The way learner drivers are trained, tested and licensed is being overhauled as part of new measures announced today.
New learner drivers will now have to take 12 hours of compulsory driving lessons and produce a signed log, showing that they underwent supervised practise, before they can sit their driving test.
'R' plates for newly qualified drivers, increased penalty points and stricter sentences for learner and novice drivers who break road traffic laws were also announced.
The Road Safety Authority has announced a number of changes to the learner driver system.
Driving lessons have always been a voluntary undertaking, but now they are to be made compulsory.
From 4 April 2011, new learner drivers will have to undergo 12 hours of compulsory lessons.
The compulsory lessons will have to be taken with an approved driving instructor and learners will not be able to sit their test until they can prove they have undergone this training.
Those applying for a motorbike license will have to do 16 hours and this rule comes into force on 6 December this year.
A signed log showing the driver underwent around 20 hours of supervised training will also have to be produced.
Some penalty points for learners will be doubled and they will also have a lower drink-driving limit.
The theory test and driving test will be overhauled and new sentencing options are also being developed.
Newly qualified drivers will also be subject to the new measures.
For the first two years after they pass their test, they will have to display a restricted 'R' plate and undergo a hazard perception test.
The new rules only apply to those who get their first license after these measures come into force.
Safety the key - Dempsey
Speaking about today's announcement, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said what he and the Road Safety Authority was trying to do was make sure that when young people get cars they are safe and that other road users are safe.
Mr Dempsey said some horrific incidents had highlighted the need for increased vigilance.
He said the Government was trying to make sure that whoever goes on the road has some training, experience and skill and that they are not a danger to themselves and to others.
A young person between 17 and 24 getting into a car is five times more likely to die than a person older than that, he said.
He acknowledged that parts of the new measures would be difficult to police, but added that he believed that if you asked parents of young people who have been killed on the roads whether they thought it was a good idea, they would say yes.
Parents do have to take some responsibility for younger people, he added.
