Learner drivers get a raw deal
Tuesday October 28 2008
Learner drivers are being put under great financial and mental pressure by the tortuous bureaucracy imposed on them.
Learner drivers who have been accident free for several years and who have taken the driving test several times are being denied their right to drive on their own by the whim of the testers.
Did you know that a driving tester's decision to fail a learner driver cannot be overturned, even by appeal? Even a High Court judge doesn't have this privilege.
It is my opinion that this power given to the driver tester is illegal, and denies the learner his or her right before the law.
Testers fail on average 56pc of those drivers taking the test. Imagine the uproar there would be if 56pc of those taking the Junior and Leaving Cert were failed by the examiners? Interestingly, Leaving Cert students are entitled to appeal and have the decision of the first examiner overturned.
I suggest that a 'League of Learner Drivers' should be formed to demand a total overhaul by the Government of the present iniquitous and repressive regime which inflicts so much financial and mental pressure on the learner drivers of this country. Learner drivers of the Republic of Ireland unite -- you have nothing to lose but your L plates.
EMILY NOLAN
TULLAMORE, CO OFFALY
