The hotel in Limerick where I stayed last week had more than the traditional spa and pool – it was also used as a driving test centre.
In fact, it is one of three test centres in Limerick, and maybe an explanation as to why some drivers there seemed to have no regard for motoring laws; stopping for long periods in yellow boxes and driving in 
a rather cavalier fashion.
Up until recently, new drivers were given a provisional licence which allowed them to drive with a qualified driver. However, if motorists took a road test and failed it, they could apply for, and get, a second provisional license – and were allowed to drive unaccompanied!
Yes, I know it sounds bizarre, but that is how it was in the Republic of Ireland up until 1 July when the law changed, stating that no provisional licence holders were permitted to drive unless they were accompanied by a qualified driver who 
has had a licence for more than two years. So all these failed provisional licence holders are now taking their driving test. It is believed that around 420,000 drivers are potentially affected – about 20% of all Irish drivers.
I heard of one man who had just taken his test after having a provisional licence for 43 years. I’m not sure what the insurance situation would have been if any of these unqualified drivers had had an accident.
Noel Dempsey, Transport Minister, pushed through this new legislation to reduce road accidents involving young motorists. 
He is a guy with a lot of common sense and was also the driving force behind the implementation of the plastic bag levy which has proved hugely successful in southern Ireland.
I was reminded about this after hearing a report on the news this morning that 17,000 young drivers in the UK are driving on the road after their licence has been revoked – though they may not be aware of it.
The reason is that if a new driver gets six penalty points within his first two years on the road, it means he forfeits his licence. His first two years are regarded as a probationary period. He cannot then drive alone without retaking the driving test and then has to apply for a provisional licence and re–sit and pass all parts of the driving test again. Although this law has been out for 10 years or so, it seems few people know about it, or how to invoke it, according to what was said on the news.
The old Provisional Licences were valid for two years. After applying for a test there was frequently a ridiculously long wait before the appointment arrived – over 6 months was normal in our part of Donegal! – and the loophole you mention was exploited by many. In theory you were supposed to have a qualified driver with you for the third and subsequent provisionals, but if you drove sensibly (without drawing attention to yourself) you were mostly ignored. Total nonsense! I’m glad it’s in the process of being rectified.
The road statistics here in Australia are terrible. Perhaps the road rules need tightening here, they have brought in new hooning laws where cars are confiscated for a period of time. Then again, mothers at school home time are the worst drivers I have seen, some need to have their license revoked or they need to resit. People may think they are good drivers but I bet at least half would fail if they had to do the tests now.
Noel Dempsey, is a wise man for pushing that new law through, while I know it will cause a lot of trouble for a few people, passing the driving test will make them aware of the dangers and need for safe driving with so many accidents on the roads these days.
I had no idea that there was a six penalty point limit for new drivers in the UK. I suppose that is because I have no new drivers in the house. Funny how these things can pass you by.
I do think that we should all be reassessed for our driving skills periodically. I know it would be expensive and bureaucratic to do but I’m sure it would help to keep people driving more carefully. When my MIL was caught speeding and had the choice of a fine or a driving course, she took the course and she said it was fantastic and really made her think about her driving.
And thank you for asking after me today. That was really thoughtful of you! I am fine now. I hope all went well with regards to your son.
How very Irish!
There was a piece on breakfast news about this this morning – I certainly didnt know anything about it.
I was unaware of these new rules.
I didn’t know about those rules either!
My son recently got married in Ireland and we were advised to be wary on the roads as many drivers haven’t been formally tested due to the backlogs in the testing system. Perhaps we had better keep this quiet or some UK organisations may see it as a way of achieving the customer service targets related to waiting times…
Richard, were you as amazed as I was?
Thank you very much for the great information-