FAQ on Graduated Driving License (GDL) or new regulations for learner drivers

LDC ADI 34490

Maybe you could make this a sticky. The GDL is the new regulations coming into place in April 2011.

Common questions on GDL rollout

I already hold a learner permit for a car. How do the changes affect me?

The compulsory lessons as announced will not apply to you as you already hold a learner permit in the licence category. The lessons will apply to those taking out a first time learner permit after the dates for introducing the lessons.

Why are compulsory lessons needed by learner drivers?

We learn skills in many different ways. Research about learning to drive tells us that a combination of formal lessons from a driving instructor covering the basic skills and many hours putting the skills in practice under supportive supervision is the best way to learn to drive.

Many learners already take lessons with the focus largely on how to pass the driving test and this is important. However, the aim of the programme of lessons now being developed is to build long term skills that will benefit the learner for life.

What will be involved in the compulsory Motorcycle lessons?

An initial basic training programme covering on road and off-road lessons has been developed calling on best practice. The lessons will cover rules of the road, motorcycle controls, technical checks, managing the vehicle and motorcycle riding skills. View the Compulsory Basic Training Course Syllabus for Motorcycling (PDF)

The off-road element will be delivered by the driving instructor in a secure compound while the instructor will also oversee the on-road lessons. Completing all the lessons will take a minimum of 16 hours.

Whilst there is no formal examination at the completion of the lessons, continuous assessment will be used by the trainer to satisfy him/herself that the learner has completed the modules satisfactorily as they progress through the programme.

What will be involved in the compulsory car lessons?

Presently, the training programme is being developed and the lessons will cover the key skills needed by a learner driver. Among the aspects the programme will cover include - knowledge of rules of the road, understanding your vehicle, vehicle manoeuvring, developing hazard perception skills and responsibilities of the driver to other road users.

The learner will be able to take the lessons at any point during the learning process and can practice with an accompanying driver during the time while taking lessons. Completing these lessons will take a minimum of 12 hours. Evidence of completing the lessons will be signed off in a learner’s logbook by the Approved Driving Instructor. There will not have a formal examination at the completion of the lessons; however, continuous assessment will ensure that the learner has satisfactorily progressed through the programme.

A number of countries already require mandatory lessons, in the Czech Republic there is a minimum of 34 hours, in Poland 30 hours, while a minimum of 13 hours is required in Austria.

How will the lessons be enforced?

You will get a certificate when you finish your course of lessons and this must be kept with your learner permit.

For both car and motorcycle lessons you will have to present evidence of having taken the lessons before taking a driving test. Motorcycle riders must complete the programme before driving unsupervised on the road while a learner.

Will the RSA set the price for compulsory lessons?

No - there are presently some 1,800 ADIs in Ireland and this allows for a strong element of competition in the market. These ADIs have met set standards relating to their own knowledge of rules of the road, their driving skills and the ability to deliver tuition.

What changes are planned for the driving test?

It is proposed to introduce changes to the test in late 2011. Research shows that with specific changes to the test the learning experience can be improved. As an example both Holland and the UK have introduced aspects of independent driving to the test and this is being considered for introduction here.

Generally, this involves asking the learner to drive to a set point (which is usually a local landmark) without direction from the driver tester, this requires decision making by the learner that has been shown to be a good indicator of driving ability. It is planned to carry out a pilot phase of any changes with first time learner permit holders to assess its effectiveness.

The driving test service will be subject to external accreditation.

How will the role of the accompanied driver be strengthened?

The best way to learn is to practice the skills you have learned. A rounded driver needs to have driven many thousands of kilometres to experience the many different kinds of traffic, weather and road conditions that demand a reaction from a driver.

It is now well established that learning under the guidance of a knowledgeable supervisor is an effective way to build up driver competence. Too often the experience in Ireland is that the accompanying driver acts in a passive role. Suitable support and guidance material is now being developed to help the accompanying driver better understand the role he or she can play in the learning process- driver reference manuals will be published shortly.

Following the passing of legislation the role of the accompanying driver will be formalised to include signing off on aspects of the practice sessions undertaken with the learner, and must present a signed log book before taking a driving test.

What is the significance of introducing R Plates?

This recognises that the learning process continues after the driving test is passed- for that reason some restrictions should continue to apply to drivers for two years after taking out a full licence.

New legislation is needed to introduce the R Plate. A restriction will apply to full licences after September 2011 when the lower alcohol levels are applied to drivers for a period of two years after taking out a full licence.

It is also planned to apply a higher level of penalty points to learner and novice drivers for specific high risk offences when the legislation is in place. The R Plate also indicates to other road users that you are a novice driver.

What changes will happen to the driver theory test?

The driver theory test was updated in 2006 and it will be further enhanced in late 2011.

More information is here: http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Graduated-Driver-Licensing/Common-questions-about-gdl/

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

Mountjoy Mugger

Original link is incorrect - probably changed since first published online.

It should be : http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Graduated-Driver-Licensing/Common-questions-about-gdl/

I suppose it's immaterial as the OP has all details posted in any case.

Ghost Estate

<SNIP>

Alanstrainor

Ghost Estate wrote: »

<SNIP>

This is an informative thread. No rubbish please.

Cummybaby

I just want to clarify something here. I'm on my second provisional licence for a typical car. Does the compulsory lessons apply to me. Thanks in advance

MascotDec85

Cummybaby wrote: »

I just want to clarify something here. I'm on my second provisional licence for a typical car. Does the compulsory lessons apply to me. Thanks in advance

No

Robster1994

Hi
i was just wondering .... im not 17 until July but have my tractor licence since yesterday... do i have qualify for this new system?

Regards and Thanks

Faith+1

Robster1994 wrote: »

Hi
i was just wondering .... im not 17 until July but have my tractor licence since yesterday... do i have qualify for this new system?

Regards and Thanks

If you mean B Licence, then it's Yes I'm afraid because you haven't got your Car learner permit before the 4th.

Robster1994

even though i have my learner permit and in July all i have to do is get the car part stamped?

Regards

Faith+1

Robster1994 wrote: »

even though i have my learner permit and in July all i have to do is get the car part stamped?

Regards

From what I can tell Rob is that you only have the W catagory on your learner permit. Although you passed your theory test that covers Car and Work vehicles, you won't have the B catagory added to your permit until July when you turn 17, a full 3 months after the new rules come into play (April 4th 2011).

So the new rules will apply to you I'm afraid. Perhaps a Mod can add to this if I'm incorrect?

TheAntiSanta

Do the rules about R-Plates apply to people on their second provisional license, or is it only if you apply for your first after the April date.

eor123

Hi, I have my learner permit since the 20 something of March, if I sit my driving test in September will I still get a R plate. Or even if i sit it after Sept will I get it?