FT/D/2025/0376/FPP - [2025] UKFTT 01239 (GRC)

The evidence

We have considered a bundle of evidence containing 29 numbered pages.

The Appellant gave further evidence at the hearing and says that he teaches in an automatic car. He said that his central concern was for the safety and wellbeing of pupils. Approximately 40-50% of his pupils are people who have difficulty in achieving a test pass, so it takes time to build trust with those pupils. He drew the Tribunal’s attention to the references from pupils in the bundle.

When asked about the first incident of speeding, he said that he missed a sign on a temporary variable speed area on a dual carriageway where a normal speed of 70mph was reduced to 50mph. He stated that he was driving a van at the time, which had a maximum speed of 60mph, which was the speed he was doing at the time of the incident. It was dark and the road was quiet. The Appellant said that he was able to see approaching roadworks and slowed down, but did not see the sign indicating a limit of 50mph.

When asked about the second incident he said that he was distracted by two of his children arguing in the back and accidentally allowed his speed to lapse.

The Appellant sought to draw a distinction between driving in his private capacity and teaching, saying that when he is in a work environment it is just himself and the learner, so he is watching the learner’s eyes and feet and completely focused on that person.

When asked about his failure to notify the Registrar of either offence, he explained that he is busy all day at work in the car, then comes home to a large family and things slip by that he has not done. He said he was not intending to hide it, and it did not mean he was not taking it seriously, but said it was poor time management on his part.

He concluded by saying that circumstances had changed in that there has been no further offence since March 2025.