Accident with a provisional licence?

Question

Hi
My sister got reported for a minor accident, she is a learner driver and she took a corner wrong and went accross the road and hit a lamp post, she wasn't driving fast. They drove off as nothing was damaged. She has just been sent a letter for the police saying they will have to investigate and she is really distraught. She had L plates up and was with a suitable supervisor. Does anyone have any experience of this and what is likely to happen.

Answer 1

She had an accident and left the scene. If she has a learners permit, she has taken the test and knows what to do in the event of an accident. Considering she had a 'suitable supervisor' wit her, the 'suitable supervisor' should have shown her how to handle the situation. She should tell the investigators what happened and who her 'suitable supervisor' was.

Answer 2

Was the suitable supervisor a driving instructor? If not, is she currently taking lessons with an instructor?

If either answer is yes, they would be the best people to talk to as to what is likely to happen. If the answer to both is no, you could still phone the BSM or AA driving school and ask about what would normally happen.

It's really the same as any other accident. If there was really no damage, then it's unlikely to come to anything and I imagine that being a learner driver will cut her a lot of slack if she apologises etc.

The police will probably be able to tell you what is currently happening on the case if you ask.

For americans answering this, no test needs to be passed to gain a provisional licence, merely proof of age and identity. There is a driving theory test that needs to be passed to gain a full licence (alongside the practical test), but she hasn't necessarily taken that at this point.

Answer 3

At home, in Texas, the insurer of the vehicle or driver is responsible for protecting the driver and owner against claims in the event of an accident. They aren't responsible for protecting the owner/operator for criminal prosecution.

Further, with L plates, (which we don't have,) the investigation center on the licensed operator who determined that there was no damage and chose for the pair of them to drive away.

If there really was no damage to either the vehicle or to the lamp post, the investigation will likely be short lived. That failing, the licensed driver who was giving her instruction at the time of the accident needs to step up and inform the investigators that the decision not to file a report and drive away was his and his alone.

Actually, he should do that anyway. Otherwise, I see nothing in the cards other than something like a very reasonable fine or short essay for your sister if anything is assessed against her in the investigation.

Tell her to calm down, breathe deeply, rationally sort her way through it, let the supervisor take most of the heat and learn from the mistake. We don't learn without errors, that's why there's an instructor or supervisor in the car, (even in airplanes for that matter,) to advise the student in the appropriate actions in any given situation.

The supervisor/instructor needs to be ready for a half day of being cross examined on why he chose to leave the incident unreported to the proper authorities.

Drive Friendly

Answer 4

This sounds like a jobsworth saw it and decided to get involved. In the UK you only have to "report" an incident where damage is caused. However your sister should not have taken the corner wrong &c. That could be dangerous driving. The Law does not make allowances for learners, but can prosecute the driver and the supervising driver as well.

Answer 5

i haven't had any experience hunny,but i do know that your sister should have reported the accident within 24 hours of it happening. she must be worried out of her mind poor girl. I'm a learner driver too. if she would have reported it within the 24 hours she would have probably just got the bill for the damage,but because she never she may get a fine. am not to sure if she will get any points,it depends if the police decide to press charges and what the judge is like on the day. truly hope she manages to get everything sorted hunny. best of luck xx

Answer 6

Unfortunately she hit a lamp post and it will need to be inspected for safety. there may be no obvious damage but it is owned by the local council and they should have been informed, rather as one would have to do if another vehicle was hit. The fact that she had L plates up will make no difference, in fact the person she was with was in charge of the car.

Answer 7

damage to a lampost is damage to "street furniture" if she is with a driver with over 3 years driving experience and who is over 21 and insured and the car is taxed and tested then she could explain that they looked and saw no damage but the police have a job to do so she will have to grow up quick - if she wants to drive on the road with the rest of us she will have to face up to the consequences of her actions. However the person with her should have at least explained what should happen, maybe they didnt sort out proper insurance ??

Answer 8

How did the police find out and what are they claiming? She may have to make a statement but ensure she has a solicitor with her. I wouldnt like to see her insurance quote for next year though !!!

Answer 9

Your sister is going to be warned about not reporting the accident to the police ,but i think she will get away with a warning

Answer 10

Don't worry, explain that you didn't know the procedure. Nothing will happen. Police have a lot more pressing issues.