Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Minister of State for attending to discuss the education of learner drivers and the wider driving community. As we all know, alarming numbers have been and continue to be killed on the roads, despite our best efforts, including the penalty points system, the Garda traffic corps and random breath testing. If we are to devote all our resources to enforcement, on which we are expending much effort, we will not succeed very well. Enforcement is the last stage of the procedure. I would, therefore, like more resources to be directed towards the education of drivers. I refer not only to the education of young drivers but also to the ongoing education of experienced drivers. We should further encourage driving simulation and make it available on a graduated basis. It could be introduced among students in transition year before the leaving certificate. One could offer a proper learning experience to young drivers over many months. As of now they try to cram three, four or five lessons into the one-month period before their driving test. We must extend this timeframe.

If 50% of students failed the leaving certificate examination, we would ask one or two questions. We would either say the standard required was too high or that the preparation was inadequate. However, some 50% of those who undertake the driving test fail on their first attempt. It is a waste of State resources to test drivers who clearly are not experienced enough to do the test. It is crazy that people are stuck in a revolving door trying to pass the test on their first attempt when clearly they are not able to do so. They are clogging up the system.

Simulating driving experience in the classroom is one way of addressing the problem. It would give students an early learning driving experience which would not cost anything by way of insurance. The students' parents would not have to buy cars for them and the initiative would offer a new experience to students and a greater experience of the dangers posed by a motor car on the road. The system would provide motorway and night-time driving experience which is not tested under current conditions. There are many advantages to my proposal. Every consideration should be given to considering it for the transition year curriculum, not just on a pilot basis but widespread across the country. We must do so. I encourage the Minister to consider driver education before spending all the available moneys on driver enforcement.