New learner driver regulations on the way

Make:

Friday, September 03, 2010

Under new regulations proposed by the Road Safety Authority, there will be major changes to the way new drivers are taught, and they will be monitored for a period after they get their permit.

All new first time learner permit holders with effect from 6 December 2010 for motorcycles and 4 April 2011 for cars will be required to undertake mandatory initial basic training (IBT) with an approved driving instructor (ADI). The course will be 16 hours for motorcycle and 12 hours for car licences.

Learner drivers will be required to keep a learner log to be signed by their approved driving instructor and their accompanying driver.

The drink driving limits for drivers with learner permits, and those in their first two years on a full driving licence, will be reduced to 20mg/100ml. Penalty points for specified offences will be increased for learner and novice drivers.

A standard Hazard Perception Test will be carried out during the novice driver phase. The current driving test will be modernised.

Novice drivers will be required to display an R (restricted) plate during the first two years of their full driving licence. The current Driver Theory Test question bank and supporting learning materials will be reconfigured.

A wider range and combination of sentencing options will be available to the courts for driving offences for learner and novice drivers.

The mandatory lessons will not apply to existing learner permit holders.