Ireland introduces novice plates for new drivers

• DUBLIN, Aug. 1 (Xinhua/Sun) -- Ireland on Friday announced changes to the driver licensing system that apply to newly qualified novice drivers.

As from Friday, motorists who pass their driving test will be required to replace their Learner plates with a Novice plate.

The new traffic law will require novice drivers to display an "N" plate when driving for the first two years of their first license.

It will also set the disqualifying level of penalty points for novice and learner drivers at seven, which is just over half the level for other drivers.

Under the new law, non-display of N plates is an offense and is punishable by a fine not exceeding 1,000 euros (1,340 U.S. dollars) for a first offense.

Research shows that novice drivers are most likely to be killed on roads in the first two years after passing their test due to their inexperience.

Novice plates, or similar systems, are in place in many other European Union (EU) countries, and these measures will help to bring Ireland closer into line with Britain and other EU countries