Young drivers who are driving a tractor with a provisional licence do not need to be accompanied while driving a tractor, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has confirmed to the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors (FCI).

The FCI received clarification from the driver licensing section of the RSA on the issue of tractor drivers with learner permits. Its concern was prompted by an Irish Farmers Journal report that three learner tractor drivers received penalty points in the last five years for not being accompanied by a qualified driver.

“While the interpretation of the law is a matter for the courts, it is our understanding that a learner permit holder need not be accompanied where the tractor has a passenger seat.

“However, if the driver is accompanied, the accompanying driver must have held a full licence for at least two years,” the RSA told the FCI.

Fine

The three drivers would have been given two penalty points and fined a fixed charge of €80. The driver would also be liable to have the vehicle impounded and if the driver does not own the tractor, then the owner may also face a fine of up to €1,000. Some 958 tractor drivers have received penalty points in the last five years.