Chips down for learner drivers

As thousands of learner drivers rush to book a test in light of the new laws this week, one wonders if enforcing the iron fist of the law on them from solo road use is a step too far. And many learners are stalling for more road experience as they are not prepared for the test. Up to 92,000 road users hold provisional licences and use Irish roads daily to get to and from work and various destinations. But this week and beyond a risk factor looms for these road users. Consider the consequences: any driver who is the holder of a second provisional licence will now have to be accompanied by a qualified driver (holding a licence for two years) in their car. Failing this, he or she could face a €1,000 fine, points on their licence, or even a prison term. Will there be mass Garda checkpoints to clampdown on such offenders? In country were drug dealers, sex attackers and paedophiles often escape fines or prison terms, it would seem unfair to exercise a radical clampdown on thousands of hard-working commuters trying to get to work in a country of poor road infrastructure and a dreadful public transport system. There are many good and bad drivers on provisional licences, visa versa full-licence holders. Some years ago a test wasn"t required and people just purchased a licence. Many of these drivers would not pass the current test. Think about it: having to reverse a car around a bend with the precision of a spirit level - talk about a moment of living on your nerves to get the right result. When was the last time a regular road-user had to do this? Also, one tester"s version of perfection is another tester"s version of failure. Furthermore, the more lessons and tests, the more revenue generated. This situation couldn"t have come at a worse time, as the holding on to a job is at a premium. Will our poor transport system get thousands of Meath-to-Dublin commuters to work on time? It"s true we need safety on our roads and the holding of a full driving licence is desirable to ensure this most cases. But Gardai should not go down the witch-hunt road and give space to the thousands of learner drivers to enhance their skills and complete and pass the test. A test that leaves a lot to be desired: go too slow, and you could fail; go too fast, same result; miss glancing on cue in your rear-view mirror, nil points; too much observation, not good either. This is not a good time for learner drivers, but there is some hope: if confronted by wooden/fake Garda vehicles (as introduced in Kildare this week), then there"s no need for fear - as they are obviously not cut out for the job.