Why are we Waiting? Ten reasons for the lengthy delay in getting an Irish Driving Test Appointment.

The long waiting time to get a Driving Test Appointment here in Ireland is of course the responsibility of the Department of Transport. Or is it? It is so easy to blame your Government for every ill that assails us, but let's look at the real reasons for the delay. There are many factors leading to the incredible waiting time for Driving Test.

1.Demographics --- here in Ireland we have a very high proportion of the population in the age group 17 to 30 which is the prime time for learning to drive.

2.Immigration --- As a result of our new-found prosperity: Celtic Tiger Economy and all that, we are not only attracting back expatriates but we have become flavor of the month for those looking to find a new life from both the European bloc and further distant countries. Since the accession of 10 new States to the EU during 2004 there are numerous ethnic groups wending their way to Ireland. Most of these families will ultimately be in a position to own cars and the children of these families will also aspire to drive when they are old enough.

3.Government Legislation --- introduced in JAN.2003,as part of EU Directives ,has led to a large chunk of drivers being forced to sit a Driving Test instead of being happy to drive on a provisional license for upwards of 25 years! In the lead up to this legislation, on one day alone, upwards of 8000 applications were received by the Driver Testing Section.

4.Candidates failing to turn up. Many Test candidates just don't turn up at all. A recent grapevine comment from a Driving Tester indicated that four of his first six appointments on one day failed to show.

5.Cars not being up to the required Standard---Despite an extensive two page list of requirements on the Day, which is sent with all Test Appointments, cars are still being turned down .Some of the most common faults are :- Faulty Brake Lights; Cracked Windscreens; Faded and unreadable Insurance Discs; Poor Tyres.

6.Novice Drivers Unprepared---Learner Drivers are to a greater degree not taking adequate Driving Lessons. The result of this is a high first time failure rate. Lack of practice, in addition to Lessons is also contributing to candidates having to re- sit the Test.

7.Driving Test standards and requirements unknown---The changes due to recent Legislation will not always be known unless the candidate takes the trouble to enroll with a professional Driving School. Recently introduced on 14th February 2005 are the Technical checks which require a candidate to know their way around under the Bonnet (hood).

8.Cancellations ---Obviously there will be genuine reasons for last minute cancellations such as family problems, health problems and so on but there are too many cancellations from pupils who are chickening out at the last moment .A recent candidate told me that her car had been stolen twice and of course hiring a Driving School car for a Test at the last moment is not an advisable course of action. Getting used to strange car is not something that you can do in just a few minutes.

9.Overconfidence---It is a myth that the longer you are driving the better you become. If a learner Driver hasn't been taught the basics and some more advanced skills at the start of their driving career they will very quickly pick up poor techniques and habits which will be difficult to rectify at short notice.

10.Learning to Drive with Mum, Dad, Boyfriend, Girlfriend.--- Many Adult Drivers have never taken a Driving Test, particularly those over 60 years of age and are not equipped to teach their offspring. In fact a high proportion of Adult Drivers exhibit such disregard for the basic Rules of the Road that they shouldn't be permitted to be behind the wheel themselves, much less try to teach their children.

About the Author:
Robin Piggott is a professional Driving Instructor who runs a School in Limerick, Ireland.To help the undecided learner driver make an informed decision and to get a head start, they should check out his web site and blog for the latest developments in the Driving Scene in Ireland. http://www.astralmotoring.ie http://astralmotoring.blogspot.com
Submitted: 2005-07-25
Article Source: GoArticles

Leading Auto Parts Store Promotes Safe Driving Among Young Drivers

Auto Parts Inner, one of the country’s top auto parts dealers promotes safe driving among young drivers through its newly updated site that features not only millions of highly durable and reliable replacement auto parts but loads of Auto Parts Information as well.

Young people as we all know are very energetic, fun-loving and yes, these days, they are very independent and audacious. They’d love to try anything new and anything “cool” and anything “in.” Oftentimes, the moral, ethical and safety concerns are set aside for the sake of fun. Hence, many times they get caught up in troublesome situations.

Getting behind the wheels the first time is one of the most anticipated things among teenagers. The way his teenager drives is one of those areas a parent should look closely into because young drivers are more prone to accidents. Knowing this, Auto Parts Inner [http://www.innerauto.com] encourages parents to educate teen drivers the importance of driving safely and responsibly.

Furthermore, this leading auto parts dealer emphasizes among young adults the need to learn the basics of car repair, car maintenance and car part replacement. Through the store’s updated, complete and comprehensive Auto Parts Information section, one can learn a great deal about anything that concerns automobiles and driving.

