RSA to Introduce Motorway Driving into Irish Driving Test Curriculum Within Three Years
Dublin – Ireland’s driving test curriculum will be updated to include motorway driving within the next three years, according to Brendan Walsh, Chief Operations Officer of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Currently, learner drivers in Ireland are prohibited from driving on motorways—a restriction in place since 2000. However, new legislation is being prepared to lift this ban and modernise the training system.
Walsh emphasised the need to align Ireland’s driver training standards with those of other countries, such as Germany, where motorway driving is a key component of driver education. “Without formal instruction, many new drivers lack the necessary skills and understanding of motorway driving and etiquette,” he said.
Modernising the Driving Curriculum
The RSA is also reviewing the curriculum to incorporate emerging automotive technologies, such as automatic emergency braking systems and other advanced driver-assistance features increasingly found in modern vehicles.
“To ensure road safety keeps pace with evolving vehicle technology and infrastructure, the curriculum must be updated accordingly,” Walsh noted.
New legislation is expected to be introduced within the next two years to permit learner drivers on motorways under specific conditions. Once enacted, the changes will be incorporated into both driver training and the driving test within three years.
Focus on Older Drivers
In addition to modernising training for new drivers, the RSA is also considering a review of older drivers’ road habits. Walsh mentioned the potential use of driving simulators to assess and enhance skills among long-time drivers. “Vehicles and road systems have changed dramatically in recent decades. It’s important that all drivers—regardless of age—are equipped to handle modern traffic environments,” he added.
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