Will I lose my license?
Discussion
At least he got his walk in.
The lack of response from the OP is making me suspicious of all this.
He's not in a bad place, he's brought it on himself. Why do people always look for someone to blame for their own actions rather than taking responsibility themselves?
The summation is he spent his money on other things. I suspect none of it being essential. And decided to chance his luck. Two convictions and two claims in recent years don't read like someone taking a mature approach to anything.
Like others have said, he could have walked to work, being only a five minute drive. He says it was only until he got paid, so from 16th to 27th is 11 days without deducting non work days. And no need to go traipsing around the Highlands in the middle of the night either. Just go for a walk if you must, around your local area.
The lack of response from the OP is making me suspicious of all this.
He's not in a bad place, he's brought it on himself. Why do people always look for someone to blame for their own actions rather than taking responsibility themselves?
The summation is he spent his money on other things. I suspect none of it being essential. And decided to chance his luck. Two convictions and two claims in recent years don't read like someone taking a mature approach to anything.
Like others have said, he could have walked to work, being only a five minute drive. He says it was only until he got paid, so from 16th to 27th is 11 days without deducting non work days. And no need to go traipsing around the Highlands in the middle of the night either. Just go for a walk if you must, around your local area.
Jordie Barretts sock said:
He's not in a bad place, he's brought it on himself. Why do people always look for someone to blame for their own actions rather than taking responsibility themselves?
They aren't mutually exclusive. You can be in a mentally bad place following your own actions that you have taken responsibility for.2Btoo said:
Exactly this.
Having been on the wrong end of an uninsured driver twice I have absolutely no sympathy for those who don't have insurance. Knowingly driving without it is as inconsiderate as it is stupid.
I will be accused of being holier-than-thou for this post, but the OP really needs to have a long hard look at himself if even half of what he has written on here is true. For him to lose his licence for a period of time would be no bad thing (presuming that he doesn't drive while banned, which looks decidedly questionable given his past form.)
Same here, hit by uninsured drivers twice in 30 odd years of driving, both in London, both from the back, both drivers then legged it, police did nothing. Anyone who knowingly drives without insurance deserves what they get.Having been on the wrong end of an uninsured driver twice I have absolutely no sympathy for those who don't have insurance. Knowingly driving without it is as inconsiderate as it is stupid.
I will be accused of being holier-than-thou for this post, but the OP really needs to have a long hard look at himself if even half of what he has written on here is true. For him to lose his licence for a period of time would be no bad thing (presuming that he doesn't drive while banned, which looks decidedly questionable given his past form.)
Having said that, is this a a genuine story of hardship that we're being told? The OP's garage doesn't tally with the picture being painted. Either one or the other isn't true, and if at least one isn't true, chance are that the other isn't true either. Relatively new account, very few post to boot. On balance of probabilities, I personally don't believe this tale of woe.
Jamescrs said:
I think those suggesting he gets legal advice should realise he probably can't afford it or he would have had money for his insurance and wouldn't be in the current position
2 or 3 hundred quid could be money well spent if it saves him a 6 month totting ban. choosing to drive uninsured is not always a result of being skint, it's a stupid muddling of priorities. People want to have things they like rather than things they needSmollet said:
vaud said:
Jordie Barretts sock said:
Does he actually own any of those?
Or is it really a 61 plate Astra with 150k on it?
No idea, I was just going from his profile.Or is it really a 61 plate Astra with 150k on it?
8IKERDAVE said:
Sadly there will be a lot more of this as insurance is constantly on the rise. People simply cannot afford these ridiculous premiums anymore and are forcing more and more uninsured drivers on the road. OK forcing is a strong word as it is clearly a choice but I guarantee there will be an increase which in turn means premiums will go up for the rest of us to compensate.
Something needs to be done about this. For example, I'm 42, live in a respectable area, drive a 3 year old BMW 3 series and pay over £1200 a year! 6 points (3 of which have expired but the insurers still charge for them) and 16 years NCD yet I'm paying what I expect a new driver to pay. I personally wouldn't drive if I couldn't afford the insurance but I'm not getting on my high horse here as I don't know the OP's situation but I would put money on the fact he has paid his premiums in full for years and a financial slip has meant he can't find the money. It's a very sad situation which of course is met with yet another fine! There should be an option for unpaid work (community service) for people who are already struggling. Sadly, there's no compassion anymore.