Different auto systems such as the engine system, electrical system, exhaust system, cooling system and fuel system are defined, described and explained for more understanding of its parts and components and the common car problems as well. Interesting topics on various Toyota parts, Honda parts, Nissan parts, Ford parts, Mazda parts, Volvo parts, Mercedes Benz parts and Chevy parts can be found in the site. Likewise, you can find here information on various car manufacturers and the best models in the auto industry as you look for specific replacement parts.

The company values not only its good standing in the auto parts business but more importantly the consumers’ driving satisfaction and safety; thus, aside from its top of line safety parts including its featured products—stylish and high output Honda mirrors, Chevy headlights, Toyota altezza tail lights, Nissan corner lights, Ford fog lights, Ford-tough Ford bumpers, Ford fenders and Ford hoods—you can benefit from its informative articles as well.

As the cliché goes, “it’s better safe than sorry.” Auto Parts Inner instills among its buyers, especially young drivers, the value of having a foresight. Accidents may happen to anyone and at any time so make sure you are prepared for it. Simple things like installing parts that have passed the most stringent tests can go a long way—it can actually save life.

Owning and driving a vehicle brings both joy and frustration, but before you get traumatized by any unfortunate accident, get the most satisfaction from your car by maintaining its high level of performance and keeping it comfortable, convenient and safe all the time. For more of Jeep parts, Pontiac parts, BMW parts, Dodge parts, GM Parts, Saturn parts, Volkswagen parts and GMC parts [http://www.innerauto.com/GMC_Parts/], let Auto Parts Inner help you!

About the Author:
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.
This article was posted on November 05, 2005
Article Source: articlecity

How to Stay Safe While Driving this Winter

Slick roadways. Ice-encrusted windshields. Limited visibility from snowfall. These typical scenarios are why many cringe at the thought of winter driving.

“Even experienced drivers can find their nerves and skills tested when the snow starts to fall and ice forms on the roads,” says Dawn Duffy of AAA Motor Club. “Winter driving conditions can be treacherous.”

Jamie Anderson of Minnetonka, Minn., a suburb of Minneapolis, knows that firsthand. Last year, while heading north on Interstate 35 during a snowstorm, he hit a patch of ice and slid off the road.

“It was snowing at the time and visibility wasn’t great, so I was driving well below the speed limit with my windshield wipers going,” Anderson said. “I had seen other cars spin out a few miles back, but never thought it would happen to me.”

Even if you are driving very carefully -- like Anderson was -- accidents can happen. Here are some safety tips for winter driving from AAA:

* Clear all snow and ice from windows, roof, hood, trunk, mirrors, lights and signals before leaving your driveway.

* Once in transit, observe all speed limits and reduce speed whenever road conditions or visibility are compromised by foul weather. Keep in mind, speed limits posted are for ideal driving conditions. When driving in inclement weather, slow down.

* Avoid sudden starts, stops and hard turns, especially when roads are slippery or wet.

* Improve visibility by turning on headlights in the late afternoon before the sun begins to set.

* Anticipate potential danger on the road, such as icy bridges, snow-covered lane markings or stalled cars, by decreasing speed, increasing the distance between the vehicle in front of you or changing lanes to avoid trouble.

* If you haven’t done it already, refill your windshield wiper reservoir and replace your windshield wipers.

“There are few situations more annoying to drivers than having to deal with visibility problems associated with worn or ineffective wiper blades,” said Jay Burkhart, vice president of marketing at Federal-Mogul Corporation. He advises drivers to replace their blades well before winter with a set of ANCO Premium Winter Blades, which are designed with a rugged rubber cover over a heavy-duty frame for strength against extreme weather conditions.

Anderson was lucky. Even though his car initially got stuck in a snow bank, his vehicle has four-wheel drive so he was able to get out; but Duffy advises all winter drivers to have emergency supplies on hand just in case they get stuck. These supplies should include a cell phone, flashlight with extra batteries, blankets, sleeping bags, matches, extra set of mittens, canned fruits and nuts, bottle opener, water, sack of sand, shovel and first aid kit.

“For longer trips, especially, make sure people know where you’re going, when you plan to get there, and what route you’ll be taking, just in case something does go wrong,” Duffy says. “That’s not just in the wintertime, but any time of the year.”

For more information about ANCO wiper blades, go to www.federal-mogul.com/anco or inquire at your local retail auto parts store or repair shop.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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