Carol O'Connor ADI

07/05/2026

29/04/2026

Those of a certain age will remember the words “Care Courtesy and Consideration on the roads saves lives” on the back cover of the old blue licence. The licence has seen many changes since then but the words are as true today as they were then.

16/04/2026

🚗 “Experienced” doesn’t always mean better…

Let’s be honest for a second 👇

This could be your son, daughter, grandkids, partner, friends or even parents that have to suffer from this, just do better!

Out on the roads every day, learner drivers aren’t just learning how to drive…
They’re dealing with:
❌ Tailgating
❌ Aggressive overtakes
❌ Horns blaring at junctions
❌ Drivers with zero patience

👉 That’s not “experience” — that’s poor driving.

And here’s the part most people don’t think about…

⚠️ That behaviour doesn’t just make the road unsafe — it affects confidence.
A learner who’s doing everything right can quickly feel:
😟 Pressured
😰 Anxious
❌ Second-guessing themselves

Confidence is EVERYTHING when learning to drive.
Break that… and you slow someone’s progress massively.

👨‍🏫 At Crawford School of Motoring, we build drivers properly —
✔️ Safe
✔️ Confident
✔️ In control

But we shouldn’t have to undo the damage caused by others on the road.

🚦 If you see a learner… give them space. Give them time. Give them respect.

Because every single driver on the road today…
👉 Started exactly where they are now.

27/03/2026

Congratulations to Joshua Doherty on passing his test today.

It was a pleasure working with you Joshua. Hopefully see you on the roads in the near future. Well done 🚗🚗🚗

12/02/2026

Too many people using these scooters on public roads.
As posted by a colleague as recently as yesterday, due to their speed a driver can be caught unawares with dire consequences.

Road Safety Charity Warns of Serious Dangers and Legal Risks of E-Scooter Use

Road Safe NI is urging the public to be fully aware of the significant safety risks and legal implications associated with the use of privately owned e-scooters.
While e-scooters are increasingly visible across towns and cities, many users may be unaware that they do not comply with current construction and use legislation and vehicle standards. As a result, they are restricted to off-road use only on private land with the permission of the landowner.

Safety Concerns
E-scooters can pose serious dangers to both riders and other road users, including pedestrians. Key concerns include:
* Limited stability due to small wheels
* Increased vulnerability of riders in collisions
* Reduced visibility, particularly in low light conditions
* Silent operation, which can surprise pedestrians
* Lack of appropriate safety equipment on many models
Incidents involving e-scooters have resulted in serious injuries, particularly head injuries where helmets were not worn.

Legal Requirements for Road Use
If an e-scooter were to be used on a public road, the rider would legally be required to:
* Hold a driving licence from age 16 (minimum Category AM)
* Have at least third party insurance for road use
* Have the vehicle registered with the DVLNI and display a number plate
* Hold a valid Vehicle Excise Licence
* Have obligatory lamps, reflectors and rear markings fitted
* Fulfil all requirements in accordance with the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1999
* Wear a protective helmet in some cases (although helmet use is strongly recommended in all situations for personal safety)
Failure to comply with these legal requirements means that privately owned e-scooters cannot be used legally on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes or other public spaces.

Restricted to Private Land
Given that e-scooters do not currently meet the required construction and use standards, they are therefore restricted to private land only, and may only be used with the express permission of the landowner.

Call for Public Awareness
Road Safe NI is encouraging parents, guardians, retailers and riders to understand the law before purchasing or using an e-scooter. Many users may unknowingly be committing offences, potentially facing penalties including fines, penalty points and vehicle seizure

A spokesperson said:
“Public safety must come first. We are asking everyone to think carefully before using an e-scooter. The legal position is clear — unless all vehicle, licensing and insurance requirements are met, e-scooters are restricted to private land. Understanding the risks and the law can prevent serious injuries and legal consequences.”
For further information on road safety guidance, please contact Road Safe NI.

12/02/2026

A huge congratulations to Rhiannon Julius on passing her test on her first attempt recently.

Rhiannon was so confident driving in her own car due to the support of her parents and other family network, and took her own car on test day. She got a great result which was very well deserved.

Rhiannon what a confident driver you are and you have worked so hard to achieve this. It was a real pleasure working with you. I shall certainly miss the laughs.

I wish you many years of safe and happy driving.

11/02/2026

DFI have confirmed they will be re-looking at the junction of Ardlough Road/Drumahoe Road as a safety issue. Too many coming along the Ardlough Road don't slow down when approaching this junction and go onto the Drumahoe Road without looking.

There has been two incidents within 6 months of each other were cars landed into a garden in Faughanview Park. Lucky no one was hurt but residents are terrified. I had requested a barrier to be put up to protect the residents but unfortunately this has been turned down.

I will continue to push this matter and hope a solution is sorted before someone is seriously hurt.

29/01/2026

Worth thinking about

Today’s GDL announcement has drawn lots of comments on social media from people complaining about the standard of driving they see on our roads. Maybe we should all take a look at our own driving first. I’m sure we have all a few areas that we could brush up on.
We all have a responsibility for road safety.