Learner Driver legislation to be aware of

[gbbird]

Hi All,

just got the missis insured to drive the car (with me in it of course) while learning, and just wondered if there is any current legislation for learner drivers and their experienced tutors i need to be aware of. In particular -
Is it an offence for me to drive with the L plates still on?
Is there any rules on where to put the L plates?
Is she allowed any passengers (other than myself)?
Could the qualified driver be done for drink driving if they happen to have had a drink while supervising a learner?

Thanks

[Paul_Riordan]

Could the qualified driver be done for drink driving if they happen to have had a drink while supervising a learner?
YES !

Also if the qualified driver is using a hand-held mobile phone they can also be prosecuted under the new mobile phone laws!

[JohnL]

gbbird said:

Is it an offence for me to drive with the L plates still on?

Not accordign to a policeman I asked whe in the same situation.

gbbird said:

Is there any rules on where to put the L plates?

Just have to be clearly visible.

gbbird said:

Is she allowed any passengers (other than myself)?

yes, no restrictions AFAIK

gbbird said:

Could the qualified driver be done for drink driving if they happen to have had a drink while supervising a learner?

Yes - you have to be in a position to take over the driving (I think) so you also need to be insured to drive the car.

[gbbird]

Paul_Riordan said:

Could the qualified driver be done for drink driving if they happen to have had a drink while supervising a learner? YES ! Also if the qualified driver is using a hand-held mobile phone they can also be prosecuted under the new mobile phone laws!

Many thanks - i guess i knew the answer to the drink one, but just wanted to be sure.

Did'nt think about the mobile phone though. Cheers

[gbbird]

JohnL said:

gbbird said: Is it an offence for me to drive with the L plates still on? Not accordign to a policeman I asked whe in the same situation. gbbird said: Is there any rules on where to put the L plates? Just have to be clearly visible. gbbird said: Is she allowed any passengers (other than myself)? yes, no restrictions AFAIK gbbird said: Could the qualified driver be done for drink driving if they happen to have had a drink while supervising a learner? Yes - you have to be in a position to take over the driving (I think) so you also need to be insured to drive the car.

Many thanks. As for insurance, i will be covered on this car by my Fully Comp insurance i have on the other car. I assume this is OK

[Dwight VanDriver]

Questions re L plates, position and passengers have been covered above correctly.

Unless there has been a recent stated case then that mentioned about drink is wrong IMHO.

A drunk supervisor : a supervisor is not merely there to give tuition but to supervise which means doing whatever might reasonably be expected to prevent the Learner driving carelessly or endangering others and to take control in the event of an emergency. If he is drunk then that condition hasn't been fulfilled so he is not supervising which means the driver is not driving in accordance with the condition of his Licence (unsupervised- offence) and the " supervisor?" aid and abets this offence.

Likewise if the Learner is drunk at the wheel the supervisor aids and abets the offence.

If you have Comp Insurance for 1 car, providing it stipulates that you are covered to drive a motor vehicle of which you are not the owner, then the Comp risk drops down to third party only. What you have to watch is that if there is no Insurance in force for Car 2 that you drive then when you leave it it becomes uninsured.

DVD


>> Edited by Dwight VanDriver on Monday 5th July 15:44

[gbbird]

I am insured fully comp for Car 1 and have checked with the company and am insured to drive any other car (providing it has insurace on it) and will be covered third party. She is insured as named sriver for car 2, although i own it. So should be OK

[woodytvr]

It is illegal to drive displaying L plates unless you are a learner - You should remove them or cover them up - Check your highway code for confirmation.

Driving schools are exempt from this rule.

Edited due to bad spelling - I'm sure there is some I;ve missed but I don't care.

>> Edited by woodytvr on Monday 5th July 16:17

[Dwight VanDriver]

Sorry Woody - not an offence if left on. Adviseable, as HC 38 states (should not must), if Learner no longer at the wheel.

DVD

[woodytvr]

Oh yeah, just checked SHOULD not MUST, thanks DVD

[dontlift]

Paul_Riordan said:

Also if the qualified driver is using a hand-held mobile phone they can also be prosecuted under the new mobile phone laws!

What?????? Me no understando......

[woodytvr]

As you should know you are not allowed to use a handheld phone whilst driving - £50 fine I think.

It seems that this is the same if you are the supervisor of a Learner - £50 fine if you use your phone.

[Dwight VanDriver]

Mobile Phone Law.

No person shall supervise a holder of a PL if the person supervising is using:

a hand held mobile phone at a time when the PLH is driving a motor vehicle on a road.

DVD

>> Edited by Dwight VanDriver on Monday 5th July 17:13

[gbbird]

JohnL said:

gbbird said: Is there any rules on where to put the L plates? Just have to be clearly visible.

So, are you allowed to put L plates in the windscreen and rear window? Om my Mazda there is no obvious place to put them on the outside

[Dwight VanDriver]

All that M.V (Driving Licence)Regs, 1996 (Reg 15) states about L plates is:

The distinguishing mark in the form set out in Part 1 of Schedule 4 (L Plate)is displayed on the vehicle in such manner as to be clearly visible to other persons using the road from within a reasonable distance from the front and from the back of the vehicle.

If you comply with this then your bomb proof

DVD

[gbbird]

Cheers DwightVanDriver you are a star (and very clued up on your highway code)

[kevinday]

gbbird said:

I am insured fully comp for Car 1 and have checked with the company and am insured to drive any other car (providing it has insurace on it) and will be covered third party. She is insured as named sriver for car 2, although i own it. So should be OK

I would check this with your insurance company again. It is normally OK to drive another car with the 3rd party insurance provided it is not owned by you, as described above you own it therefore would not be insured.