A learner driver was arrested on suspicion of drug driving after police stopped his vehicle during a live driving test in Merseyside.
The 26-year-old, from Wigan, had been taking his test in St Helens when officers intervened after observing poor driving and a defective brake light.
Police stopped the vehicle on King Street at around 5pm, where officers reported smelling cannabis when speaking to the driver. A roadside drugs test was carried out, which he subsequently failed.
He was also found to be in possession of cannabis and was arrested at the scene. The driving test was immediately terminated.
The vehicle was returned to the test centre, where the driver’s mother had been waiting, with officers noting she was “shocked” to see police rather than her son returning the car.
The man was taken into custody and has since been released under investigation.
Merseyside Police confirmed that the initial stop was made due to an intermittent brake light fault, which officers described as a safety concern in itself.
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.
“Officers rightly pulled over the car after noticing that a brake light wasn’t working, which is dangerous not only for the occupants of the vehicle but also other road users.
“After speaking to the driver, it was clear that there was much more for officers to be concerned with and he was arrested on suspicion of drug driving.
“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.”
The force confirmed that it continues to run enforcement initiatives targeting drink and drug driving offences, including Operation Limit, alongside year-round policing activity.
The case underlines that the legal requirements placed on drivers apply equally to learners, with offences such as drug driving carrying serious consequences regardless of experience level or circumstances.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
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