Groups back overhaul of driver licensing system

ROAD victims and motoring supporters have backed radical changes to the driver licensing system but hinted that the new rules on training learner drivers could have gone further.

The Road Safety Authority's nine-point plan to overhaul how learner drivers are licensed was given the thumbs up despite fears it will cost inexperienced motorists more to get behind the wheel of a car.

The AA’s Conor Faughnan supported plans for compulsory lessons – due to kick in next year for learner drivers and motorcyclists. Learner drivers will have to take 12 instructor-led driving lessons before applying for their test. Despite the fact that this could cost motorists €400 or more at around €35 a lesson, the measure would save lives, he stressed.