6 month wait..

K4t

I'm not here to bitch and moan before anyone says it. Just wondering what other drivers think of this stipulation regarding the wait between getting your learner permit and taking the actual test? I've been driving regularly on my learner permit for about a week now and while obviously not as experienced as other drivers, I have had no problem driving on national roads, back roads etc. have spent a good while driving around a large town during rush hour etc with no problems whatsoever. While not saying I could take the test tomorrow and pass, I'm quite mystified at the fact that I must wait another 5 and a half months before I can even apply to take my test. Surely one or two more months driving regularly and I should be allowed to prove that I am capable of driving on a full licence unaccompanied? If I'm not, fine, I won't pass. The law is the law of course and very intelligent men and women have decided that the 6 month wait is necessary and all those lessons just have to be done and paid for. Personally I think it's a bit of a scam.

/No more whinging..

Anyone else agree with me or do you think the 6 month wait is necessary and correct?

**Timbuk2**

It's annoying but I agree with it. Being able to control the car is one thing, but you need plenty of experience (i.e. more than a few weeks) to become competent and confident in reacting to hazards.

The fully licenced driver that accompanies you presumably is more experienced (because of the 2 year rules this is a fair enough assumption) and thus is able to spot potential hazards quicker than a novice driver might be able to.

Additionally, although the test costs €85, the actual cost to the state is something more than this (I don't know the actual figure, I've heard around €120) so people failing the test are actually costing the state money. Thus, having a 6 month compulsory wait should increase pass rates, and combined with the new EDT, which will further increase pass rates, this should help the save money that would otherwise be 'wasted' (if that's the right word) by people failing.

For the record, I was annoyed at first with the 6 month wait. But it goes by faster than you think (especially those that have to take 12 lessons!)

challengemaster

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

It's annoying but I agree with it. Being able to control the car is one thing, but you need plenty of experience (i.e. more than a few weeks) to become competent and confident in reacting to hazards.

The fully licenced driver that accompanies you presumably is more experienced (because of the 2 year rules this is a fair enough assumption) and thus is able to spot potential hazards quicker than a novice driver might be able to.

Additionally, although the test costs €85, the actual cost to the state is something more than this (I don't know the actual figure, I've heard around €120) so people failing the test are actually costing the state money. Thus, having a 6 month compulsory wait should increase pass rates, and combined with the new EDT, which will further increase pass rates, this should help the save money that would otherwise be 'wasted' (if that's the right word) by people failing.

For the record, I was annoyed at first with the 6 month wait. But it goes by faster than you think (especially those that have to take 12 lessons!)

Not only this but also, if you consider waiting times, having something like a 6 month period in place stops a massive influx of applications and tests, and probably allows them to maintain a steady number of tests, which in theory should mean better efficiency

brian076

K4t wrote: »

I'm quite mystified at the fact that I must wait another 5 and a half months before I can even apply to take my test. Anyone else agree with me or do you think the 6 month wait is necessary and correct?

You can apply for your test before the 6 months are up, you just hae to have your licence 6 months when you sit your test, so you could probably apply after 4 months.