What happens after you pass the theory test?

barry711

So I'm thinking of starting to drive. But I was just wondering what my options are after I pass my theory test. Can I just go buy a car and start to drive it, with all the stuff (Tax/NCT/Insurance) or once I pass it do I need to go and get 12 driving lessons right away? Sorry If its a stupid question but I don't know anything about the process. Also, if your stopped and don't have an experienced driver as a passenger, how hard or how much do the Garda enforce this rule and what are the consequences of breaking it?

Thanks

paulmclaughlin

Once you pass you test, you can drive a car that is legal to be on the road, put up L plates and drive only when accompanied by a fully licensed driver. You need to wait 6 months and do the 12 driving lessons before you can sit your full driving test.

In reference to the driving unaccompanied, it depends on the Garda that pulls you but its better not to risk it.

coylemj

OP, it's all documented on the RSA website. Once you pass the theory test you can apply for a learner permit, then you get yourself a car and insure it, you can then drive with an 'L' plate provided you are accompanied by someone who has held a full licence for that class of vehicle for at least two years.

It's not prescribed exactly when you actually do the lessons, you can mix and match formal lessons with sessions driving with a licensed person who is not an approved instructor but you can't do the test until you have paperwork to show that you have undergone 12 hours instruction with a registered instructor and have held the learner permit for at least 6 months.

From the 4th April 2011 all new first time learner permit holders for cars will be required to undertake mandatory essential driver training (EDT) with an approved driving instructor (ADI). The course is made up of of 12 individual one hour lessons. 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.

http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/

HurtLocker

barry711 wrote: »

So I'm thinking of starting to drive. But I was just wondering what my options are after I pass my theory test. Can I just go buy a car and start to drive it, with all the stuff (Tax/NCT/Insurance) or once I pass it do I need to go and get 12 driving lessons right away? Sorry If its a stupid question but I don't know anything about the process. Also, if your stopped and don't have an experienced driver as a passenger, how hard or how much do the Garda enforce this rule and what are the consequences of breaking it?

Thanks

Most of the stuff is up on the Internet i.e RSA.ie

As for the driving unaccompanied, it really depends on the car, the time and the guards mood and how they perceive you.

Stick L plates on a micra/polo or family type car you should get away with it. Put the L plates up on a glanza or civic and you'll defo receive a court summons. That being said the actual fine averages at about €150 I think. Quick google of "unaccompanied fine" will find the relevant news piece.

But don't hope into your car without any or much experience, one the guards will pull you if you do anything stupid and two your safety and more importantly others.I waited until I finished my 12 EDTs and had the letter for my driving test before driving by myself. Still have not heard those dreaded sirens

barry711

Thanks for the info guys, Much appreciated

bmstuff

Can someone explain to me why L drivers are not allowed on motoray? Even in training with official instructor I believe. How are you supposed to learn to enter motorway etc?

spurious

bmstuff wrote: »

Can someone explain to me why L drivers are not allowed on motoray? Even in training with official instructor I believe. How are you supposed to learn to enter motorway etc?

Most driving instructors will offer motorway instruction if you want it once you've passed your tests.

Davy

bmstuff wrote: »

Can someone explain to me why L drivers are not allowed on motoray? Even in training with official instructor I believe. How are you supposed to learn to enter motorway etc?

The logic is probably when you are experienced on other roadways you will then have some time under your belt to progress onto higher speeds then. In saying that, plenty of motorway users don't seem to know how to join motorways, or how to allow users space to join but that's for another thread

bmstuff

Davy wrote: »

The logic is probably when you are experienced on other roadways you will then have some time under your belt to progress onto higher speeds then. In saying that, plenty of motorway users don't seem to know how to join motorways, or how to allow users space to join but that's for another thread

Yeah but technically you are allowed to go on the motorway as soon as you pass your driving test. Experience is irrelevant here.

So you have no motorway driving experience, joining is probably the biggest thing here, you were never allowed to drive on them and suddenly you are able to drive on them and you are considered qualified.

Just plain nonsense and dangerous. So much catching up to do here.

bmstuff

spurious wrote: »

Most driving instructors will offer motorway instruction if you want it once you've passed your tests.

Yeah I know.

Crash course she was given and off she went on her own, following me...

Motor-Ed

bmstuff wrote: »

Yeah but technically you are allowed to go on the motorway as soon as you pass your driving test. Experience is irrelevant here.

So you have no motorway driving experience, joining is probably the biggest thing here, you were never allowed to drive on them and suddenly you are able to drive on them and you are considered qualified.

Just plain nonsense and dangerous. So much catching up to do here.

Under the proposed revision of EDT there is a plan to introduce motorway element under the supervision of an ADI.
There will also be N (novice) plates for the reason you mention above. I bet though when that happens there will be plenty on here saying its a money scam.

yeayeayea

Once you have had a few lessons and are confident in driving then put your L plates on and you are free to go. Don't worry about the Gardaí pulling you over and you ending up in trouble. I drove for 5 years on a provisional and got away with it. I ended up in court twice over it but it was struck out both times. The whole thing is a serious money making racket so don't worry about it once you don't drive like a lunatic you will be fine. For the record I now have a full license I finally got around to doing it but it was a rip off. I had to rent a car for the day because the test is more like a fashion show then a driving test. If you drive up in a certain car and make a bad impression there is a good chance you have already failed before you even start driving.

Motor-Ed

yeayeayea wrote: »

Once you have had a few lessons and are confident in driving then put your L plates on and you are free to go. Don't worry about the Gardaí pulling you over and you ending up in trouble. I drove for 5 years on a provisional and got away with it. I ended up in court twice over it but it was struck out both times. The whole thing is a serious money making racket so don't worry about it once you don't drive like a lunatic you will be fine. For the record I now have a full license I finally got around to doing it but it was a rip off. I had to rent a car for the day because the test is more like a fashion show then a driving test. If you drive up in a certain car and make a bad impression there is a good chance you have already failed before you even start driving.

Previous point I made proven I think.
All in all poor advice

biko

yeayeayea infracted for encouraging law breaking.
I won't even mention the rest of what's wrong with that post.