Irony of this post is that about 60 quid of your 1200 notes premium is due to uninsured drivers. Something needs to be done about this. For example, I'm 42, live in a respectable area, drive a 3 year old BMW 3 series and pay over £1200 a year! 6 points (3 of which have expired but the insurers still charge for them) and 16 years NCD yet I'm paying what I expect a new driver to pay. I personally wouldn't drive if I couldn't afford the insurance but I'm not getting on my high horse here as I don't know the OP's situation but I would put money on the fact he has paid his premiums in full for years and a financial slip has meant he can't find the money. It's a very sad situation which of course is met with yet another fine! There should be an option for unpaid work (community service) for people who are already struggling. Sadly, there's no compassion anymore.
8IKERDAVE said:
Sadly there will be a lot more of this as insurance is constantly on the rise. People simply cannot afford these ridiculous premiums anymore and are forcing more and more uninsured drivers on the road. OK forcing is a strong word as it is clearly a choice but I guarantee there will be an increase which in turn means premiums will go up for the rest of us to compensate.
Something needs to be done about this. For example, I'm 42, live in a respectable area, drive a 3 year old BMW 3 series and pay over £1200 a year! 6 points (3 of which have expired but the insurers still charge for them) and 16 years NCD yet I'm paying what I expect a new driver to pay.
If 3 points had expired as you claim, insurers would not be charging for them. So they hadn't expired. They may no longer count for the purposes of totting up, which only goes back 3 years, but they don't expire after 3 years, they expire after 5. Something needs to be done about this. For example, I'm 42, live in a respectable area, drive a 3 year old BMW 3 series and pay over £1200 a year! 6 points (3 of which have expired but the insurers still charge for them) and 16 years NCD yet I'm paying what I expect a new driver to pay.
Take the L on this one. You're in for a rough time no matter what. A 5 minute drive is probably a half hour walk at most so you're in no danger of losing your job. Perhaps buy a bicycle and use that. At the very least, you'll save some money for the shafting you're about to receive when you renew.
Despite you owning up to this, you made a conscious decision to drive a long way knowingly without insurance, have shown your willingness to repeatedly drive with no insurance for short journeys as well as having points and claims. These aren't things the courts can go "oh well, never mind" to. Take a walk closer to your home or find another way to clear your head. We all have difficulties in our lives but your decisions here have just made it worse. I hope your personal circumstances improve despite this.
Despite you owning up to this, you made a conscious decision to drive a long way knowingly without insurance, have shown your willingness to repeatedly drive with no insurance for short journeys as well as having points and claims. These aren't things the courts can go "oh well, never mind" to. Take a walk closer to your home or find another way to clear your head. We all have difficulties in our lives but your decisions here have just made it worse. I hope your personal circumstances improve despite this.
Thanks for the engagement from everyone on this. Appreciate the input from you all.
I am not posting on here looking for absolution for my poor decision making and life admin, merely for a bit of discussion and opinion regarding most likely sentencing in my situation. I have made many better decisions and also many worse(probably best not to go into those right now). I was actually on a good roll in life this year and tripping over my own mental health recently has been aggravating to say the least. No excuses; just my reality. There was a time when I was embroiled so deeply in my trauma and inability to make sense of it that my dissociative personality led me to be committed to the psych ward more than once. I put in tons of effort and have been on top of it all for a while now. The positives for my relationship and family are tangible and soo rewarding. I have triggers and noticing them and actioning strategies to manage my responses are key to this. Key to protecting those I love from a side of me that I still do not fully command. Thus I walk. Not in the urban environment in which I reside, but in open nature. The instinctive actioning of this strategy has avoided me imploding my relationship, family and career more than a few times. My mind was in this plane when I drove uninsured onto the motorway, not present with the reality of my lack of insurance and right to be on the road but in a state of self preservation.
