Driving is a complex task that requires a person to simultaneously interact with the vehicle controls and environment.
The task requires:
- Vision
- Physical mobility and strength
- Perceptual judgment of space
- Coordination and sequencing
- Attention and concentration
- Memory
- Reaction time
- Planning & decision making
- Multitasking
To combine all these skills and demonstrate a competent standard, confidence is imperative. Confidence is a skill that cannot be taught. It has to be acquired. While some achieve confidence quickly and without much effort, others require more practice, patience, and different teaching strategies. Everyone learns at a different pace. Therefore it is important to be patient and avoid comparing one’s progress to others.
Behaviour is also a contributing factor in driving and requires awareness in order to drive in a safe and socially responsible manner.
Additionally, driving is a skill that demands continuous vigilance and progress to meet the challenges of constant change. Therefore, it is important that all drivers be aware of their performance level and maintain a competent, safe and responsible standard.
To begin learning to drive, you must hold a learner permit.
To apply for your learner permit, visit RSA Learner-Drivers >>
For anyone with a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive safely, contact your GP and comply with the Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines.
View/Download RSA ‘Sláinte agus Tiomáint’ >>(PDF format).
Once you have acquired your learner permit, you may then choose from the list below to begin driving lessons.
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Beginner Courses
For anyone with a learner permit to begin learning to drive, we offer driving lessons using
- A manual car
- Automatic car
- Adapted car
- People using their own vehicle
All our instructors are Road Safety Authority (RSA) approved and provide the RSA’s mandatory Essential Driver Training (EDT) courses.
Driving courses are tailored to suit all individual needs. This includes people with:
- Physical disabilities
- Learning disabilities
- Hard of hearing or deaf
- Language or communication difficulties
- Mental health issues
- Able bodied.
For anyone with a learning disability/difficulty, a tailored driving course may be necessary to suit an individuals learning style.
An evaluation is completed to establish a persons functional level and also helps to identify the person’s strengths and weaknesses.
Having developed this baseline, a specific structured training programme is put in place. This will include regular reviews to re-evaluate the learning style and teaching techniques to enable the driver acquire a confident, competent driving standard.
To enable the learning process to be easier a vehicle with automatic transmission may provide a more suitable option.
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Driver Rehabilitation Course
For anyone following a disability/illness, or someone who has not driven for a long time, this course offers the opportunity to learn a new technique using adaptative equipment or automatic transmission.
This course can also benefit anyone who wishes to restore their confidence, especially following a road traffic collision.
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Cognitive Driver Rehabilitation Course
A cognitive driver rehabilitation course may be suitable for anyone who wishes to ascertain if he or she has the ability to overcome any mild non progressive cognitive difficulties, and achieve a confident competent driving standard.
This driver training is not an option for everyone experiencing mild cognitive impairment as abilities vary individually.
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Older Driver Refresher Course
A driver refresher course is to improve a person’s knowledge and driving skills.
It is ideal for someone who wants to update their driving skills and feel confident and competent on today’s busy and complex roads.
It can also benefit someone who has not been driving for a long time and wishes to restore their confidence.
This course can also benefit drivers who wish to learn new routes.
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Driving Awareness Programme
This programme is for health professionals, support groups, associations, etc.
The presentation and information discussed are tailored to suit specific group requirements.
It aims to increase knowledge and awareness of driving issues for people with disabilities and the older driver.
It includes a powerpoint presentation on driver assessment and DVD presentation on driving with adaptations.
Driver training, legal issues, financial supports etc. are also included.
An opportunity to view and drive an adapted car is also available.
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Driving Instructor Training
At Southern Mobility, we provide information and training for Road Safety Authority, Approved Driving Instructors (RSA ADI’s). This programme is to promote awareness, provide knowledge of vehicle adaptations, develop specialist skills to teach people with disabilities and supports the ADI in increasing their services.
We also provide training for fully licensed drivers who wish to complete their Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor examination.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. If I have a disability, do I need to inform my car insurance company ?
A. Yes. A driver is obliged to inform their car insurance company of any changes in their health that may affect their ability to drive safely.
Q. If I have a disability/illness, will I be charged extra for my car insurance?
A. No. A driver with a disability should not be charged extra, nor refused a quote solely based on their disability.
Q. I have a full driver’s licence. I recently had my car adapted and will be returning to drive. Do I have to retake my driving test ?
A. No. Provided you hold a full licence for the vehicle you are driving, if you have it adapted and return or continue to drive, you are not required to retake a driving test.
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Driving Schools with Adapted Vehicles
CORK
Southern Mobility Assessment & Tuition Specialists
Postal Address.
Glencarrig House, Ballincrokig, Whitescross, Co. Cork.
Phone 021 482 3258
Office Address.
Waterfront Business Park, Little Island, Co. Cork
Phone 021 4355 411.
Phone Tomás on 087 9304 335.
Website www.southernmobility.ie Email: info@southernmobility.ie
EZ Driving School of Motoring
Herons Wood, Carrigaline, Co. Cork.
Phone John 086 222 1991
www.ezdriving.ie
DUBLIN
Irish School of Motoring
22 Jamestown Business Centre
Finglas
Dublin 11
Phone 01 864 1790 or 1850 530 430
www.ism.ie
GALWAY
Comfort Driving School 365.
Phone Dan 086 367 5710
www.comfortdriving365.com
KILDARE
Irish Wheelchair Association
Mobility Centre, Clane, Co. Kildare.
Phone 045 89 30 94
www.iwa.ie
The Irish Wheelchair Association also provide driving lessons from their offices in various counties. For inquiries, contact the above telephone number.
MAYO
Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland
Ballindine, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.
Phone 094 9364 054
www.ddai.ie
WATERFORD
Michelle’s Driving School
Providing services in Waterford.
Phone Michelle on 087 9908 115 or 051 397 952
www.michellesdrivingschool.ie
