Certifcate of competancy- driving alone?

Jamie-b

While the RSA website does say you cannot be on a motorway, or be an accompanying driver while holding a C.OC, I cannot find where it says you cannot drive alone.
My instructor and the lady in the tax office said it is fine.

I saw this article http://www.advertiser.ie/athlone/article/29298

The most relevant part is: "the judge accepted Breslin’s contention that a certificate of competency constitutes a valid full licence and dismissed the no licence, driving whilst unaccompanied, and no ‘L’ plate charges. "

So it appears a precedent has been set- you could possibly still be charged but it would be highly unlikely to lead to a conviction given the above case.

Anyone any contradictory evidence? It seems a grey area

sentient_6

My L-badges went straight in the bin when i passed my test & got the cert. It will cover you no problem until you actually get the licence. I didnt know there ever was a grey area.

As for the accompaning driver bit, technically you need your full 2 years, so i can't imagine anyone still driving around with a C.O.C after two years anyway.

Permabear

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cosmic

donegalfella wrote: »

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+ 1 to this.

However, I passed my test on a Friday and didn't apply for my license until the following Monday (3 days later). On the Saturday (the day after passing my test) I got stopped at a checkpoint and only had my LP and my CoC on me. The Garda who stopped had no problem with that. I'm not recommending it (as you might not be lucky enough to encounter the same Garda as me), I'm just saying what happened to me.

Permabear

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andrew163

As soon as I passed my test, the tester informed me that I was allowed to drive on non-motorway roads with the certificate of competency (if that helps at all).

tritium

I'm confused here - not attempting to give a legal interpretation but the 2006 road traffic regulations states

"(iv) vehicles of category B, C1, C, D1, D, EB, EC1, EC, ED1 or ED, shall not drive such a vehicle unless he or she is accompanied by and is under the supervision of a qualified person,
...
(c) The condition set out in subparagraph (b)(iv) does not apply -

(i) while the holder of the licence is driving a vehicle in the course of undergoing a driving test or driving a vehicle of a category in respect of which he or she holds a valid certificate of competency, or, where that certificate contains a statement that in relation to a category of vehicle it is limited to a specified type of vehicle, while he or she is driving a vehicle of that type,

"

Can anyone clarify?

El Horseboxo

Even though you are supposed to have your license on you while driving at all times you still have 10 days to produce your license at a garda station of your choice if stopped. Simply tell a Garda if asked for your license that you are renewing it and will present both yourself and license at desired station as soon as you get it. Which should be less than 10 days if you already sent it off. You are not lying as exchanging your learners permit for a full license is considered renewing it on the application forms. I have never heard of someone getting a fine for driving while in between licenses'.