I probably ought to fill you lot in on a few things that have been raised in this thread for clarity;
-I am based in Scotland. Thank you for the reference to AGT and I am sure there will be similar people working to Scottish law that I can tap into.
-My garage on here is more of a wish list than a reality. My current vehicle is an e91 335d touring. Now for sale!
-I was left to walk home from the incident in the middle of the night. This was at my volition rather than the police abandoning me where they seized the vehicle. I was offered a lift to the nearest train station. I did indeed get my steps in
albeit not with the anticipated views, just the low road this time.
-I have held a clean license for the previous 10 years and then received 2x SP30 within 3months.
They were for, 72 in a 60 on the A9 northbound(dual carriageway) after Aviemore and 80 in a 70 on the A9 southbound at Auchterarder. I have driven a lot faster and more recklessly in times past. I was definitely due some comeuppance.
-My claims x2 were both on rural roads and involved only myself and deer. The dangers of driving at dusk and dawn in remote areas of the highlands. On the first occasion I swerved to avoid a red stag on the road and damaged the rims and suspension on the roadside lay-by kerb. On the second occasion a small roe deer ran out in front of me and hit the offside corner, damaging the bumper, headlight and bonnet. I could have been driving slower and the probability of these incidents occurring would have been reduced. Without some thermal imaging or a big ass set of bull bars it is hard to fully mitigate against this scenario.
-Average annual mileage on my personal vehicle over the last 5 years ~ 37k
-My financial issues are probably rooted in my choice of career, I am a climbing arborist(tree surgeon). Mainly due to the physical demands and the open air environment, the problem solving and the adrenaline of the work. It keeps me physically tired and engaged to some extent mentally. I struggle with confined work spaces and this work gives great freedom and satisfaction. I am good at what I do. As a trade however it is undervalued comparative to other trades with a daily maximum rate for a subcontractor being around £200/day with all kit/saws and skills to take on big dismantles etc. This limits my financial freedom but is required/beneficial for my mental wellness. I am 38yr old and still live pay check to pay check with no savings. boo-f
kin-hoo That month I had a £1400 bill to get the Beemer through its MOT and an initial payment for my daughters music trip, that was all that it took to tip the balance. Living beyond my means....probably aye.
-I did get my car back from the impound lot. My partner, bless her soul, lent me £300 to cover the expenses. I still owe that back to her.
-Driving is not the main component of my work but I do use various vehicles to perform my role day to day. These consist of tractor w crane and trailer, unimog with front mounted chipper, rear hiab and trailer, pickup with trailer or tipping chip truck with tow behind chipper. I reckon the first two are open for debate as they are technically agri and don't require a license even. Probably do need one for insurance purposes though. Grey area. The others obviously require standard license etc. Thinking as I type but probably can't use any as they all are part of the insurance policy which won't accept me if I am without license for a period of time.
-My 5minute commute is more like a 15-20m commute really. I was making light of it for whatever reason. I could use public transport, circa 90-120mins to do the same journey. I could cycle, if I have the energy, It would take 90m+ either way, probably be good for my cardio. Less good on wet days and I'd need to take a change as the thought of cycling with my chainsaw breeks on is madness.
Action taken at this stage - The car is up for sale. Get in touch if interested in a high mileage M57 engine in a well used touring body
Pending result of my conviction I am looking at a wee K11 Micra or similar to jot about in. I do really enjoy driving and the flow of taking a well set up car along a nice B road is a true pleasure but the cost of maintaining and insuring something like the 335d on my income is not viable(something it has taken me too long to accept).
I am not posting on here looking for absolution for my poor decision making and life admin, merely for a bit of discussion and opinion regarding most likely sentencing in my situation. I have made many better decisions and also many worse(probably best not to go into those right now). I was actually on a good roll in life this year and tripping over my own mental health recently has been aggravating to say the least. No excuses; just my reality. There was a time when I was embroiled so deeply in my trauma and inability to make sense of it that my dissociative personality led me to be committed to the psych ward more than once. I put in tons of effort and have been on top of it all for a while now. The positives for my relationship and family are tangible and soo rewarding. I have triggers and noticing them and actioning strategies to manage my responses are key to this. Key to protecting those I love from a side of me that I still do not fully command. Thus I walk. Not in the urban environment in which I reside, but in open nature. The instinctive actioning of this strategy has avoided me imploding my relationship, family and career more than a few times. My mind was in this plane when I drove uninsured onto the motorway, not present with the reality of my lack of insurance and right to be on the road but in a state of self preservation.
