Road Safety Minister to re-sit driving test

Date: 7/4/2011

L-plates will be going back on Northern Ireland's Road Safety Minister's car today (April 7th) as he re-sits a mock driving test.

Edwin Poots will undergo the examination as part of an initiative organised by Road Safety Awareness NI to demonstrate that experienced motorists may find it difficult if they were asked to meet the rigorous standards that are currently in place for learners.

This is despite the fact that the organisation points out that many road users believe years spent behind the wheel is what counts towards quality driving.

Mr Poots' test comes ahead of a major road safety event that will take place in Stormont from April 16th to 17th.

According to recent research by AXA, one of the biggest dangers on UK roads is posed by "stop-start drivers".

The group identified these as individuals who rarely get behind the wheel once they have passed their test, leading to them losing confidence in their skills.

Posted by Sarah Bailey