kick us into touch for suggesting it.

I guess still breaking the Law regardless.

Antigone05

Well im back from my trip through Dundum (d14 & d16).

2 squad cars..

nothing..

1 driving towards me on the way home, and one infront of me on the way there. The one in Dundrum was probably going back to the station anyways.

So, yeah...

NullZer0

+1

Funny how nobody has posted here that got caught... ya know... with the big crackdown and all!

Snakeblood

iRock wrote: »

+1

Funny how nobody has posted here that got caught... ya know... with the big crackdown and all!

Most people aren't using their plates, though. It's hard to catch them when they are cunningly disguised like that. I'd say next week, when people get rid of the fear and decide to put the plates back up to placate their insurance company rather than what might at the moment seem like an underwhelming enforcement policy, we'll see whether it's a joke or not.

JP Liz

Boggles wrote: »

The guards will take a common sense approach. Best thing to do is everyone who is driving on a provisonal is to apply for the test today, bring the letter you recieve around with you with your license, don't take down the L plates, this will just píss the guards off if your caught.

For the few months while your waiting for your test, drive everyday like your doing your test, get enough lessons where your not only confident to drive but where your comfortable with someone in the car assessing you, buy a clipboard and give to your driving instructor if you have to.

Lastly, pass the bloody test, you will never have to do it again, throw the green license in the fire and watch it burn.

Stay safe, drive defensively.

+ 1

debbie72

well i was out this morning (accompaied)drove all around sligo today and have not seen one check-point or gaurd anywhere and i was driving for a good 3hrs

JP Liz

SGS didnt send a confirmation letter with test date only a text message.

Could i show that maybe to the Gardai??????

Stark

Boggles wrote: »

Lastly, pass the bloody test, you will never have to do it again, throw the green license in the fire and watch it burn.

Not the best idea since you need your provisional license/learner permit in order to apply for your full license

NullZer0

+1

Boggles

Stark wrote: »

Not the best idea since you need your provisional license/learner permit in order to apply for your full license

Good point Stark.

Photocopy your green license and watch that burn.

Hanley

During the last "crackdown" two weeks ago I saw nothing for the first 2 or 3 days, then got stopped the following 3 days at 3 different checkpoints at 3 different times.

Maybe I was just unlucky, but I can see something similar happening here. The weekend will be the real acid test. And it's the one time of the week I HAVE to drive to get home from work late at night.

I shall continue to watch with interest.


EDIT: I was breathlysed one, and waved thru once and had my discs checked once. All with my L plates up and twice on my own, once with my gf in the passenger seat (who's also on her provisional).

bigpinkelephant

I drove 40km today and saw less than 5 L-plates. Rush hour there and back. It's been 8 months since this deadline was announced...

Alanstrainor

bigpinkelephant wrote: »

I drove 40km today and saw less than 5 L-plates. Rush hour there and back. It's been 8 months since this deadline was announced...

i covered a lot less distance but only saw one L plate. It was some oul' fella in a 07 E220 Mercedes...at least he's decided to show the plates.

bigpinkelephant

Alanstrainor wrote: »

i covered a lot less distance but only saw one L plate. It was some oul' fella in a 07 E220 Mercedes...at least he's decided to show the plates.

I drove on the N4 on the way home from Liffey Valley to Maynooth and saw ONE L-plate. On a 08 Peugeot 307, which would make me think that it's only someone that uses the car that is a learner. I saw hundreds of old Micras/Corsas/Polos with a young driver and no L plate. Now I am sure people look at my old Punto and young me behind the wheel even though I have a full licence but there is no way THAT many people can pass a driving test since the weekend.

I was also shocked to read on RTE's website about the amount of people not showing up for their test because they are not ready. Waste the slot why don't you :rolleyes:

Yakult

I really cant wait to get my full liecence. I will be so damn happy. but knowing my look something like R plates will come in just a few days before I pass it:rolleyes:

Stark

bigpinkelephant wrote: »

I drove 40km today and saw less than 5 L-plates. Rush hour there and back. It's been 8 months since this deadline was announced...

I drove through an industrial estate today and saw several cars reversing gingerly around corners. Not one of them had an L-plate up.

mossy619

one bit of advice leave ure L plates up and make sure your tyres are good and that your cars exhaust aint 2 loud because what ever about your local guards the traffic core will NOT let you off i speak from experience

DRice

mossy619 wrote: »

one bit of advice leave ure L plates up and make sure your tyres are good and that your cars exhaust aint 2 loud because what ever about your local guards the traffic core will NOT let you off i speak from experience

I think this is so sensible, was thinking earlier that guards will probably prosecute based on how the offender has pissed them off

Having everything else in order like L plates, tax, insurance, tyres, exhaust, safe driving and your test letter and i reckon...and i could be wrong...but any sensible guard will let you off

I didnt want to jinx myself my driving today, i got the bus ..and i'm off on hols for 2 weeks...then i will risk the grand by doing all of the above :eek::eek::P

Claire_lou1983

I left my L plates up and my car in the driveway. Have organised a lift to and from work until I pass my driving test, I am not risking getting a fine. I can think of a lot more fun things to spend €1k on to be honest!!!

