The Motor Insurance Justice Action Group (MIJAG) has welcomed a new pilot scheme offering young drivers a combined insurance and driver training package.
The scheme is being introduced by Hibernian in association with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
Hibernian will invite clients of three years standing, their sons/daughters or named drivers on a Hibernian policy, to go on a free one day training course, which focuses on behaviour, attitude and hazard awareness.
'This move by Hibernian is clear recognition that young drivers are being ripped of...and is a good example of how to give an incentive to improve road safety,' said MIJAG.
All candidates must have a full licence for no more than five years, be free of any convictions, and either own their own car or intend buying one of 1400cc or less over the next six months.
Hibernian said: 'Young and inexperienced drivers who successfully complete the training will be rewarded with a significant premium discount of 20%.'
'Successful candidates will also be offered the option of an additional 10% discount for voluntarily refraining from driving between the hours of 11pm and 6am,' the company said.
Hibernian has allocated the first 1,000 places on the pilot to a number of its brokers and branches closest to the training locations in Cork, Dublin and Galway.
The 1,000 drivers will be trained between 1 October and 31 December 2001. Hibernian intend making a further 4,000 places available from 1 January 2002. The IAM will give the driver training in provided cars.
Gary Owens, Managing Director, Hibernian General Insurance said: 'Hibernian have not traditionally participated in the young and inexperienced driver market. This initiative is a controlled entry into the sector and is aimed at reducing premiums for responsible customers who volunteer to participate in the program.'
Independent research conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory in the UK found that drivers who have completed the full IAM Advanced Driving Test are 50% to 70% less likely to be involved in an accident.
