Provisional Driving License-Garda strict on unacompained provisonal drivers?

ok first of all after I do the theory test can I get my provisional licsense, I heard about these 12 practise test things that have come in but does that just apply for when you go for full driving license? Also as I already stated are the garda strict on unaccompanied provisonal drivers, because I no lots of people Driving on a provisonal license and they have got no bother.

vicwatson

TheJiggaman wrote: »

ok first of all after I do the theory test can I get my provisional licsense, I heard about these 12 practise test things that have come in but does that just apply for when you go for full driving license? Also as I already stated are the garda strict on unaccompanied provisonal drivers, because I no lots of people Driving on a provisonal license and they have got no bother.

They probably weren't stopped. If you wanna break the law be it on your own head

Faith+1

TheJiggaman wrote: »

ok first of all after I do the theory test can I get my provisional licsense, I heard about these 12 practise test things that have come in but does that just apply for when you go for full driving license? Also as I already stated are the garda strict on unaccompanied provisonal drivers, because I no lots of people Driving on a provisonal license and they have got no bother.

That's because it's Ireland, Bananna Republic :mad:

123 LC

TheJiggaman wrote: »

ok first of all after I do the theory test can I get my provisional licsense, I heard about these 12 practise test things that have come in but does that just apply for when you go for full driving license? Also as I already stated are the garda strict on unaccompanied provisonal drivers, because I no lots of people Driving on a provisonal license and they have got no bother.

yes if you pass your theory test you can get your provisional liscence, then you must do 12 lessons before you do your driving test.

anyone I knew that were stopped while they were alone, were only given out to by the gardai, but i have just read that soon anyone caught will get a penalty point and €80 fine, and i'd say this will be strictly inforced. http://www.independent.ie/national-news/ldrivers-to-get-penalty-points-for-driving-alone-3214926.html

vicwatson

123 LC wrote: »

yes if you pass your theory test you can get your provisional liscence, then you must do 12 lessons before you do your driving test.

anyone I knew that were stopped while they were alone, were only given out to by the gardai, but i have just read that soon anyone caught will get a penalty point and €80 fine, and i'd say this will be strictly inforced. http://www.independent.ie/national-news/ldrivers-to-get-penalty-points-for-driving-alone-3214926.html

From your quoted link -

" Prosecutions against unaccompanied learner drivers have been traditionally rare, with gardai instead giving young L-drivers a "ticking off".

However, two crackdowns in March and April resulted in almost 950 motorists being caught driving unaccompanied or without displaying L plates.
Some 279 will be prosecuted in the courts, facing fines of up to €1,000 for a first offence.

While it is an offence for a learner driver not to have L plates displayed, it is understood that this will not incur penalty points."

ec18

I think this topic should just be stickied at the top because it comes up so often.

lazygal

I was asked for my licence a few times when I had l-plates up. Only once was my accompanying driver asked for their licence, but I know of more than one person who's been issued with a fine for driving alone. I never did it, I did when I was on a second provisional when it was legal to drive solo, but once the law changed I just never took the chance.

the groutch

it shouldnt matter how strict the Gardai are, it's the law and you should obey it regardless of how many other people flout it.
and if you were to be involved in a crash (even if it's not your fault) , the insurance company(s) won't pay a penny.

Faith+1

the groutch wrote: »

it shouldnt matter how strict the Gardai are, it's the law and you should obey it regardless of how many other people flout it.
and if you were to be involved in a crash (even if it's not your fault) , the insurance company(s) won't pay a penny.

Not so sure on that one.....

ResearchWill

the groutch wrote: »

it shouldnt matter how strict the Gardai are, it's the law and you should obey it regardless of how many other people flout it.
and if you were to be involved in a crash (even if it's not your fault) , the insurance company(s) won't pay a penny.

Totally and 100% incorrect.

SpitfireIV

Have a look around and see the amount of people driving alone with L plates up, if the Gardai were to stop all of these they'd be going none stop!! Imagine all the paper work they'd have to go through too, just because someone was driving on an L plate; I dont think theyre really bothered, are they?

I know its the law, but, its also an offence to use a phone while driving, yet, how many people still blatantly (and stupidly!!) do that?!


