Tag: lessons

Young Drivers Urged to Pass Test Now as New Learner Permit Limits Approach

Young drivers are being urged to prioritise passing their driving test now, as upcoming changes to learner permit rules could leave some facing higher insurance costs and fewer renewal options.

Gallagher, one of Ireland’s largest insurance brokers, says the introduction of new limits on repeat learner permits means the next six months will be critical for thousands of motorists currently learning to drive.

Under the new rules, which come into force on November 1, 2026, learners will face tighter restrictions on renewing permits, including limits on how many times they can renew without taking a test. The broker says progressing to a full licence as early as possible will not only avoid disruption, but could also deliver immediate financial benefits.

Geraldine Kelly, Head of Personal Lines at Gallagher in Ireland, said passing the driving test remains one of the most effective ways young drivers can reduce their insurance costs.

“Passing your driving test can lead to a significant reduction in your car insurance premium. In some cases, it could be several hundred euro, and in others it could even be over €1,000. Insurers generally view fully licensed drivers as lower risk than learners, which opens up access to more competitive pricing and a wider range of policy options.”

She added that the upcoming rule changes make progressing to a full licence more important than ever.

“The new learner permit limits mean some drivers could be caught out if they delay. The best course of action for any young driver is to focus on getting their full licence as soon as possible. It reduces premiums straight away, allows them to begin building their own no claims bonus, and gives them greater independence on the road.

Also, while the driving tester strike due to take place last February was called off, there’s nothing to say similar industrial action could be taken later in the year – and this could lead to delays in testing”.

Building a driving record early

Gallagher says one of the most overlooked advantages of moving off a learner permit is the ability to start building a personal insurance history.

Ms. Kelly explained

“A full licence allows drivers to begin establishing their own no claims bonus, which can significantly reduce premiums over time. The earlier that process starts, the more savings drivers are likely to see in the years ahead.”

The broker is also encouraging parents to plan ahead where their young sons or daughters are concerned, particularly when it comes to insurance renewals and gaining early driving experience.

“For families, forward planning is key. Timing when a young driver is added to a policy, ensuring they complete sufficient lessons, and building named driver experience can all have a direct impact on the costs of getting on the road.”

Cost and Independence

Beyond the financial impact, Gallagher says securing a full licence remains a key milestone for younger motorists.

“This isn’t just about compliance with the rules. Moving to a full licence gives young drivers greater independence, and access to better insurance options. With the regulatory changes on the horizon, there has never been a better time for learners to take that step.”

What the new rules mean

The new learner permit restrictions which come into effect in November 2026 will introduce tighter limits on repeat renewals, including requirements linked to test attempts and overall duration on learner permits. The changes are aimed at encouraging progression through the licensing system and reducing long term reliance on provisional driving.

Gallagher says the lead-in period gives learners a clear window to act.

“The message is simple. Use the time now to book lessons, sit the test, and move to a full licence. It is one of the most practical steps young drivers can take to reduce their costs,” Ms. Kelly concluded.

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New research reveals that 75% of Irish teenagers use YouTube for education with 84% of teachers using YouTube content in their lessons

New research reveals YouTube as the leading platform for kids education across Europe. The study, conducted by Livity on behalf of YouTube, explored how children aged 13-18 use different platforms for learning.

Video content plays a central role in the daily digital lives of teens across Europe, helping unlock creativity, discovery and learning. Livity’s research, part of the upcoming “Future Report” from Google and YouTube, asked over 7,000 children aged 13-18 in seven countries across Europe, including Ireland, how they use digital platforms to learn for both school and fun.

Of those surveyed, 72% of teens said they watch video content at least a couple of times a week to help with learning for school or fun.

In Ireland, 75% said they use YouTube to learn something new for school (significantly higher than TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, or other platforms). 75% also use YouTube to learn something new for fun or outside of school – again, more than any other platform.

In qualitative research conducted by independent youth consultancy Livity, teens expressed the joy they found in discovering new interests and passions through video. Whether it’s exploring important topics around the world or looking up a video to help with algebra homework, YouTube is a place for them to learn, explore their passions and express themselves.

A separate study by Oxford Economics spoke to over 10,700 parents and 2,400 teachers across the EU27 and the UK about how they view and use YouTub. The research shows that parents and teachers also turn to YouTube to help kids learn, build creativity and understand the world around them:

 

  • 80% of parents who use YouTube agree that YouTube, or YouTube Kids, provides quality content for their children’s learning and/or entertainment

  • 71% feel confident in their ability to guide their child on how to use the platform responsibly

  • 84% of teachers who use YouTube report that they have used YouTube content in their lessons and/or assignments

  • 67% of teachers who use YouTube agree that YouTube helps increase student engagement.

