Driving lessons should be taught in school – Codd

A secondary school teacher running in the local elections has said that driving lessons should be introduced into school. Jim Codd, an Aontu rep in the Rosslare LEA, said our current way of dealing with young motorists was unproductive. 

“I’d like to a see a similar process as is currently employed in the USA and Germany where drivers education classes are part of the curriculum,” Mr Codd said. “Safety and basic skills could be taught in class, preparing the student for their provisional test which could be sat as part of the state exams. Discount driving lessons could also be sourced in the short term with Department of Education training tracks developed in each county over time.” 

“Our current system is unproductive in how it deals with young motorists. A provisional driver must have a full licensed driver with them at all times. This accompanying driver cannot be a novice class, as in someone who has only passed their drivers test in the previous two years. This is obviously a method to try and cut down on road accidents but puts a huge economic burden on young people, particularly young couples who may not have anyone else to sit in the car with them and may not have any other way of getting to work.” 

“A drivers course in secondary school could not only guarantee that most students would have a provisional license when leaving, but also could see up to half earning their full licenses through the education system. The economic bonuses would be great but would not compare to the safety benefits.”