driving on a private road, do u need a licence even if the public have right of way?

Question

I was stopped by the Police driving on a private estate with on licence and insurance, i told them that i was driving on a road on a private estate and i dont need a license nor insurance to do that but my friend was found Guilty yesterday of similar issuse on the grounds that as long as the public have access, it is a public road but my argument is that as long as it is a road on a private estate and the council does not have responsibility of, in terms of the license aspects, its a private road and any public accessing that private road without landowners permission is tresspassing, am i right? please help

Answer 1

If your friend was found guilty, the local law has spoken, and precident is against you.
Your belief to the contrary might be a mitigating circumstance.

Answer 2

Why were the police there?
Here if it is a farm and the truck or car are being used on the farm you would be right ,even a 12yo could drive.