 

Responding to the reports, Dr Garth Graham, Director and Global Head of Healthcare at YouTube said: “We recognise the important part we play in young people’s lives – so it’s great to see YouTube recognised as a place for young people to learn and explore their passions. We work closely and continuously with child development and digital wellbeing experts to make sure YouTube is an asset for kids – with their safety, privacy and wellbeing at the forefront”.

Pedro Pina, Head of YouTube Europe, Middle East and Africa said: “Age-appropriate, enriching and engaging content is helping kids, parents and teachers across the EU: helping inspire curiosity, imagination and celebrate diverse perspectives. YouTube is one of the first platforms to offer experiences designed specifically for young people. Our products for youth, YouTube Kids and Supervised Experiences, are developed under guidance from independent experts and reach over 100 million active logged-in and logged-out users every month.

YouTube Kids is a separate app designed specifically for children, where age-appropriate content, smart filters and parental guidance come together to create an appropriate, enriching and more controlled experience for your child; while Supervised Experiences – made for tweens and teens – gives parents control to select content that limits the videos and music that children can play, including setting suggestions in line with their age, as well as to view and change the features your child can use, their default account settings, and the ads they see.

Aceii One: The Carry-On Tennis Partner Powered by AI

Aceii is launching Aceii One, an intelligent tennis ball machine that feels like hitting with a live partner. Unlike traditional machines, Aceii One combines dual-camera vision to track every shot in real time, rapid baseline movement to reposition instantly, and a dual-stage serving system that delivers lifelike spin, speed, and placement at intervals as fast as 0.5 seconds. The result: unpredictable, human-like rallies that turn solo practice into real match play—while also keeping training engaging with global app challenges, personalized coach feedback, and a portable design that folds into the size of a 20-inch carry-on.

“Until now, tennis players had to choose between predictable ball machines and the challenge of live practice. Aceii One changes that balance by bringing AI-powered intelligence onto the court,” said Ricky Liu, Founder and CEO of Aceii. “Our vision is to empower players at all levels with professional-grade training that is realistic, accessible, and portable.”

What Makes Aceii One Different

Aceii One is built on the idea that real progress in tennis requires more than repetition. True growth comes from a balance of drills for consistency, match play for adaptability, and coaching for guided improvement. By uniting these three pillars into one system, Aceii One delivers a full-circle training experience that mirrors how athletes train with human partners. This structure ensures players build reliable fundamentals, sharpen competitive instincts, and receive personalized feedback — all in one portable carry-on device.

Drills｜Real Partner-Like Rally Flow

Aceii One delivers continuous, game-style rally training with real-time shot recognition and dynamic response — no robotic, predictable feeds. Every drill feels like hitting with a live partner.

Dynamic Tracking｜Power On & Play

  • Dual-Camera Vision: Tracks every movement and shot without external sensors.
  • Adaptive Exposure: Plays reliably indoors, outdoors, day or night.

Reads Your Shot, Gets There First

  • Instant AI Response: Adjusts ball speed, spin, and placement dynamically to match your skill level.
  • Pro-Level Agility: Accelerates at 3.5 m/s² with 10 cm tracking precision, covering the court in 1.2 seconds—comparable to professional athletes.

Smart Returns｜Max Out the Rhythm

  • Rapid-Fire Play: Patented dual-stage acceleration fires balls at 0.5-second intervals with lifelike spin.
  • Strategic Rallies: Trains anticipation, quick reactions, and tactical shot-making.

Multi-Function Integration

  • Customizable Training: Adjust drills for ball speed, spin, and placement.
  • Digital Social Hub: Auto-captures highlights for instant sharing.
  • Real-Time Feedback: Generates pro-grade data reports for every swing.

Intelligent Competition Modes

Match Play｜Turn Every Session Into a Game

With lightning-fast acceleration and 0.5-second intervals, Aceii One transforms practice into true match play. Players experience rallies with realistic pace, live scoring, and built-in challenges — making every session feel like competition.

Challenge Mode｜Level Up with Data-Driven Games

  • Unlock evolving drills with rewards and milestones.
  • Track progress through a dynamic power progression curve.

