Private Driving Instructors Could Be Breaking The Law

Driver could be putting themselves at risk of fines, disqualification or a prison sentence if they fail to fulfil their responsibilities when supervising a learner driver according to a study by the AA.

The law states that any driver who supervises a learner driver is deemed to be the person in control of the car. Therefore they may be held responsible for any offenses or accidents should they happen when they are teaching a new driver.

The AA survey also discovered that many would be driving instructors are breaking the law by texting, talking on their phones, drinking and even falling asleep. The AA discovered one driver who was given a jail sentence for an accident that killed two people when they were in the passenger seat.

An alarming 23% of all the people surveyed thought they would be legal if they used their phone whilst supervising a learner driver, 9 per cent of people did not realise sleeping is illegal and 13% thought it was okay for them not to wear prescription glasses they would normally where whilst driving. All of these statistics are very worrying and it is very important drivers are aware of their responsibilities before taking a learner driver out on the road.

Simon Douglas of the AA said “Many are passing on bad driving habits or even risking a run-in with the law. By teaming up with parents, AA instructors will help them better grasp their responsibilities and ensure they’re giving learners the best possible support.”