I probably ought to fill you lot in on a few things that have been raised in this thread for clarity;
-I am based in Scotland. Thank you for the reference to AGT and I am sure there will be similar people working to Scottish law that I can tap into.
-My garage on here is more of a wish list than a reality. My current vehicle is an e91 335d touring. Now for sale!
-I was left to walk home from the incident in the middle of the night. This was at my volition rather than the police abandoning me where they seized the vehicle. I was offered a lift to the nearest train station. I did indeed get my steps in
albeit not with the anticipated views, just the low road this time.-I have held a clean license for the previous 10 years and then received 2x SP30 within 3months.
They were for, 72 in a 60 on the A9 northbound(dual carriageway) after Aviemore and 80 in a 70 on the A9 southbound at Auchterarder. I have driven a lot faster and more recklessly in times past. I was definitely due some comeuppance.
-My claims x2 were both on rural roads and involved only myself and deer. The dangers of driving at dusk and dawn in remote areas of the highlands. On the first occasion I swerved to avoid a red stag on the road and damaged the rims and suspension on the roadside lay-by kerb. On the second occasion a small roe deer ran out in front of me and hit the offside corner, damaging the bumper, headlight and bonnet. I could have been driving slower and the probability of these incidents occurring would have been reduced. Without some thermal imaging or a big ass set of bull bars it is hard to fully mitigate against this scenario.
-Average annual mileage on my personal vehicle over the last 5 years ~ 37k
-My financial issues are probably rooted in my choice of career, I am a climbing arborist(tree surgeon). Mainly due to the physical demands and the open air environment, the problem solving and the adrenaline of the work. It keeps me physically tired and engaged to some extent mentally. I struggle with confined work spaces and this work gives great freedom and satisfaction. I am good at what I do. As a trade however it is undervalued comparative to other trades with a daily maximum rate for a subcontractor being around £200/day with all kit/saws and skills to take on big dismantles etc. This limits my financial freedom but is required/beneficial for my mental wellness. I am 38yr old and still live pay check to pay check with no savings. boo-f
kin-hoo That month I had a £1400 bill to get the Beemer through its MOT and an initial payment for my daughters music trip, that was all that it took to tip the balance. Living beyond my means....probably aye. -I did get my car back from the impound lot. My partner, bless her soul, lent me £300 to cover the expenses. I still owe that back to her.
-Driving is not the main component of my work but I do use various vehicles to perform my role day to day. These consist of tractor w crane and trailer, unimog with front mounted chipper, rear hiab and trailer, pickup with trailer or tipping chip truck with tow behind chipper. I reckon the first two are open for debate as they are technically agri and don't require a license even. Probably do need one for insurance purposes though. Grey area. The others obviously require standard license etc. Thinking as I type but probably can't use any as they all are part of the insurance policy which won't accept me if I am without license for a period of time.
-My 5minute commute is more like a 15-20m commute really. I was making light of it for whatever reason. I could use public transport, circa 90-120mins to do the same journey. I could cycle, if I have the energy, It would take 90m+ either way, probably be good for my cardio. Less good on wet days and I'd need to take a change as the thought of cycling with my chainsaw breeks on is madness.
2Btoo said:
the OP really needs to have a long hard look at himself if even half of what he has written on here is true.
Too true. The days when I can look into the mirror and accept the human looking back at me are too few and far between to live with the confidence and positivity I aspire to. I try to live with compassion and care for others but I do not do so without acknowledging the internal battles present as the swing of the pendulum carries me through the darkness. Action taken at this stage - The car is up for sale. Get in touch if interested in a high mileage M57 engine in a well used touring body
Pending result of my conviction I am looking at a wee K11 Micra or similar to jot about in. I do really enjoy driving and the flow of taking a well set up car along a nice B road is a true pleasure but the cost of maintaining and insuring something like the 335d on my income is not viable(something it has taken me too long to accept). 8IKERDAVE said:
Sadly there will be a lot more of this as insurance is constantly on the rise. People simply cannot afford these ridiculous premiums anymore and are forcing more and more uninsured drivers on the road. OK forcing is a strong word as it is clearly a choice but I guarantee there will be an increase which in turn means premiums will go up for the rest of us to compensate.