Battle Mode｜Human-Like Opponents

  • Simulates real player styles and rhythms.
  • Compete against friends or even pro player datasets.
  • Remote showdowns with identical parameters and detailed match reports.

Ranking Mode｜Smart Placement & Global Leaderboards

  • Start at your true skill level with NTRP-based ranking.
  • Progress through divisions by earning stars and victories.
  • Climb local and global leaderboards to showcase growth.

Coaching & Gamified Training

AI-Recommended Coaching
 Aceii’s AI analyzes every shot and integrates real coach lessons, creating a seamless improvement loop.

Smart 4-Step Training

  • Swing technique, positioning, rhythm control, and shot accuracy systematically covered.
  • Intelligent ball feeds + AI feedback = no wasted reps.
  • Custom paths accelerate breakthroughs.

Gamified Learning

  • Unlock checkpoints and challenges to keep training exciting.
  • Real-time performance reports visualize progress.
  • Achievement system promotes players from Bronze to Champion, unlocking new themes and training modes.

Portable Design | All-In-One Pack, Practice On-the-Go

  • Compact 20-Inch Frame: Fits in small cars and trunks.
  • 120-Ball Capacity: Extended training without interruption.
  • 3-in-1 Design: Machine, ball hopper, and racket slot combined.
  • Foldable Wheels: Deploy automatically for play, fold away for storage.

Effortless Operation | Easy to Use, Turn On & Play

  • Instant Setup: Vision technology requires no wearables or sensors. Start in 5 seconds.
  • Smart Interaction: Wave to start, clap to pause, or use touch-free app controls.
  • Progress Memory: Saves training progress for instant resumption.
  • All-Court Mobility: Adaptive wheels handle hard, clay, or grass courts.

Aceii App | Train, Compete, and Share

  • Custom Drills: Design training sessions for your goals.
  • Global Matches & Challenges: Join worldwide competitions and ranking ladders.
  • AI Coaching: Video lessons paired with personalized data analysis.
  • Smart Recording: Capture highlights and share to social media instantly.
  • Performance Tracking: Monitor accuracy, speed, and consistency after every session.

Solving the Pain Points of Traditional Machines

Predictable feeds and broken rhythm
 Traditional machines act like feeders. Aceii One varies pace, placement, spin, and depth—down to 0.5 s intervals—to create lifelike rallies instead of repetitive shots.

Limited patterns, no real progress
 Where others deliver the same ball each time, Aceii One offers one-click drill modes and fully customizable settings (speed, spin, placement, tempo), scaling from beginner to advanced play.

Slow and complicated setup
 Instead of long adjustments, the Aceii App provides ready-made templates and saved routines. Start practicing in seconds, not minutes.

Bulky and hard to move
 Aceii One folds into a 20-inch carry-on with wheels and a handle. Its ball bag doubles as a backpack, making transport effortless.

Poor adaptability and long downtime
 Compatible with hard, clay, and grass courts, it deploys quickly with minimal setup.

Battery anxiety
 Delivers up to 8 hours of stationary feeding or around 2 hours of intense rally play—enough for any practice session.

Robotic feel, no real pressure
 A dual-stage serving system and fast repositioning create unpredictable rallies that demand real footwork and timing.

 

Solving the Pain Points of Players

No partner, no match-level training
 Aceii One plays back like a live opponent. Smart Rally uses dual cameras and AI to read your position and return shots across the court.

No feedback, unclear improvement path
 Every stroke and movement is tracked. With AI guidance plus real coach video lessons, players see progress and next steps clearly.

Private lessons are costly, limiting frequency
 High-frequency, low-cost training frees coach time for tactics and details while Aceii One handles repetition.

Boring, repetitive sessions reduce motivation
 Built-in challenges, ranking, and community sharing make practice engaging and goal-driven, sustaining consistency over time.

Specifications at a Glance

  • Ball Interval: 0.5 seconds
  • Agility: 3.5 m/s² acceleration, 10 cm tracking precision
  • Capacity: 120 balls
  • Frame: 20-inch carry-on size, foldable wheels
  • Modes: Drills, Match Play, Challenge, Battle, Ranking
  • Connectivity: iOS/Android app, global matches, AI coaching
  • Court Use: Hard, clay, and grass

Availability

The Aceii One is available via Kickstarter. Early backers can reserve the device at a special Super Early Bird price of $999 USD (Retail price: $1,999).

However, to stay tuned for all updates and special offers, visit the official Campaign page.