Learner driver arrested for drug driving during test
Consumer Editor
A learner driver in St Helens has been arrested after allegedly failing a drug test midway through his driving test.
According to a report from the Press Association, the Police stopped the vehicle after noticing a faulty brake light.
Officers said they could smell cannabis when speaking to the driver, who later failed a roadside drug wipe and was found with cannabis in his possession.
A 26‑year‑old man from Wigan, Greater Manchester, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and taken into custody.
Local Police stated that he has since been released under investigation.
Roads Policing Inspector Simon Wilson said: “Although some people may find the humour in the fact someone on a driving test was arrested, drug driving is no laughing matter.
“It is incredibly dangerous and selfish to get behind the wheel of a vehicle under the influence of drugs and it’s an offence we take seriously at Merseyside Police.
“Our stance on illegal substances is clear. Nobody should be taking them.
“But even if you choose to break the law and take illegal drugs, that does not give you the right to endanger the lives of innocent people on the roads who have no way of knowing you are driving intoxicated.”
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Drug driving and the law
In the UK, it is illegal to drive if drugs, legal or illegal, impair your ability to get behind the wheel, or if illegal drugs are found in your system.
Police can stop you for suspected drug use and carry out impairment tests, such as walking in a straight line.
They can also use a roadside drug kit to screen for cannabis and cocaine.
If the poice believe that you are unfit to drive, you will be arrested and required to give a blood or urine sample.
A positive test can lead to criminal charges.
It is important that you talk to your doctor about whether you should drive if you’ve been prescribed certain legal drugs.
Drivers convicted of drug driving could get a minimum one year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison, and a criminal record.
It can also impact your future driving, as you licence will also show if you have been convicted of drug driving for the next 11 years.In the most serious cases, the maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving under the influence of drugs is life imprisonment.
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