RULES GOVERNING LEARNER AND/OR NEWLY QUALIFIED DRIVERS IN OTHER COUNTRIES

WEST GERMANY

1. From 18 learners apply to a recognised driving school.
2. They have 10 hours studying theory and road signs, then 10 hours practical instruction in a dual-controlled car.
3. This includes night-time and motorway driving.
4. 180 theory questions are given. If 3 are answered incorrectly the test must be retaken.
5. After the test a PROVISIONAL licence is held for 2 years. If the driver has an accident within this period the whole test must be retaken.
6. If more that a prescribed number of penalty points are clocked up, compulsory driving and attitude training is required. This includes group sessions on behaviour.
7. These drivers pay their own costs.

For more details of the German system

THE NETHERLANDS

1. All learners attend driver training centres.
2. Theory and road craft is studied and tested using free road manuals and computer terminals.
3. Practical instruction follows with a qualified instructor, covering night-time and motorway driving.
4. 6 months after passing the theory, the learner can apply for the practical test.
5. A nervous applicant can opt for a longer test which is a more reliable indication of real driving ability.

SPAIN

1. Minimum age of 18.
2. A previous medical examination is required.
3. Learners must be accompanied at all times by state driving instructors in specially prepared cars.
4. Newly-qualified drivers carry an 'L' plate for 3 months.

NEW ZEALAND

1. Drivers have a graduated licence system which includes restrictions to ensure protection from high-risk situations.
2. Incentives are built-in to encourage attendance at a training course for all first-time applicants under 25.
3. Theory and vision tests must be passed.
4. 6 months of initial learning is followed by 18 months of restricted driving, (9 mths. if approved course is taken).
5. The licence must be carried at all times, zero blood-alcohol level.
6. No driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. without adult supervision.
7. No passengers carried without adult supervision.
8. Breaches of these conditions result in their extension by up to 6 months.
9. Restricted 'R' plates for novice drivers are to be introduced in mid 1999.

NORTHERN IRELAND

1. Newly-qualified drivers must display restricted or 'R' plates for one year.
2. 'R' drivers are restricted to 45 mph.

DENMARK

1. They must learn with qualified instructors.
2. Practice on motorways is required.
3. Off-road facilities are required.
4. Test applications must be signed by instructors who normally sit in on the test.
5. Eyesight test and medical certificate with a photograph are required.
6. A theory test precedes the practical test.
7. Applicants must have had lessons in bad weather driving and skid training.
8. Hazard perception elements included in training and testing.

ITALY

1. Minimum age is 18.
2. Supervisors must have held a licence for 10 years.
3. For the first 3 years, drivers are restricted to cars of no more than 49 bhp per tonne and which cannot exceed 94 mph.
4. Learners have zero BAC limit.

LUXEMBOURG

1. Minimum age is 18.
2. Mandatory professional training.
3. Practice required on motorways.
4. Mandatory theory test.
5. Drivers have a 2 year probationary period.
6. Speed limit during probationary period.

PORTUGAL

1. Mandatory professional instruction.
2. Mandatory theory test.
3. Probationary licence for newly-qualified drivers.
4. Newly-qualified drivers are restricted to 90 kph (52 mph).

NORWAY

1. Road practice at 17.
2. Mandatory theory training.
3. Mandatory practical training.
4. Training on motorways.
5. Probationary licence for novices.