New powers to suspend driving instructors granted after Rennie's bill becomes law

6.46.00pm GMT Mon 23rd Nov 2009

A legal loophole allowing driving instructors to continue working after being convicted of sexual offences has been overturned, after a private members bill put forward by Dunfermline and West Fife MP Willie Rennie entered the statute book after it was granted Royal Ascent by the Queen.

The Driving Instruction (Suspension and Exemption Powers) Act 2009 closes a loophole in existing law by allowing the Registrar of ADIs to immediately suspend ADIs who pose a threat to learner drivers and other road users while they are removed from the register permanently.Willie Rennie MP: Dunfermline & West Fife

Mr Rennie proposed his bill after his constituent, Lesley Anne Steele, was sexually assaulted by her driving instructor who not long after being convicted was allowed to continue giving driving lessons.

Under current law, the Driving Standards Agency has no power to suspend a driving instructor, who could continue to operate a further 45 days after conviction.

Commenting Mr Rennie said:

“When I raised the issue three years ago, the Government admitted there was a problem. I’m delighted that we have now finally closed this legal loophole.

“This will improve the safety of learner drivers and will also offer support to the vast majority of instructors who conduct themselves quite properly in carrying out the valuable role of teaching young people to drive.

“Thanks to the courage of Lesley Anne Steele, thousands of young women who learn to drive every year will now be protected.”