A Northern Ireland-based driving instructor has voiced concerns that many in the industry have received “no information” ahead of the introduction of rules for new drivers later this year. They are being brought in by the Department for Infrastructure to try to reduce fatal road crashes involving young people, says the BBC.
Graduated driver licensing, which is due to be introduced on 1 October, applies to all new drivers, but is particularly aimed at 17 to 23-year-olds.
Infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins has said she acknowledges there is work to be done to ensure the time frame is met.
The new rules include a six-month wait for learner drivers before taking a practical test, as well as completing new training modules that must be signed off by an instructor or a parent or guardian.
Neil McLaren is an approved driving instructor in Newtownabbey and says the industry is “nowhere near ready” to oversee the changes coming in.
“The driving test itself isn’t going to change – it appears, but what we don’t know is what is required for the preparation for the driving test,” he said.
“We would like to see the apps and what’s going to be included – in the 14 sections that we are expected to manage – as of yet we know absolutely nothing of what is going to be contained in this. How they are going to be managed? Who is responsible for signing them off?
“All of this information still has to come to the industry – we would like to know.”
McLaren said the delay in instructors being given the necessary information could impact negatively on the profession.
“I don’t want to change and there are people who – are actively retiring because of this change – and because of the lack of information which is coming our direction,” he warned.
He appealed for the minister and her department to “talk” to the industry.
Infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins said departmental officials will be engaging with instructors between now and October but acknowledged there is work to be done to ensure the timeframe is met.
“This legislation has been sitting on the shelf for many, many years I want to ensure we get it out there and get it implemented so it can make a real difference.
“This is about saving lives.”
(Picture: Yay Images)
