New provisional license application test

[WhipLash]

I see that new applicants for their first provisional license will now have to sit an exam (this doesn't affect existing provisional drivers though). I haven’t heard the exact details yet, but I assume it will be multi-choice questions on driving/rules of the road – does anyone know any specifics?

IMHO its about time something was done about the high number of provisional drivers on our roads. Its a step in the right direction - but is it enough?

[Junior]

Will it lower the numbers on the road .. emm nope I doubt it, will it lower insurance costs nope and at £25.20 to do the test which is on a pc ... ahh well ... least I have my full licence ..

Existing Provo holders should be made do the same sort of (maybe more advanced) test when going for their full licence ??

[WhipLash]

Originally posted by Junior
Will it lower the numbers on the road .. emm nope I doubt it, will it lower insurance costs nope and at £25.20 to do the test which is on a pc ... ahh well ... least I have my full licence ..

Existing Provo holders should be made do the same sort of (maybe more advanced) test when going for their full licence ??

The £25.20 charge is a pure rip-off IMHO. And why-t-f 20 pence? I wonder how long before someone manages to sneak out a copy of the testing software and makes it available on the net :evil: . LOL.

I thought there was some talk about introducing a (limited) practical test as a part of the overall driving test this year....but that said, it'll probably arrive in two or three years time.

[Junior]

Most of the details are here
Ireland.com (http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/front/2001/0425/fro2.htm)

Ireland.com (http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2001/0425/hom2.htm)

The Main Questions over the Test
Q: How do I apply to take the test? A: Write to an address to be advertised in the media, or telephone 1890 606 106 where applications will be handled and queries dealt with.

Q: How much will the test cost? A: £25.20

Q: What happens when I get to the test centre? A: Your identification documentation will be checked - this could include passport, student identity card or any other authorised identity issued by the State or a bank, including welfare, medical, birth, marriage or even travel documents as long as they have a photograph attached. You will then be taken to a work station to complete the test on a computer screen.

Q: How will I know when and where to go? A: This will be confirmed to you in writing well ahead of the test.

Q: What are questions based on? A: The questions have been designed by the Department of the Environment and Local Government based on the Rules of the Road and current legislation. The full question bank will be available in shops in book and CD ROM format.

Q: How long will the test take? A: You will be given 45 minutes to answer 40 questions selected at random from the test question bank.

Q: I am not very computer literate; will this hinder me? A: No. There are no keyboards and it will all be touch screen There will be a simple tutorial. Applicants will select their answer from a choice of three.

Q: Out of the 40 questions, how many must I get right to pass? A: 35.

Q: How will I know that I have passed? A: You will receive a pass certificate at the test centre.

Q: What if I don't turn up? A: If you fail to arrive or cancel within four working days, you will lose your fee.

Q: If I fail, how soon can I take the test again? A: In general you will have to wait at least three clear working days to reapply.

Q: Will I have to pay again? A: Yes.

[BrianS]

The situation will be the same as with the full licence. You sit the test and on that day everything you do or say will be strictly text-book. You pass your test and then go back to all your bad habits. Its like when you go out on a first date and you act like a perfect gentleman....you know its all crap but you just want to get a good result!

There's no point complaining about the current 340,000 prov holders who won't have to sit the test. I wonder what percentage of full licence holders would pass if they were given a surprise driving test today. I reckon it would be a very low percentage and doesn't call for a holier than thou attitude.

But do you think the present test is a satisfactory method of establishing a drivers ability? I only ever took one actual lesson and two pretests. Although I took to driving very quickly, I failed my first test but that was because I did something silly and not related to my driving(and I'm not getting into it here). Perhaps new drivers should take a mandatory 10 lesson course and when the instructor is satisfied that the driver is doing everything as per the rules for more than 3 modules they can be licenced or have another compulsory 5 lesson course. I know it raises a lot of other issues such as control of resources but I feel that the test is a waste of time and money anyway.

The charge of £25.20 - I think its £25 for the govt and the .20 goes toward psychiatrist bills.

Take Care Out There.

Brian

[Anders]

£25.20 is probably quite close to 30 euros.

[WhipLash]

Well spotted Anders, at least somebody's awake!

It actually equates to 32 Euros exactly!