I am only driving 3 months, not very confident, very young looking and driving a micra will be pulled over in a heartbeat :P

I dont live with anyone who drives but will go out with my Dad the odd night. He has never driven and does not hold a licence, however its practice in between my pre test lessons!!

Alanstrainor

Claire_lou1983 wrote: »

He has never driven and does not hold a licence, however its practice in between my pre test lessons!!

:eek:
You are driving unaccompanied in this situation!
Please try and find a friend or relation, anyone with a license for 2 years to accompany you, i would hate to see you end up with a fine.

Fizman

Ok so I decided to take my plates down this morning as I drove 420 kms today, Limerick to Clongriffin (Dublin) and back. The only L plates I saw on the way up were parked. Saw one or 2 on M50 on the way back, and saw about 5-6 driving about Limerick this evening.

Didn't come across any check points. I'm also carrying my confirmation letter of test which is at the end of July, but I'm considering putting the plates back up to be honest!

Nuttzz

Mrs N drove through a gardai checkpoint in templeogue today with the coppers pulling anyone who looked 17-23, she said there were 3 cars pulled in by them when she went through it. She was waved through the young lad behind in her mirror was stopped....

Nightwish

I saw 4 L plates on the way to work, 2 of which were unaccompanied. Its definately a lot less than usual. I am not one to criticise Learners as I was one and a very scared one at that but I was driving behind one this morning on a 100km/h road and she was doing 48 and holding up loads of traffic. Coming up to a roundabout she drifted over and back between the two lanes before indicating suddenly to the right and parking herself at the line on the right hand lane. I looked over and I saw her with an SGS tester in the car :eek:

I digress, anyway both of my L plate housemates have decided to leave the plates on and hope for the best and not draw attention to themselves. Both are doing tests in the next 3 weeks.

wil

Alanstrainor wrote: »

:eek:
You are driving unaccompanied in this situation!
Please try and find a friend or relation, anyone with a license for 2 years to accompany you, i would hate to see you end up with a fine.

Barring an accident, the chances of him (the dad) having to produce must be very slim. I could count on one finger the number of times I've had to produce in years of driving here. Very different in other countries.

As said above, drive carefully, keep to the speed limit, try not to drive unaccompanied (might encourage you to take your fully licenced granny* out for a drive), check everything about your car is in order, dont attract attention by acting the idiot breaking lights, overtaking dangerously, etc.

Make it easy for the gardai to choose who to come down hard on.

Theres a thought, I wonder do expired licences count for accompaniers?

Heisenberg.

This post has been deleted.

Hanley

The Scientist wrote: »

Listening to Red Fm there, some poor chap rang in to say he got the €1k fine this morning in Charleville...

Any ideas of the circumstances around this?

If he was a guy who'd taken down his L plates and was driving a lowered civic with a mad exhaust I could well believe it.

I'm honestly hoping that common sense will prevail in all of this when it comes to enforcement.

DjDangerousDave

As for the cops not directly targeting learner drivers, I saw a checkpoint today beside liffey vally and not only were they checking for tax and insurance they were asking a lot of drivers 40% - 50% to produice a licence.

Its about time that something was done to bring Ireland in line with the rest of the world.

Hanley

Up until the point that there is testing on demand I don't think it would be realistic to police this with a heavy hand. If and when on demand testing comes along, there'll truly be no excuse.

As for "average" test waiting periods... BS. I applied for my test 5 and a half weeks ago and haven't got a date yet. Anyone else get the sinking feeling that a certain % of the tests are given out REALLY soon to give the false appearance of shorter waiting times?

DjDangerousDave

Hanley wrote: »

Up until the point that there is testing on demand I don't think it would be realistic to police this with a heavy hand. If and when on demand testing comes along, there'll truly be no excuse.

As for "average" test waiting periods... BS. I applied for my test 5 and a half weeks ago and haven't got a date yet. Anyone else get the sinking feeling that a certain % of the tests are given out REALLY soon to give the false appearance of shorter waiting times?

The system has changed, your just going to have to deal with it. The government are no longer issueing Provisional Licences, they are now issueing Learners Permits. Note the difference. You have a permit to learn. And to learn you must be mentored my a fully licenced driver or a Registered RSA driving instructor.