I drove around my local area on my own with L plates for a few months, I found it incredibly beneficial in improving my confidence when learning to drive, naturally for each person this differs, if you dont feel comfortable driving on your own then dont do it. Never went out of town and stayed on roads I was comfortable and familiar with. I was stopped one day, Gardai checked my details and told me 'You know you shouldnt be driving unaccompanied blah blah blah' (yes, he actually said 'blah blah blah') The guy couldnt give a toss and let me on my way.

Daibhead

I'm a bit tempted as well to start driving unaccompanied as well. I've met a couple of other learner drivers who've told me the same thing, no one pulls them for it and it helped a lot with learning. Even if I could go around my neck of the woods without my old man in the passenger seat I think it would help a lot.

Faith+1

Daibhead wrote: »

I'm a bit tempted as well to start driving unaccompanied as well. I've met a couple of other learner drivers who've told me the same thing, no one pulls them for it and it helped a lot with learning. Even if I could go around my neck of the woods without my old man in the passenger seat I think it would help a lot.

And it would just be your luck that you'd be caught. I wouldn't risk it but you're going to suit yourself in the end.

lazygal

Seriously, what's with the justifications for law breaking? If someone posted a thread with 'I'm thinking I might start driving without insurance/not wearing a seatbelt/breaking all the speed limits' they'd surely be swiftly told to cop on. Learning to drive isn't a civil right, you can't just decide the law doesn't suit you because you think you learn better on your own or need to get to work or college. I might think I'm a better driver if i don't wear a seatbelt or don't stop at a red light, doesn't mean I can just disregard laws that don't suit me.

Faith+1

^^^You ain't lazy in your thinking!:D

SpitfireIV

lazygal wrote: »

Seriously, what's with the justifications for law breaking? If someone posted a thread with 'I'm thinking I might start driving without insurance/not wearing a seatbelt/breaking all the speed limits' they'd surely be swiftly told to cop on. Learning to drive isn't a civil right, you can't just decide the law doesn't suit you because you think you learn better on your own or need to get to work or college. I might think I'm a better driver if i don't wear a seatbelt or don't stop at a red light, doesn't mean I can just disregard laws that don't suit me.

I dunno? When the Gardai themselves dont seem to take it serious......'spose thats reason enough for people to see it as a rather lax 'law', its pretty common knowledge that if you're stopped, provided you're not being a prat or causing a danger then you're just gonna get a telling off (if that).

If youre caught speeding, not wearing a belt, breaking speedlimits etc you're gonna get points, a fine, a day in court if you so wish, thus, people take these things seriously. When my driving instuctor didnt have an issue with me driving alone, when the Garda that stopped me couldnt be bothered dealing with me and when I see loads of loan L drivers about I sorta' tended to not really take it serious.

I did feel I learned more on my own, not so much driving skills, but it improved my confidence!

Should probably add that I will not be held accountable, or responsible for anyone whom should end up encuring points, a fine, or a court sentence as a result of driving unaccompanied! Make your own choice!

djimi

CroppyBoy1798 wrote: »

Have a look around and see the amount of people driving alone with L plates up, if the Gardai were to stop all of these they'd be going none stop!! Imagine all the paper work they'd have to go through too, just because someone was driving on an L plate; I dont think theyre really bothered, are they?

If the Gardai were to stop even 5% of them on a daily basis then you would find the problem would sort itself out very quickly.

If we ever cop onto ourselves and change the law so that a learner driving unaccompanied is subject to a very large fine and the loss of their learners permit for 2 years, then youd find even more of them complying. The law in this country is a joke (one point and an €80 fine; come off it), and the Gardai are an absolute disgrace for the way the dont bother enforcing the driving laws.

Faith+1

CroppyBoy1798 wrote: »

I dunno? When the Gardai themselves dont seem to take it serious......'spose thats reason enough for people to see it as a rather lax 'law', its pretty common knowledge that if you're stopped, provided you're not being a prat or causing a danger then you're just gonna get a telling off (if that).

If youre caught speeding, not wearing a belt, breaking speedlimits etc you're gonna get points, a fine, a day in court if you so wish, thus, people take these things seriously. When my driving instuctor didnt have an issue with me driving alone, when the Garda that stopped me couldnt be bothered dealing with me and when I see loads of loan L drivers about I sorta' tended to not really take it serious.

