Learner drivers could face a hefty fine of up to £1,000 and potentially six points on their licence for a simple error.
The Road Traffic Act, legislation that governs various road laws, stipulates that drivers must hold a valid licence permitting them to operate a vehicle in line with the terms of that licence. Consequently, provisional licence holders are subject to strict rules regarding how they can drive a vehicle.
For instance, if a learner driver is at the controls, they must be supervised by a family member or friend who is over 21 years old, already qualified to drive the type of vehicle the learner is operating, and has held their full driving licence for at least three years. It’s crucial to note that the full licence must also have been issued by one of the following regions or countries:.
- The UK
- The EU
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
Remember, all these conditions must be fulfilled for someone to legally supervise a learner driver. For example, your friend might be over 21 and have held a full licence for more than three years, but if their licence only permits them to drive an automatic car, they cannot supervise a learner in a manual vehicle.
If a learner is found violating this law, they will be deemed to be driving otherwise in accordance with their licence, which can result in severe penalties.
For instance, official guidelines indicate that fines can escalate to as much as £1,000 and the provisional licence holder could be penalised with up to six points. Such points could significantly impact the learner’s future driving once they secure their full licence.
What are the consequences if a learner accrues too many points?
Similar to a full licence, a provisional one can also accumulate points. Any points earned on a provisional licence will be transferred to the full licence once the learner successfully passes their test.
It’s crucial to remember that new drivers are subjected to a two-year probationary period with their full licence. If they amass six or more points during this period, they’ll forfeit their licence and will be required to retake their driving test.
Moreover, a learner can collect up to 11 points on their licence and still be eligible to take their test. However, any additional points that push them over the threshold will lead to licence forfeiture.
Points gathered during the provisional phase could negatively influence when they begin searching for insurance, as numerous insurers might considerably increase the premium for a new driver with points or may even outright decline to insure them.