Something needs to be done about this. For example, I'm 42, live in a respectable area, drive a 3 year old BMW 3 series and pay over £1200 a year! 6 points (3 of which have expired but the insurers still charge for them) and 16 years NCD yet I'm paying what I expect a new driver to pay. I personally wouldn't drive if I couldn't afford the insurance but I'm not getting on my high horse here as I don't know the OP's situation but I would put money on the fact he has paid his premiums in full for years and a financial slip has meant he can't find the money. It's a very sad situation which of course is met with yet another fine! There should be an option for unpaid work (community service) for people who are already struggling. Sadly, there's no compassion anymore.
I must be doing something REALLY stupid as through a range of various 150mph+/track day/utility vehicles my insurance has stubbornly remained within the range £280 - £340 for the last 15 years without exception even taking into account the odd claim & speeding offence.Something needs to be done about this. For example, I'm 42, live in a respectable area, drive a 3 year old BMW 3 series and pay over £1200 a year! 6 points (3 of which have expired but the insurers still charge for them) and 16 years NCD yet I'm paying what I expect a new driver to pay. I personally wouldn't drive if I couldn't afford the insurance but I'm not getting on my high horse here as I don't know the OP's situation but I would put money on the fact he has paid his premiums in full for years and a financial slip has meant he can't find the money. It's a very sad situation which of course is met with yet another fine! There should be an option for unpaid work (community service) for people who are already struggling. Sadly, there's no compassion anymore.
8IKERDAVE said:
Sadly there will be a lot more of this as insurance is constantly on the rise. People simply cannot afford these ridiculous premiums anymore and are forcing more and more uninsured drivers on the road. OK forcing is a strong word as it is clearly a choice but I guarantee there will be an increase which in turn means premiums will go up for the rest of us to compensate.
I think this is becoming a real problem, as the fines etc are often less than the insurance would cost, some of the penalties for driving offenses are really no deterrent.I was watching a police, camera type program the other day, a guy got stopped, no insurance and driving while banned, his punishment was points on a not existing license and an extension on his ban ( that he was ignoring anyway) and a paltry fine.
None of which is going to stop him doing the same again.
I received a phone call at 2 am one sat from my daughter saying her mum had been arrested for No car ins and was in the back of a police car ( wife had gone down to pick daughter up from club as I had early start )
I said but she is insured I’ll be there in 5 mins with insurance certificate , got there to see wife in nightie in back of police car in tears , handed over certificate for ( nice police officer ) to say she is insured on her car , but not on yours , me no she can drive mine but only
Insured tpft, no she’s not , it’s not on the policy , we’re getting this all the time . I read policy ( should of at time realising he was right , I’d changed policy & assumed it had the can drive another car option
Police said you drive your car home , wife hers , but Christ did I get in trouble for it with wife , now she’s always named on my car ( also my fault that night as I knew she was picking daughter up but blocked her car in causing her to use mine ) .
Learnt my lesson , have a good read of documents now & named drivers on each others car
I said but she is insured I’ll be there in 5 mins with insurance certificate , got there to see wife in nightie in back of police car in tears , handed over certificate for ( nice police officer ) to say she is insured on her car , but not on yours , me no she can drive mine but only
Insured tpft, no she’s not , it’s not on the policy , we’re getting this all the time . I read policy ( should of at time realising he was right , I’d changed policy & assumed it had the can drive another car option
Police said you drive your car home , wife hers , but Christ did I get in trouble for it with wife , now she’s always named on my car ( also my fault that night as I knew she was picking daughter up but blocked her car in causing her to use mine ) .
Learnt my lesson , have a good read of documents now & named drivers on each others car
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