Learner drivers across Britain victims of constant abuse from other road users

23rd Aug 2023

Learning to drive can be a nerve-racking experience, and those taking their first experiences behind the wheel of car are being subjected to regular abuse from drivers.

According to a report from the BBC, learners are on the receiving end of aggression towards them when they are driving or even taking their tests.

Despite the clear ‘L’ plates and driving school logos, these new drivers have experienced ‘intimidation, swearing and being spat at’ – amongst other hostile actions.

Within the report, it stated that a newly qualified driver believed she had failed her test after some ‘despicable’ abuse from another road user.

In response, the Department for Transport said: “The Government is committed to road safety, by identifying and prosecuting the few who make our roads less safe. Aggravating factors are set out in the sentencing guidelines.

“The Government keeps road traffic offences under review, and the Department for Transport is planning to publish a call for evidence on motoring offences.”

Police are encouraging drivers to share video evidence of any action that could be deemed as dangerous or threatening.

Jacqui Barr, an instructor with Top Hat Driving School in north Bristol and South Gloucestershire shared her experiences with the BBC.

She said: "It's quite depressing really, because it's pretty much every week we will get beeped at.

"A common one is you get really aggressive overtaking from people, sometimes they'll come round you on the wrong side of the road, go up on pavements, things like that.

"If you're very unlucky you might get a bit of verbal abuse as well."

A second instructor in the Bristol area, Marcus Sheppard from Bubble Driving School, shared how his peers have also been impacted by the actions of other drivers.

He said: "A significant number of other instructors are very cheesed off with it, some have left, and some have taken to teaching in unmarked cars, so they don't become a target for people's abuse."

Have you had any negative experiences as a learner driver? Or even when you were taking your driving test? What can be done to stop the abuse? Leave your comments below.

If you are learning to drive, then check out the Driving Theory Test UK app! It is a great place to start, with all necessary learning materials, hazard perception clips and Highway Code info included. You can download it here:

SALE – up to 40% off.*

•Cheaper than AA Price Promise or we’ll beat by 20%^

• We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less

• Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot

Buy now

*97% of customers achieve max 40% saving on new Standard and Extra cover for 1 person. Ends 17/10/25, 10am. At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Standard cover. ^Find the same cover cheaper with the AA within 7 days & we'll beat it by 20%. T&Cs here.