Michael McAleer answers your queries
Sean McHugh, Co Cork:
Surely it's time for people to stand up and take action over the delay in getting licences. Is there not a legal case for seeking compensation for delays in getting to sit tests and the resultant increase in insurance costs caused by having to drive on provisional licences?
We fully agree with you about the disgraceful delay in processing tests. According to several reports we have had from readers, the delay is far in excess of the claimed nine months. However, unfortunately we have it on legal advice that the extra costs incurred cannot be recouped through legal action.
The legal position is that you have no right to a driving licence under law. Unlike a passport - which is your constitutional right and for which you can seek compensation if you suffer financially because of a delay in getting it - the driving licence is a privilege. It's a grace or favour of the State and can be withdrawn at any time. The only option is to keep pressure on politicians to improve the system more speedily.
Anne McCarthy, Dublin 13:
I was very interested in your reply to a letter from Terence Duffy on September 3rd. You mentioned a Chrysler Voyager or Ford Galaxy as MPV possibilities but what about a Hyundai Trajet, Opel Zafira or Fiat Multipa for a family of three children and an occasional need for extra seating. I would appreciate your opinion on these cars as I am interested in buying one. My two-door Nissan Micra is no longer an option.
Our recommendations to Mr Duffy were based largely on his price range and his requirements for a rather large vehicle. Space limited our answer.
As for the cars you name, the Fiat is a favourite of ours for its funky front seats and its truly original look. Cars are about expressing your personality and identity and being somewhat original. The Multipa casts off the drab and dreary in place of the original.
The Hyundai represents good value and has been a choice for several families in your situation. However, the Opel Zafira arguably wins out for now, thanks to the fact the seats fold away into the body, so you don't have to drag them in and out of the garage everytime.
This market is about to see new competitors, including a new seven-seat version of the Scenic and the soon-to-arrive Ford Focus C-Max (though it's only a five seater for now).
Philip O'Toole, Dublin 5:
I have to comment on the inconsistencies of Dublin City Council. To tax your car you need to have your licence certificate (or taxbook), insurance certificate, NCT certificate and application form (of course central computer information never dawned on them). Then you must calculate the rate of tax for the period you have in mind. Then you must put all of that lot into a wheelbarrow and head off to River House to join the other two hundred unfortunates in the queue. And, by the way, if the tax months are not concurrent, don't forget to head down to your local garda station to get it signed off beforehand.
On the other hand , if you want to order new number plates for your car or anyone else's car (which have much more serious implications if misused), just call into your local motor factors and pay €10. No taxbook, no VLC, and no ID. Only in Ireland . . .
By way of correction and clarification, Dr John Simmie, of the chemistry department and environmental change institute at NUI Galway, has contacted us about low sulpur diesel. He points out that 10ppm means 10 parts per million, not particualtes per million. "It refers to the fact that you find 10 grams of sulphur in a million grams of fuel. Particulates mean 'particles of soot', the emissions of which is one of the main drawbacks of conventional diesel engines."
Send your queries to
Motors Help Desk, The Irish Times, Fleet Street, Dublin 2
- or e-mail them to motorshelp@irish-times.ie