Amando Lawrence, a 34-year-old from Terrace Road, Birmingham, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates' Court after being caught driving while disqualified on July 16 this year. Although the original ban period had technically expired years ago, Lawrence remained barred from the roads because he had not passed the extended driving test required as a condition of his disqualification.
Court hearing and guilty plea
Lawrence pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, September 1. His previous disqualification, imposed in 2017, was for 51 months for dangerous driving, with an additional requirement to pass an extended test before he could legally drive again.
Prosecuting, Ms Begum told the court: "At approximately 11pm officers observed a Ford Transit being driven on the A45 in Sutton Coldfield. Checks revealed no road tax or insurance. The driver was identified as the defendant. He initially provided his brother's details."
Ms Begum added: "When challenged by the police, he provided the correct name and date of birth. He was disqualified from driving until he passed his extended test. The original period had expired but the defendant hadn't completed the extended test. He remained disqualified. He didn't realise that it remained in force."
Mitigation and regret
In mitigation, Mr Singh said: "He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. He rather foolishly gave his brother's details but he quickly saw sense and made full admissions to the police. He made a monumental error getting into the vehicle that day. He deeply regrets his decision."
The magistrates' chair told Lawrence: "It still needs to be taken. You need to pick up with DVLA and resolve that."
Penalty and consequences
Lawrence was banned from driving for another four months and instructed to take the extended test before he can drive again. He was fined £120, ordered to pay a £48 victim surcharge and £85 costs. His licence was also endorsed with points for having no insurance.
The case highlights the legal requirement for drivers disqualified for dangerous driving to pass an extended test even after the original ban period has expired, and the consequences of failing to do so.
