Learner drivers will be quizzed on alcohol and driving in changes to the Driver Theory Test to be introduced from next month.

From 10 October, 17 questions in an alcohol and drugs module will be added with applicants answering two of these in every test.

The Road Safety Authority has said this is in direct response to its report in June that showed that alcohol was a factor in 38% of fatal collisions, claiming the lives of 286 people, between 2008 and 2012.

43% of drivers killed who had consumed alcohol were between 16 and 24 years old and 57% of motorcyclists killed who had consumed alcohol were between 25 and 34 years old, the RSA said.

"The report we issued earlier this year dispels the myth that this killer behaviour is a thing of the past," said RSA chief executive Moyagh Murdock.

"It's not - it is very much still present in communities throughout the country. We need to use every opportunity we can to help new drivers to understand the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving."

The overall format of the test will not change.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross said: "It's critical that we reinforce key road safety behaviours at every stage of the learning to drive process, from theory to practice.

“The addition of drink driving as a subject area in the first stage, the Driver Theory Test, will help to remind learner drivers that this behaviour is unsafe, irresponsible and destroys lives."