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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:
Mothership4two · 01/10/2019 23:39

@Lifecraft

If he is driving illegally by not having a license, then the insurance company will not pay out as he is defrauding them. Therefore he isn't insured.

DH forgot to let insurance know he had points from speeding and they wouldn't pay out for his car or other party.

bemusedmoose · 02/10/2019 10:44

If he doesn't have a licence it's illegal.

Insurance - either he isn't insured at all, also illegal. He has lied on his insurance about his licence, also illegal and will void any policy he has or he has a provisional only licence which means he legally has to use L plates and have a licenced driver next to him every time he drives.

I wouldnt be putting my kids in that car again until he shows me he has passed!

woodhill · 02/10/2019 10:49

He shouldn't be driving. I'm not sure I could live with myself if I was driving illegally. Just not on

woodhill · 02/10/2019 10:51

And is he knowingly doing it? Sounds like it.

woodhill · 02/10/2019 10:54

The DVLA and insurance companies are also hot on medical conditions which could invalidate your insurance

MummyNeedsDisaronno · 13/10/2019 10:09

op did you ever clarify what you fil meant? Did he have a proper license?

Ferretyone · 15/11/2019 17:22

@sashamichele

You may well be able to "get" insurance with a provisional - or no - licence but it will be invalid if you have no licence or if you drive "otherwise than in accordance with the conditions of a licence" [in other words if - with a provisional licence - you are not accompanied by a qualified driver.

The insurance company will not give you back the [useless] premiums either!

Ferretyone · 15/11/2019 17:37

@Seadragonusgiganticusmaximus

If you are hit by an uninsured driver then third party costs [ie not the driver or car] are covered by the Motor Insurers Bureau.

This does not excuse any driver being uninsured. Not having a full driving licence but lying about it will allow you to "get" insurance but that will be worthless if in a crash etc.

All it will do is prevent the car being "pinged" as uninsured on ANPR checks

MepsiPax · 15/11/2019 18:14

I'm just incredulous that he's never been rumbled. He's been driving for many years and he's NEVER had a speeding fine,or been stopped by a police officer,or been involved in any sort of accident,even one that wasn't his fault or very minor? I find that unbelievable.

tabithajcolon · 04/12/2020 07:49

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Mamamia456 · 04/12/2020 08:15

This is an old thread!

KatieB55 · 04/12/2020 08:26

My FIL never took a test but he has had a licence since the war (doesn’t drive now). Insurance company always ask how long you have held a full UK licence. Does he actually have insurance?

Thingsdogetbetter · 04/12/2020 08:37

Zombie

DynamoKev · 04/12/2020 08:42

I'm shocked about this so would be interested to know what others think and if this is more widespread.
Judging (seriously) by some driving I see every day, I think it's more common than people realise.

DynamoKev · 04/12/2020 08:42

@Thingsdogetbetter

Zombie
oh flip
Ilovesugar · 04/12/2020 08:53

The car might be insured if his partner can drive and have a license, it could be in her name and so it will never flag to the police.

Nanny0gg · 04/12/2020 09:51

@Ilovesugar

The car might be insured if his partner can drive and have a license, it could be in her name and so it will never flag to the police.
This is a Zombie thread and the OP never came back to update
DynamoKev · 04/12/2020 10:12

@Ilovesugar

The car might be insured if his partner can drive and have a license, it could be in her name and so it will never flag to the police.
....and we spell licence (the noun) "licence" in the UK, not with an S like the USA.
Brainwave89 · 04/12/2020 10:14

Are you sure he has insurance DP? Most insurers would check with the DVLA on line, so they would not need to ask. It is possible he has insurance but unlikely. He is committing a clear criminal offence and this is a serious business. I would never let my kids travel with a driver who did not have a licence.

DynamoKev · 04/12/2020 10:18

@Brainwave89

Are you sure he has insurance DP? Most insurers would check with the DVLA on line, so they would not need to ask. It is possible he has insurance but unlikely. He is committing a clear criminal offence and this is a serious business. I would never let my kids travel with a driver who did not have a licence.
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