Here’s how to avoid it
A common driving mistake could lead to a hefty fine for those celebrating the Bank Holiday jubilee celebrations this weekend.
With street parties and knees up aplenty planned for the upcoming four day weekend – all in honour of the Queen’s 70th platinum jubilee – it’s safe to say that more than a few drinks will be cracked open over the next few days.
However revellers have been warned of an all-too-common mistake that could land them with more than just a hangover after their partying has finished.
Insurance company Veygo has flagged that anyone who accepts a lift home from a learner driver whilst they themselves are under the influence of booze could be dealt a fine of up to £25,000. Not just that – but police could also slap you with 10 points on your licence or even a driving ban – regardless of whether you’re actually behind the wheel.
Speaking of this issue, which involves people who typically supervise learner drivers during short car trips, Veygo CEO James Armstrong said: “Lots of us will want to make the most of an extra day off this bank holiday by having a few drinks. So making arrangements for post-pub lifts will be at the front of people’s minds.
“A student or teenager who is learning to drive, looking to get in some extra practice and earn some extra cash might seem like a good candidate. Parents of learner drivers – or their friends – might be tempted to offer taxi money in exchange for a lift home, and cash-strapped learners might be happy to accept.
“But many people don’t realise that accepting a lift from a learner – no matter how confident they are – means that, as a qualified driver, you are responsible for control of the vehicle.
“This means that you must comply with the rules you would normally adhere to if you were in the driving seat – including being under the drink drive limit.”
Armstrong’s statement continued to explain that in a worst case scenario, people could be landed with “a three-month prison sentence or a potential driving ban.”
He also went on to detail what constitutes a designated supervisor for a learner driver, revealing that “supervisors must be at least over the age of 21, have held their license for three years and be insured on the vehicle.”
So if you’re planning on having one or two over the next few days to help the Queen celebrate becoming the longest reigning monarch in British history, then when the time comes to call it a night, play it safe and order a cab.
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