The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extra care using the roads as Met Eireann has issued a Weather Warning today Wednesday 16th November for heavy rain in West Munster and West Connacht. Some periods of very heavy rainfall are expected from Thursday morning through to Saturday morning with accumulations of up to 80mm expected leading to some flooding in places. Heaviest rainfall expected in the coastal counties of the West where coastal flooding is expected.  The poor weather will create potentially hazardous conditions for road users. As such the RSA is advising drivers that; It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, use the 4 second rule Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility, hold back to where you can see their mirrors Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility not parking/side lights and fog lights Be mindful of Aquaplaning on roads where 100/120kmh speeds apply. Aquaplaning occurs where the tyre tread fills with water Pedestrian, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be safe and be seen. Wear bright clothing with high visibility vest, reflective armbands or a reflective sam brown belt, you should also carry a torch Pedestrians should walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths  With added risks posed flooded roads the RSA has the following advice; If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes. Sometimes roads can be closed due to their fragile state after wet weather or because they are blocked by flooding. Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic Watch out for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and fallen or falling objects
Further advice on using the road in severe weather can be found at the RSA’s website;

The call is being made as the RSA has become aware of certain websites in Ireland and the UK offering to book a theory test and driving test, for a charge.

There is no need for anyone to pay a third party website to book a driving test or theory test, as it can be done easily at www.rsa.ie or www.theorytest.ie where the only cost you will incur is the cost of the test itself.

The RSA is also warning learner drivers of the dangers of passing on their personal details, such as PPS and driver number to these sites.

While such information is required to book a test, it should only be provided when booking a theory test and driving test on the official RSA Driving Test application website at www.rsa.ie and official driver theory test website at www.theorytest.ie

The RSA has highlighted the gathering of such personal data by these unofficial sites to the Data Protection Commissioner, and National Consumer Agency. The RSA has also made contact with these websites to state our concerns.

The RSA has also responded by increasing its online marketing activity to signpost driving test and theory test candidates to the official RSA driving test and theory test booking websites.

To book a driving test visit the RSA’s online application website at: https://www.rsa.ie/Apply-online

To book a driver theory test visit the Theory Test online application website at: http://www.theorytest.ie/english/driver-theory-test/index.php

Here are some tips from Leinster School of Motoring.

• When driving at sunset or sunrise dazzle can be a problem. Ensure that you keep your windscreen clean and free from smears which will be enhanced by low sun. If driving into the sun be aware that drivers behind may be dazzled and may not see you if you stop (see previous tips for avoiding being ‘rear ended’). If the sun is low behind you, be aware that oncoming drivers may be dazzled.

• In conditions of poor visibility use dipped headlights. This is not so that you can see but so that other road users can see you. If most around you have their lights on, the chances are that you should too. You may be able to see other vehicles but the motorcyclist with a rain soaked visor, the pedestrian with poor eyesight or the driver with misted up windows may mistake you for a gap in the traffic with obvious consequences.

• Only use rear foglights in extreme conditions (a good guideline is when the vehicles in front become difficult to see) and always remember to switch them off when conditions improve. Front foglights (lights mounted below the bumper are usually foglights) should only be used in thick fog or snow.

• Your vehicle will take much longer to stop on a wet surface, particularly one covered with wet leaves. Adjust your speed and leave a longer following distance so that you are always able to stop in the distance seen to be clear. Find out whether your car has ABS brakes. It will make a difference to how you will need to use them in an emergency stop.

• Watch out for children walking and cycling to and from school. Many schools unfortunately insist upon dark coloured clothing which can make them difficult to spot.

• Ensure your tyres, brakes, wipers, heater and demisters are in excellent order
I hope you find these tips helpful!

Safe Driving from all at Leinster School of Motoring

Danny has been driving for over 30 years and teaching that skill for nearly 10 years. As you would expect, he is an RSA approved and registered driving instructor (Registration Number 36386).

We at Leinster School of Motoring are now recruiting other driving instructors throughout the Leinster region. The positions are on a franchise basis meaning; you are a self employed driving instructor giving you total freedom of when and where you work. We don’t believe in charging extortionate signing on fees or the dreaded referral fee system. Leinster School of Motoring wants to create a brand that will be the number one stop for all learner driver needs and to be recognised as an Industry leader when it comes to driver tuition.

If you feel you would like to join our expanding team go to the franchise opportunities section on or website for more information or drop us a line at info@leinsterschoolofmotoring.ie

We at Leinster School of Motoring are now recruiting other driving instructors throughout the Leinster region. The positions are on a franchise basis meaning; you are a self employed driving instructor giving you total freedom of when and where you work. We don’t believe in charging extortionate signing on fees or the dreaded referral fee system. Leinster School of Motoring wants to create a brand that will be the number one stop for all learner driver needs and to be recognised as an Industry leader when it comes to driver tuition.

