As the number of accidents involving learner drivers increases, should there be more restrictions on those with learner’s permits? 

According to the Road Safety Authority, the number of learner drivers in accidents has trebled in the last four years. 

Some 27,000 motorists have also been driving on only a learner’s permit for 11 to 20 years, according to the briefing. 

These figures have resulted in increased calls for restrictions for learner drivers such as a limit on how many times you can renew your permit. 

There is also discussion of further regulations such as a lower speed limit for learners. 

Driving instructor Brenda Bolger said restricting learners from driving beyond their lessons will result in less experienced drivers. 

“If you break down the content of [a one-hour] lesson – there's an introduction, recap of the previous lesson, any questions or queries,” she told Lunchtime Live. 

“Then we go ahead and actually start to apply the practice, which can be 15 to 20 minutes. 

“Even though they have an hour, they're not actually driving for that time.” 

Ms Bolger said people need roughly three hours of practice in between driving lessons. 

She said the real crackdown should be on restricting how many times a learner can renew their permit. 

Keith said restrictions won’t matter unless people’s “attitude” changes. 

“If you get behind the wheel with the wrong attitude, you will end up in trouble,” he said. 

“The more exposed that they get to driving under the right terms and conditions, it will stand to them. 

'Personal responsibility' for learner drivers

Emma in Donegal, however, argued people need to take more “personal responsibility” for young learner drivers.

“I see young people driving to school in tractors – four or five young fellas getting out,” she said. 

“These are farm machines - they’re not supposed to be used for transport. 

“Where is the enforcement? Surely someone is going to notice the tractor is missing all day if they’re driving to school in it?"

She said young people don’t have the same “fear of danger” as before – so people need to step in before someone gets hurt. 

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