Motor Vehicle & Road User Studies

For many years it has been accepted that our educational system must not only equip young people with the knowledge to pass examinations but with the skills necessary to cope with everyday life after school. In that context one of the most important lifeskills is the ability to cope with road and driving conditions as they exist in Northern Ireland today. The loss of young lives is tragic and largely avoidable.

The importance of Road Safety teaching has been clearly recognised by the listing of the subject within the Education Reform Order (NI 1989).

A GCSE Course has been introduced into the school curriculum. Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies leads, after two years, to an examination in three parts:

(a)One of two theory papers each carrying 60% of the overall marks.
The Foundation Tier Paper lasting 1.5 hours leads to a range of grades from C-G inclusive.

The Higher Tier Paper lasting 2 hours leads to a range of grades A*-D (E) with E being awarded to those narrowly failing to achieve grade D.

(b)An Investigative Study carried out during the two year course and with a marks allocation of 20 %. This involves selection from a range of options such as an in-depth study of traffic problems at a location near the school.

(c) Practical riding carried out on a 49cc moped within the school grounds, not on public roads, and carrying 20% of the marks.

Firstly, the course will instill a greater knowledge and awareness of road safety.

Secondly, a good grade in this subject will be accepted by most employers. Indeed the Northern Ireland Civil Service Commission , the largest single employer in the Province, has accepted that a 'C' pass in this subject will count for entry to the Civil Service.

Furthermore, the Association of British Insurers has indicated that a pass in Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies would be particularly useful for potential employees in this field. A good grade will be accepted by both Universities and by Teacher Training Colleges.