Michael Bolton
Almost half of drivers (49 per cent) believe the accompanied driver rule should be scrapped for learner drivers, a new survey has shown.
The survey carried out on behalf of Aviva Insurance Ireland, showed 25 per cent of drivers think the accompanied driver rule for learners should be scrapped until the backlog is cleared.
It also revealed 19 per cent of drivers believe an amnesty should be given to learner drivers due to the large backlog of driving test applications, as was done back in 1979.
The accompanied river rule means a learner driver must be accompanied when driving by a driver who has their full licence for two years or more.
44 per cent of those who called for the rule to be scrapped were aged between 18-24, with 33 per cent of those at 45-54 also calling for it to be removed.
53 per cent of those who called for the rule not to be scrapped were men.
Of the 19 per cent who agreed with the introduction of an amnesty, 21 per cent were aged 25-34.
Mike Kavanagh, from Aviva Driving School said: “It is against the law for drivers with a learner permit to drive unaccompanied on Irish roads or indeed for someone to allow their vehicle to be driven by an unaccompanied learner driver and penalties will apply to those who do so if convicted.
"These include the impounding of the car, and the owner of the vehicle could be fined up to €1,000, in addition to receiving four penalty points on their licence.
“New figures released under the Freedom of Information Act last May highlighted that there was a backlog of over 70,000 people waiting for their driving test. Whilst we have sympathy for those who are waiting for extended periods to sit their test, it is heartening to note that most drivers recognise the importance of adhering to the rule from a safety perspective."
