driving without insurance

[jerrie]

Please help! This is a long story but I'd make it as short as possible. I am a new resident since 2005 on a student visa studying accounting at a professional level.
I also do a part time job during evenings (which I started just 5 months ago) but couldn't cope with getting to work on time after college because of distance so I decided to get a car after a friend advised me I could drive with my international permit.

He offered to help with the insurance as well and arranged getting the cheapest quote. He called me a couple of days after and told he had sorted it out and never saw him afterwards. All efforts to contact him proved abortive.
Just 2 months traffic cops stopped me and accused me of driving without insurance and also without a licence. I told them my story but wouldn't listen.
I've been summoned by the courts on the allegation(s) and do not know what to say. Should I plead guilty? I can't find my international permit and I have got just 3 days left to appear in court.
I heard that convictions on traffic offences have negative consequences in subsequent undertakings and I wish to keep a clean record. I have never been in trouble. I urgently need help. Grateful in anticipation of your advice and enlightenment Thanks.

[Ice-Maiden]

You've GOT to plead guilty - you ARE guilty! International permit aside, EVERYONE should have insurance, as you surely know.

[GIRL RACERS]

May I ask why you did'nt find out for your self if your were able to drive on your permit as this would have been as easy as a phone call to either the DVLA or indeed any insurance company would have been able to advise you, whilst searching for the cheapest deals.

You say your 'Friend' offered to help with the insurance help in what respect ? with money or do you mean help by putting you on his insurance.

[Ice-Maiden]

I agree with GR. Don't think you have a leg to stand on, so just accept you were in the wrong, and then get yourself legal.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

and it also means you will now get a criminal record,which will not look very good on your cv.serves you right for being stupid and relying on your friends........another one for the noose boys.

[VillageVicar]

All International Driving permits clearly state that they are invalid without the accompanying 'valid' national driving license. Having said that, 'he said she said' does not serve as a valid defence in court. You are accountable for your own actions and the duty of care rests with yourself. When you got into the car, it was with full knowledge that you, yourself, were unable to provide evidence of coverage, not only in written form, but even by statement. Therefore, you have no defence. I can only imagine how your excuses would sound had you hurt or killed someone. What would you have done then? Just left the country?

You are accountable for your own actions, whatever they may be.

Fr Bill

[BelfastBloke]

You can only drive in the UK with a Foriegn Licence for a few weeks.Only naturalised citizens and those with the correct visa can drive in the UK for up to 1 with your countys licence before needing to take a test for a UK licence.
I am not sure how your student Visa applies to this but it appears you can only rent a car or drive only for a few weeks as your stay is not permanent.
You need insurance to drive on UK roads, you should NOT have driven without insurance and not depended on your so called friend. You broke the law, plain and simple.
Ask your solicitor to argue your circumstances, you will only recieve a fine, perhaps Community service and nothing more

[New Judge]

Bothof these offences will be dealt with by way of a fine. Community Rehabilitation (i.e. probation) and Curfew Orders are available for no insurance but are rarely used. Community Service (i.e. unpaid work) is not an option.

In addition to the fine you will receive a minimum of six penalty points on your driving record. If you attract 12 points within three years you will be disqualified for a minimum of six months.

[factor-fiction]

Didn't it seem odd to you that you hadn't paid any money for this insurance that you say you thought your friend had arranged.