I did feel I learned more on my own, not so much driving skills, but it improved my confidence!

Should probably add that I will not be held accountable, or responsible for anyone whom should end up encuring points, a fine, or a court sentence as a result of driving unaccompanied! Make your own choice!

He should be reported to the RSA.

djimi

Faith+1 wrote: »

He should be reported to the RSA.

Its not the instructors job to enforce the law tbf; they cant stop someone driving unaccompanied if the person so chooses. Its the Garda in question that should be called to answer why they didnt bother doing their job and uphold the driving laws. Why they seem to feel that some laws are worth enforcing while others can be freely ignored. Maybe if they were held more accountable in this then they might take it a bit more seriously.

Faith+1

djimi wrote: »

Its not the instructors job to enforce the law tbf; they cant stop someone driving unaccompanied if the person so chooses. Its the Garda in question that should be called to answer why they didnt bother doing their job and uphold the driving laws. Why they seem to feel that some laws are worth enforcing while others can be freely ignored. Maybe if they were held more accountable in this then they might take it a bit more seriously.

No, but when they don't have a "Problem" with their pupils driving unaccompanied then it is a matter for the RSA. The instructors job is to teach the ROTR to the learner in a safe and competent manner and the fact that the Gardaí are not properly enforcing the law does not make it right for them to condone breaking the law.

gillapino

In some cases i agree with the law and some i dont, i passed my test about 2 months ago, and i drove around a good bit on my provisional but just around places i knew really well, and to college, i wouldn't have gone to places i was unfamiliar with,or motorways or narrow country roads, unless i was accompanied. But up to the text i'd reccommend drive by yourself but just around your estate and queit roads and places where your really familiar with. I mean i would find it so daunting getting into a car with a stranger (tester) for the first time on main roads where you had to be completly dependant on your own judgement and not having anyone to give you any hint or help.

Rothmans

djimi wrote: »

If we ever cop onto ourselves and change the law so that a learner driving unaccompanied is subject to a very large fine and the loss of their learners permit for 2 years, then youd find even more of them complying. The law in this country is a joke (one point and an €80 fine; come off it), and the Gardai are an absolute disgrace for the way the dont bother enforcing the driving laws.

It's called police discretion, and its very important. Gardaí (especially considering how their resources are continually being cut, and how short they now are on man-power) cannot waste their time pursuing trivial minor offences.
Instead they need to prioritise their resources to be used as efficiently as possible.
In fact, I recently read in the Nationalist that Tullow Garda Station ( one of only two 24 hour Garda stations in Carlow) only had one patrol car. That is there is only one Garda patrol car responsible for patrolling half of the county (outside of rural Garda station opening hours). That's just an example of the contraints the Gardaí are under!

hattoncracker

It's hard if you live away from home and don't know anyone to come with you..

And with the EDT system now you're expected to do three hours practice between lessons and for some people its either skip the practice, pay for extra lessons on top of your 12, or drive alone.

I started learning to drive six weeks after I moved to a completely new part of the country and knew no one, nor did I know any of the roads.

I was shocked at what was expected of me in terms of practice and had no car and had to do one EDT every two lessons. It cost Me a bomb and I actually don't want to add all the money up!!

I eventually got a car, and I drive alone most of the time though I don't drive everywhere. I still Bus it to work and stuff. I only really drive to and from where I meet my instructor, or if I need to do a big shop..

I was so nervous, and driving alone has helped me with my confidence. Coz I can go out at quiet times and get to know my way around.

I know I shouldn't do it but I'm not in a position where I can avoid it. if I get stopped I know its my fault.. But hopefully after Thursday it wont be an issue.

Skidfingers

If you were in an accident as an unacompained driver and you are insured, how does it work with insurance? will they still pay full amount?

greenbicycle

Skidfingers wrote: »

If you were in an accident as an unacompained driver and you are insured, how does it work with insurance? will they still pay full amount?

I would like to know the answer to this too, kind of! I was a named driver on a car, it was Axa insurance and a few months ago they sent a letter out to the car owner saying that they would not cover a leaner driving on their own, obviously they did previously but they don't now.

I wonder are there any insurers that do cover this.

