If you have recently started learning to drive in Ireland then you already know that there’s a lot to grasp, from the number of driving lessons you need to complete to the type of car insurance policy you need.
In this article, we will take you through some things you need to know about driving lessons, the driving test, driving on the motorway and young driver car insurance.
Driving lessons
People who are learning to drive in Ireland must complete 12 EDT driving lessons in order to apply for a driving test. These lessons are designed to develop your driving skills and give you the confidence to drive and share the road safely with others. We have partnered with the Irish School of Motoring to make getting on the road easier. If you complete your 12 lessons within 6 months, AXA will discount your insurance by up to €400 if you have your own policy. T&Cs apply
For in-depth information on things you need to know before getting behind the wheel on your first lesson, check out our driving lessons article.
Driving test in Ireland
Once you complete your 12 EDT driving lessons you can apply for the driving test. Preparing for your driving test can be stressful as you try to figure out what exactly you need to do to pass the test. We’ve created a list of driving test tips which will help guide you through your driving test, covering things like what to ask your driving instructor, to a reminder to trust your own ability. Be sure to check it out for some helpful tips and tricks!
Driving on the motorway
Upon passing your driving test, you’ll be classed as a novice driver for the next 2 years, and you’ll also be allowed to drive on the motorway for the first time.
Newly qualified, or novice, drivers can often be nervous about driving on a motorway for the first time, so it’s important to research and understand the rules for driving on a motorway so you know what to expect. We will take you through some of the main rules of the road for motorways below.
What is the main difference between driving on a motorway and driving on other types of roads?
The main differences between driving on a motorway and other types of roads are the speed limits, the lanes, the slip-road ramps and the hard shoulders.
Motorway speed limits
On Irish motorways, generally, the maximum speed limit is 120km per hour. However, it’s important to always check speed limit signs as some sections of a motorway could be reduced to a maximum speed of 100km per hour.
In addition to this, there may be signs to indicate reduced speed limits due to roadworks or bad weather, especially where variable speed limits have been introduced, e.g. on the M50. Always keep an eye on the road for speed limit signs so you can be confident you’re driving at a safe speed.
Motorway lanes
Most motorways will have either two or three lanes and it’s important to know the purpose of each lane. The left lane (lane 1) is used for normal driving and should be the lane you use unless you are overtaking. Lane 2 is used for overtaking, or, if you’re in a 3 lane motorway, lane 2 can be used to drive in if the traffic is moving slower in lane 1.
Lane 3 should only be used to overtake traffic in lanes 1 and 2 and you should return to lane 1 or 2 as soon as it is safe to do so.
There are also auxiliary lanes on a motorway which are used to link the slip road ramps and exits. They are identified by road markings which are shorter, wider and closer together than the broken lines typically seen in lanes 1-3 on a motorway.
Slip-road ramps
You will enter and exit a motorway via a sliproad ramp. When entering a motorway you will merge from the sliproad or the auxiliary lane onto lane 1 of the motorway and when exiting a motorway you will merge from lane 1 or the auxiliary lane onto the sliproad.
Merging lanes can be daunting at first but just remember to signal and check your mirrors, speed and blind spots, and you should be able to merge successfully.
Hard shoulders
Hard shoulders on a motorway in Ireland will always be on the left-hand side of the road. They are often marked by a continuous solid white line. You should never drive on a hard shoulder on a motorway as it is an offence to do so and should only be used in emergencies. For example, in the event of vehicle failure you should try to pull into the hard shoulder as far left as possible to ensure your safety.
Young driver car insurance
AXA provides young driver insurance for those aged 25 or under. Our young driver insurance policies give you access to additional discounts.
To get young driver car insurance quotes, simply fill in our online form and our team will be in touch with a quote that will provide you with protection and cover to suit your needs.
Named Driver vs. Own Name insurance
If you’re wondering whether you should take out a car insurance policy in your own name or add yourself to another person’s policy as a named driver, we’ll explain the main differences below.
If you don’t yet have your own car, you can ask a family member or friend to be added to their insurance policy as a named driver for occasional use. You will then be covered to practice driving in their car and build up your driving experience. In addition to this, if you remain claims-free while driving as a named driver, your experience could help you to get a reduced premium on your own policy in the future.
If you already have your own car, you should insure the car in your own name and start building up your no claims bonus on your own policy. This means that the no claims bonus is earned in your own name rather than as a named driver. Year on year an earned no claims bonus is superior to named driving experience when it comes to car insurance.
If you have any questions about car insurance, please contact us as our team are on hand to answer any queries you have.
