Warning to Mayo learner drivers over penalty points change

Learner drivers are being warned that driving alone could result in their vehicle being seized.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána has issued a reminder to learner and novice drivers that seven penalty points in a three-year period will earn them a six-month driving ban.

In comparison, fully licensed drivers are can get 12 points over years before they face a six-month disqualification.

The most common offence for learner drivers is driving unaccompanied, which have resulted in 1,323 vehicles being seized between January to April this year.

Learner and novice drivers must display ‘L’ and ‘N’ plates at all times.

Failure to do so will result in two penalty points and a €60 fine.

Learner drivers detected driving unaccompanied also face two penalty points an €80 fine and the vehicle can also be seized.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said: “We are actively enforcing learner and novice driver rules in order to protect all road users, including inexperienced drivers driving on permits."