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AIBU?

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Original poster

Driving without licence - WWYD

321 replies

Washingyourcurtains · 28/09/2019 20:32

I've recently found out my father in law has never had a driving licence. He's in his 60s and has owned and driven cars all his adult life, just never took his test. I'm shocked about this so would be interested to know what others think and if this is more widespread. Obviously it's a big secret so I can't discuss it with people in real life.

He drives my 2 young children around, sometimes long distances and on motorways as we live the other end of the country and sometimes meet half way to hand over the children and they go to theirs by themselves (which in itself is great for all of us). But I feel really uncomfortable about them being in his car now as he doesn't have insurance (presumably). It will cause a massive issue with my partner if I stop them from being driven by him as he will think I'm overreacting. But what if he has an accident and they are seriously injured and there is no insurance? Should I just overlook it? What would you do.

OP posts:
Thehouseintheforest · 30/09/2019 20:04

The driving test obligations started on 1/1/1935 so unless your FIL is is 72 (assuming he started driving at 17 .. then he is driving illegally. And therefore NOT insured.

Passthecherrycoke · 30/09/2019 20:27

I am being thick - wouldn’t you be 101 to have not taken the driving test (17 in 1935?)

Iamnotagoddess · 30/09/2019 20:29

My dad was born in 1935 and he’s 84?! Confused

My FIL does this too. I never get in the car with him and neither do my step kids.

Passthecherrycoke · 30/09/2019 20:39

Yes but he wouldn’t start driving the year he was born?

Passthecherrycoke · 30/09/2019 20:41

Posted too soon- so the lAst people to not take the test would’ve been 17 in 1935, therefore born in 1918?

Nearly47 · 30/09/2019 21:14

My uncle got his license in the army. Never had lessons or test. Just learned driving army jeeps around the base. Maybe that's the case with your FIL. If not, it's very irresponsible because if he hits a pedestrian the person won't have a payout if left disabled and he will go to jail even if not his fault. I don't think I would be able to keep quiet about something like this.

Fowles94 · 30/09/2019 21:14

If report him and tell him I have. Why are people so scared of upsetting others.

clarehhh · 30/09/2019 21:50

Report on DVLA website anonymously. I did this for an elderly neighbour who was a danger to other people. Absolutely no way you can allow child in his car as you are complicit in a crime if you do!

couldntcareless · 30/09/2019 22:07

I wouldn't report him to the police but he wouldn't be driving my children around until he passed his test. I would also ensure he is aware of the consequences should he be caught.

NearlyGranny · 30/09/2019 23:35

My late father never took a test. He said in his day, you just walked into the post office and bought a driver's licence like you bought a dog licence!

Born in 1916, so probably driving from about 1933. He knew when to pack it in, too!

Mothership4two · 30/09/2019 23:48

@JudgeRindersMinder

Learner drivers can only go on motorways in a dual control car with an instructor. FIL is driving illegally.

My ds just passed and is now having motorway lessons.

JudgeRindersMinder · 30/09/2019 23:52

@Mothership4two...yeah I know, well done to your ds, mine has his test next week and motorway lessons are on the list

Mothership4two · 01/10/2019 00:06

Are you sure he is not pulling your leg OP? If he has a provisional license he would have to retake the theory test every two years.

I am amazed he hasn't been in even a minor accident or prang that involved insurance nor has had no contact with traffic police in all his years of driving.

I'm glad you are not going to let him drive your dc anymore. I'm surprised at the few posters saying don't report him. He has been driving illegally for years and is uninsured, therefore putting everyone in his car (your kids) plus other motorists and their passengers at risk. And who took his speeding points? He has been commiting fraud and the insurance would take a very dim view. If the police check his license when he is driving and discover he is not insured, his car will be impounded.

Mothership4two · 01/10/2019 00:09

@JudgeRindersMinder - goes without saying that you worry about your kids, but when they drive off on their own - you really worry!

Good luck to your ds!

perpetuallyperplexedbylife · 01/10/2019 00:16

I would report him without a second thought. Do not let him drive your children, do not let him drive you!
I have reported someone in the past for similar. Neighbours who let their 15 year old son drive their car (obviously no licence/uninsured as too young). He ended up with a driving ban before his 16th birthday.

Tinkerbell89 · 01/10/2019 00:18

No drivers licence, no valid insurance. I would not allow my kids in a car with him. If he's caught police can arrest him, take the car & prosecute. Plus someone would have to collect kids if he has them with him, anyone local there be able to? I would be worried social could be involved for safeguarding if he's busted with your kids & no one able to collect quickly. Plus what if he has an accident? No insurance. The police would have a great time if they discover how long he has driven without a licence, he could get sent to court thus jail. you know and if you allow him to continue driving your kids around that's on you if something happens. Also you know and havent reported it. Think seriously about the safety of your family plus if he drives with no licence what else does he do??? This is a serious offence.

safariboot · 01/10/2019 01:42

If he has a provisional license he would have to retake the theory test every two years.

No, you only have to take the theory test before taking the practical test. You can spend years and years driving on a provisional license, as long as you stick to the terms (OP's FIL isn't) and meet all other legal requirements.

Mothership4two · 01/10/2019 01:56

Yes that's if you actually take the theory test!

He should renew provisional every 10 years.

I still thinking this is a leg pull!

MissLadyM · 01/10/2019 01:57

If he doesn't have a license then he can't be insured. This is really fucking irresponsible

SimplySteveRedux · 01/10/2019 04:06

He can't have gotten a speeding ticket in his name and paid the fine. There would have been points attached. They were applied to a licence. Either his or someone else's. This is a massive deception. Illegal.

Yep, it's called "fronting" and falls under perverting the course of justice.

GreatBigNoise · 01/10/2019 05:27

This is a big problem for you OP as you really should report him but to do so is more than awkward. (Massive understatement)
My elderly father was driving without being able to see properly (cataracts) and I made the decision that I had no choice but to report him. He wouldn't stop otherwise. If i hadn't and he had crashed then I would have felt partly responsible. Thankfully he ended up getting his eyes operated on quickly and he sight was restored. I would have reported him though if I had had to.
My siblings and Mother were all in agreement which helped.

captainpantbeard · 01/10/2019 06:55

When I made an insurance claim (car written off but was drunk driver’s fault) they queried some speeding points on my licence that I had forgotten to declare so yes they do check your licence.

They let it go, i got the legal cover I needed to file a claim for my bashed up car and injuries. It took 14 months and without insurance and their legal team I’d have been completely screwed.

Lifecraft · 01/10/2019 13:18

No drivers licence, no valid insurance

This myth has been debunked. RTFT.

Lifecraft · 01/10/2019 13:21

The driving test obligations started on 1/1/1935 so unless your FIL is is 72 (assuming he started driving at 17 .. then he is driving illegally. And therefore NOT insured.

Your maths is awful.....and driving illegally doesn't mean you are automatically not insured. If it did, we'd all be uninsured when we went over the speed limit, or had a faulty brake light, which clearly isn't the case.

Lovely13 · 01/10/2019 23:10

Back in the olden days, no one took a test. But they would now be in their 90s/100s. He is a lot younger. You have to confront this. It’s not going to go away. I would worry about my children in an uninsured car.