A Birmingham man appeared before Birmingham Magistrates' Court after being found driving while disqualified, having not completed a required extended driving test.
Amando Lawrence, 34, of Terrace Road, Birmingham, was observed by police driving a Ford Transit in Sutton Coldfield on the evening of 16 July. Although his original driving ban period had officially ended, he remained disqualified under the condition that he must pass an extended driving test before legally resuming driving.
Prosecutor Ms Begum explained that at approximately 11pm, officers noticed the vehicle on the A45 and discovered it had no road tax or insurance. Initially, Lawrence gave his brother’s details, but upon further questioning, he admitted his identity. It was confirmed that he had not completed the extended test required to lift his ban.
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Lawrence pleaded guilty to charges of driving while disqualified and driving without insurance at the court hearing on 1 September.
Defence counsel Mr Singh stated that Lawrence had promptly admitted his offences and expressed deep regret for driving without realising the legal implications of the uncompleted extended test. He described the decision as a “monumental error.”
Previously, Lawrence had been banned from driving for 51 months following a dangerous driving conviction in 2017, with the stipulation that he pass an extended test before regaining his licence.
The Magistrates imposed an additional four-month driving ban and reiterated that Lawrence must complete the extended test and liaise with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to resolve the matter.
Furthermore, Lawrence was fined £120, required to pay a £48 victim surcharge and £85 in costs. His driving licence was endorsed with penalty points for driving without insurance.
The court’s decision emphasises the importance of respecting all conditions attached to driving bans and the necessity of completing any mandated tests before returning to the roads.