Sir, - I welcome the views expressed by Kevin Myers (An Irishman's Diary, July 21st).
I am learning to drive and thus have a provisional licence and have never driven on my own. I am always accompanied by either a proper qualified driving instructor or a full licence holder. This conscientious approach is greeted by looks of astonishment and even comments of ridicule by otherwise respectable, law-abiding relations and friends. I was relieved to have the previous article of Kevin Myers to show these people and so have some support for my seemingly eccentric position.
When I took my driving test, two other candidates arrived alone without any accompanying driver. I failed the test and thought how much more experience, with less cost, I could get if I drove around on my own. On the other hand, could I really live with myself if my own incompetence resulted in a tragic accident? I think not.
However, the point Kevin Myers overlooks is that soon I will have my second provisional licence and, regardless of how badly I did during the test or how dangerous I could be, I will then be able to drive around legally on my own. This is an aspect of the law which should definitely be changed but since even the existing law is not upheld there is little likelihood of that.
I would love to see an editorial pick up on the points made by Kevin Myers. The seriousness of the matter is such that he should not be left as a voice in the wilderness. - Yours, etc.,
Alan Lynch, Cliff Road, Tramore, Co Waterford.