Michael McAleeranswers your questions
From D Nash:
I am just back from Germany and thought it might be appropriate to let you know of the system for learner drivers that applies there.
Not only do learners have to undergo 10 hours of instruction in a classroom in driving theory and 10 hours instruction in an approved driving school, but even after they pass the test they have two years of driving on a provisional form of driving licence. If they have a crash during this period they have to resit the test.
Similarly, fully licensed drivers who clock up enough penalty points have to resit the test. Do we think we are better drivers so we don't need to follow their example?
The German system is just one of the options open to the Government. It does not take a genius to work out that systems in place in other countries far exceed our simplistic approach and the end result of making it easier to get a licence here than in other states can be seen in the death notices. Of course, the immediate priority is to eradicate the 400,000 or so provisional drivers from the ridiculous waiting list, but the system itself needs to be completely overhauled.
Where the Irish system falls down most significantly is in relation to the lack of restrictions placed on novice drivers. It's true we have some restrictions: our provisional licence holders are not allowed to drive on motorways and must have an experienced driver on board. However, it is naive to think that all 400,000 provisional drivers in this country are sticking to these rules.
The Garda do not have the personnel to check all learner drivers, so a system has to be adopted that would limit novice drivers from getting on the road without at least some form of training. Work is being done in this area, but it cannot come soon enough.
There is another example from further afield which is worth consideration. In New Zealand novice drivers are banned from taking to the road between the hours of 10pm and 5am without supervision, banned from carrying passengers without supervision, forced to carry R plates on their cars and have a zero blood-alcohol level. Driving is restricted for 18 months, or half of that if an approved driving course is taken.
We've documented the systems in place in other countries on these pages for some time now. It's time for action.
From L Flynn:
I would be very grateful for your advice on a suitable car for an elderly couple. My parents are looking to change their Volkswagen Passat and want something smaller with reasonable performance and comfort.
My mother has arthritis and has difficulty getting in and out of cars which are too close to the ground.
We had in mind a Renault Scenic and also feel an automatic might be easier for them both to handle.
The Scenic would be worth considering for its height and an automatic would be the recommended buy.
I would also suggest they would consider the Honda Jazz. The Jazz comes with a 1.3-litre petrol engine and CVT automatic transmission for €19,820. The Scenic automatic is €28,820. I have spoken with a family member who suffers from similar ailments and if you are considering something a little larger then they suggest you consider the Opel Zafira as well. The entry and access is at a nice height, the extra space could be a boon for shopping and even the seven-seat format might be useful for family occasions. You can get a 1.8-litre petrol version with Easytronic automatic transmission and Club specification for €28,895.
From S Houlihan:
What is the difference between horsepower and kilowatts and how do kw power ratings relate to the bhp of an engine. Also, can you explain if there is any link to horses at all in the bhp figure or was it simply something derived by choice?
Horsepower does actually have an equine link. The term was introduced by James Watt and was used as a measurement for steam power. It's claimed that Watt came up with the horsepower unit while working with ponies on improving the hoisting system at a coal mine.
He set the unit of horsepower at 33,000-foot pounds of work per minute. That means the average horse could pull one pound of coal 33,000ft in one minute. Clearly it's a pretty arbitrary measurement, but it has become the accepted measure. Since then other units have been created to get more precise measurements. The kw stands for kilowatts and one horsepower is equal to 746 watts.
Send your queries to Motors Helpdesk, The Irish Times, Tara St, Dublin 2 or e-mail motorshelp@irish-times.ie