I don't think i will be driving much on my own and i think that it is likely i will pass my test soon however i am buying a car in two weeks and would like to be able to drive the car literally two minutes down the road to pick up the person who will accompany me. what happens if something happened on the way?

I don't need a band of people saying that its breaking the law, i know, i know all the arguments, i have read them all numerous times. so pleeeeaassseee i am begging you not to bring up that argument!

jimgoose

Skidfingers wrote: »

If you were in an accident as an unacompained driver and you are insured, how does it work with insurance? will they still pay full amount?

Yes they will. And if and when they find out that you were driving outside the terms of your license or learner permit, they will pursue you for whatever the cost of the claim was.

ProudDUB

greenbicycle wrote: »

I don't think i will be driving much on my own and i think that it is likely i will pass my test soon however i am buying a car in two weeks and would like to be able to drive the car literally two minutes down the road to pick up the person who will accompany me. what happens if something happened on the way!

If you stick with Axa, and you drive unaccompanied, then you are breaking the law and driving without insurance, as well as breaking it by driving unaccompanied. I know you said not to bring up the legal aspect of things, but its hard not to as that is what you'll be doing. In addition to being penalized for driving unaccompanied, you could also be prosecuted for driving without insurance. You'll be looking at a fair few points on your license for both offences. Getting insurance with those points on your record, will not be easy or cheap afterwards.

In the event of an accident, you will not be covered for any damage that you do to your car or other cars. You will also be on the hook for the medical bills of others if you are in an accident, and it is deemed to be your fault. Whether you are driving unaccompanied for hours, or two minutes down the road, is completely irrelevant.

HurtLocker

Skidfingers wrote: »

If you were in an accident as an unacompained driver and you are insured, how does it work with insurance? will they still pay full amount?

Axa has brought in a stipulation on new policys sayng you are uninsured if you drive unaccompanied. I myself am with aviva and from what i know im covered third party until i get my full licence.

ResearchWill

ProudDUB wrote: »

If you stick with Axa, and you drive unaccompanied, then you are breaking the law and driving without insurance, as well as breaking it by driving unaccompanied. I know you said not to bring up the legal aspect of things, but its hard not to as that is what you'll be doing. In addition to being penalized for driving unaccompanied, you could also be prosecuted for driving without insurance. You'll be looking at a fair few points on your license for both offences. Getting insurance with those points on your record, will not be easy or cheap afterwards.

In the event of an accident, you will not be covered for any damage that you do to your car or other cars. You will also be on the hook for the medical bills of others if you are in an accident, and it is deemed to be your fault. Whether you are driving unaccompanied for hours, or two minutes down the road, is completely irrelevant.

No matter what any insurance company say or don't say they are covered by the compulsory insurance regulations. So the above statment is incorrect, the driver is insured for third party claims unless and until the policy of insurance is revoked in the proper way under the regulations.

So to confirm the person above is insured, can not be convicted of driving without insurance and in the event of an accident there will be a payout on any third party claims.

ResearchWill

ResearchWill wrote: »

So to confirm the person above is insured, can not be convicted of driving without insurance and in the event of an accident there will be a payout on any third party claims.

That is a very important point to note.

jimgoose

Deleted User wrote: »

That is a very important point to note.

Aye. Not quite as important as post# 26 above it, though.

PaulR666

Drive away. It'll be sound. You'll get a warning the first time anyway if anything, and if they say you will be charged if you're caught again, don't do it again. Only drive on your own if you are a competent driver! Don't be putting others at risk by being stupid.
All The Best,

Happy and Safe driving!

Faith+1

PaulR666 wrote: »

Drive away. It'll be sound. You'll get a warning the first time anyway if anything, and if they say you will be charged if you're caught again, don't do it again. Only drive on your own if you are a competent driver! Don't be putting others at risk by being stupid.
All The Best,

Happy and Safe driving!

With a full licence.

biko

PaulR666 wrote: »

You'll get a warning the first time anyway if anything, and if they say you will be charged if you're caught again, don't do it again.

You have got a warning for advocating breaking the law, please don't do it again :P

PaulR666

What did I say?? I just got a warning for talking about a forbidden topic? What's the story like? Come on ?

PaulR666

ahhh I see.