If you feel you would like to join our expanding team go to the franchise opportunities section on or website for more information or drop us a line at info@leinsterschoolofmotoring.ie

Yesterday’s parliamentary vote means that motorists can be punished for traffic offences committed in other parts of the EU. Those offences include drink driving, speeding, failing to use a seatbelt and the illegal use of the hard shoulder.

MEP for Ireland South, Phil Prendergast, said that the directive means that non-national and Northern Irish drivers who break traffic laws in the Republic can be punished:

There have been a number of false dawns in relation to Northern drivers getting away with offences on our side of the border. But so far the only agreement between the jurisdictions relates to disqualified drivers.

We also have a problem with Irish residents from other EU states avoiding punishment for traffic offences here because their car is registered in their home country. This directive will bring an end to almost all of that.

Prendergast added that EU data suggests that non-resident drivers are three times more likely to commit a driving offence than a resident motorist.

However, Ireland must choose to ‘opt in’ to this directive before it can be enacted here. Under the directive, information on traffic offences will be shared across member states to facilitate prosecution.

Euractiv reports that the fines may not be imposed for up to two years from now.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar is using the publication of the Road Traffic No 2 Bill today to initiate a new approach to the legislative process.

Under the bill, a new class of novice or restricted driving licence will be created, which will apply for two years after qualifying.

These ‘R’ drivers and learner drivers will receive higher penalty points for certain offences, including exceeding the speed limit, driving while not wearing a safety belt and using a mobile phone while driving.

There will also be a lower drink-drive limit for such drivers – 20mg per 100ml of blood.

The lower blood alcohol level for non-restricted drivers will be 50mg per 100ml of blood, down from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml.

It is expected the new levels will come into place this autumn, once all the related evidential breath testing equipment is in place for the new levels and the gardaí have been trained in them.

The lower limits have been passed and enacted but cannot be commenced until the draft bill is passed.

Also under the draft bill, plastic card driving licenses will be introduced to comply with EU requirements.

The Road Safety Authority will be put in charge of the driving licence system and the testing of commercial vehicles for roadworthiness.

Vehicles deemed non-roadworthy can be detained or destroyed under the bill.

Local authorities will also be allowed to provide parking and charging bays for electric vehicles.

Minister Varadkar said:

This is the second piece of road traffic legislation that I have initiated this year, reflecting my intention to build on the momentum of recent years. We need to make travelling safer and we must not lose focus.

He described the bill as an “important step” in improving parliamentary democracy.

The draft bill will be presented to the Oireachtas committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and Gaeltacht today, who will submit their views on the plans within a month.

Whether you’re a nervous beginner or a mature driver looking for quality driving lessons, you’ve come to the right place. All of our driving instructors are qualified to the highest standards (ADI Standard) and give quality driving lessons.

We offer driving lessons in Leinster and all surrounding areas including Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow.

Our vouchers are tailored to suit your requirements and budget. Click Here to start purchasing our gift vouchers.

From the 4th April 2011 all new car learner permit holders will have to complete 12 structured modules before being allowed to sit their driving test.

As part of radical changes to the learner driver system a logbook will be issued to parents / guardians / a nominated sponsor. The driving instructor will record and stamp this book when each module has been completed. Also in this log book a number of hours supervised driving must be recorded and this must be signed by the sponsor and countersigned by a driving instructor before a learner driver can sit the driving test.

These changes will not affect the estimated 286,200 learner permit holders who currently hold a permit.

Other changes to the learner driver system will include

• Changes to the driving test – a more modern approach to the driving test with outside accreditation, expected late in 2011.
• Hazard Perception test – will test a learner driver’s ability to see and to react to hazards, expected mid 2012.
• Lower blood alcohol levels – 20mg per 100mls of blood for learner and novice drivers (novice drivers are those who have passed the driving test less than two years), effectively zero alcohol limit, will come into law in September 2011.
• Double penalty points – double points will be awarded to learner and novice drivers for the following 5 offences:
  • Speeding
  • Not wearing a seatbelt
  • Using a mobile phone while driving
  • Dangerous overtaking
  • Running traffic lights.

All the above are expected to be in force by the end of 2011.)

• R Plates (restricted plates) – after passing the driving test an ‘R’ plate must be displayed for two years, showing the restrictions for learners will apply to you the same as a learner driver.
• Upgraded Theory test – there will be a new more effective theory test for learner drivers to sit, expected in November 2011.

For more information on EDT please click here )

We at Leinster School of Motoring are now recruiting other driving instructors throughout the Leinster region. The positions are on a franchise basis meaning; you are a self employed driving instructor giving you total freedom of when and where you work. We don’t believe in charging extortionate signing on fees or the dreaded referral fee system. Leinster School of Motoring wants to create a brand that will be the number one stop for all learner driver needs and to be recognised as an Industry leader when it comes to driver tuition.

If you feel you would like to join our expanding team go to the franchise opportunities section on or website for more information or drop us a line at

info@leinsterschoolofmotoring.ie

www.leinsterschoolofmotoring.ie