The Irish School of Excellence, a practical driver education and road safety programme specially designed for Transition Year students, received the Vulnerable Road User Award at the recent 2025 Leading Lights Road Safety Awards, writes Brian Byrne. The award recognises groups and organisations that are enhancing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, children, and older people.
Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Sean Canney TD, presented the award to Kieran O’Brien from the ISE. Supported by Allianz, this school is Ireland’s only certified, on-site driving and road safety programme, delivered directly in schools with no off-site travel needed. Students have the chance to drive a vehicle with a qualified instructor, practise the Theory Test, learn about buying and taxing a vehicle, explore road safety and green energy, and acquire basic mechanics skills, among other things. In 2021, the school also introduced an E-scooter safety module.
Kieran O’Brien said that over 25 years, the school has delivered its programme to more than 500,000 students across the country.
