Tatheer Ahmad v Registrar of Approved Driving Instructors [2025] UKFTT 1390 (GRC)

[2025] UKFTT 01390 (GRC)Case Reference: FT/D/2025/0746
First-tier Tribunal
General Regulatory Chamber
Hearing Heard on the papersDate 24 November 2025
Transport
Before
TRIBUNAL JUDGE KIAI
Between
TATHEER AHMADAppellantREGISTRAR OF APPROVEDRespondentDRIVING INSTRUCTORSRespondentDecision: The appeal is Dismissed. The Registrar’s decision of 18 th July 2025 is upheld.REASONS

Introduction

[1]The Appellant is a trainee driving instructor who was granted a trainee licence under section 129 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (the “Act”), for two six-month periods from 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. He was refused a third trainee licence by a decision of the Registrar of Approved Driving Instructors (‘the Registrar’) made on 18th July 2025. The Appellant now appeals that decision.[2]The case was listed for a paper hearing. Neither party attended the hearing. Having considered the evidence before me, I was satisfied that the Tribunal could properly determine the issues in the absence of the parties, within rule 36 of The Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (General Regulatory Chamber) Rules 2009 (as amended).[3]What follows is a summary of the written submissions, evidence and my view of the law. It does not seek to provide every step of my reasoning. The absence of a reference to any specific submission or evidence does not mean it has not been considered.

Legal Framework

[4]The Appellant's name is not on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors ("the Register") and is therefore prohibited from giving paid driving instructions by section 123 (1) of the Act unless he holds a trainee licence issued by the Registrar pursuant to section 129(1) of the Act.[5]The grant of a trainee licence enables applicants to provide instruction for payment before they are qualified. A trainee licence under section 129(1) of the Act is granted:
‘for the purpose of enabling a person to acquire practical experience in giving instruction in driving motor cars with a view to undergoing such part of the examination... as consists of a practical test of ability and fitness to instruct.’
[6]In order to qualify as an Approved Driving Instructor, applicants must pass the ‘Qualifying Examination’ comprised of three parts: the written examination (‘Part 1’); the driving ability and fitness test (‘Part 2’); and the instructional ability and fitness test (‘Part 3’).[7]The whole qualifying examination must be completed within two years of passing Part 1, and only three attempts are allowed for each Part, failure to comply with either of these requirements results in the whole examination needing to be retaken.[8]If a candidate has passed Part 2, they may be granted a trainee licence. The grant of a trainee licence enables applicants to provide instruction for payment before they are qualified. It is possible to qualify as an Approved Driving Instructor without having held a trainee licence.[9]By section 129(3) of the Act "The Registrar may refuse to grant a licence under this section to an applicant to whom such a licence has previously been issued."[10]By section 129(8)(c) of the Act "before deciding whether or not to refuse the application, the Registrar must take into consideration any such representations made within that period."[11]By section 129(6) of the Act:- "Notwithstanding any provision of regulations made by virtue of subsection (5) above prescribing the period for which a licence is to be in force, where a person applies for a new licence in substitution for a licence held by him and current at the date of the application, the previous licence shall not expire— (a)until the commencement of the new licence, or (b) if the Registrar decides to refuse the application, until the time limited for an appeal under the following provisions of this Part of this Act against the decision has expired and, if such an appeal is duly brought, it is finally disposed of."[12]The powers of the Tribunal in determining this appeal are set out in s.131 of the Act. The Tribunal may make such order as it thinks fit.[13]When making its Decision, the Tribunal stands in the shoes of the Registrar and takes a fresh decision on the evidence available to it, giving appropriate weight to the Registrar’s decision as the person tasked by Parliament with making such decisions. The burden of proof in satisfying the Tribunal that the Registrar’s decision was wrong rests with the Appellant.

The Appeal

[14]In the Appellant’s representations to the Registrar (dated 26th June 2025), the Appellant explains:
“I am fully aware that a trainee licence of six months’ duration has already been granted to me in order to gain sufficient experience for the ADI Part 3 examination. I am truly grateful for that opportunity. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen and deeply personal circumstances, I was unable to complete my training during that period. A close family member sadly away back home, and shortly afterwards, my sister got married. During this time, I was heavily involved in supporting my parents and family, which affected my ability to dedicate myself fully to my training. I sincerely apologise for not being able to meet the expected progress during the validity of my trainee licence. I have since resumed my efforts and have applied for my Part 3 test, which is currently on hold pending the availability of a test date. In light of this, I kindly and respectfully request that you consider granting me a further trainee licence (“pink badge”) so I may complete my training and gain the experience necessary to succeed in the final part of the qualilfication process.”
[15]The Registrar’s decision letter, dated 18th July 2025 states that he has considered the representations made on 27th June 2025, but has refused the application because ‘no evidence has been provided of lost training time’.[16]The Appellant’s notice of appeal dated 26th January 2025 relies on the following grounds of appeal: due to unforeseen and deeply personal circumstances, I was unable to complete my training during the validity of my previous trainee licence. A close family member passed away abroad and short [sic] after, my sister got married. During this period, I was heavily involved in supporting my parents and family. This significantly affected my ability to focus on and complete my training. I sincerely apologise for not meeting the expected progress and performance during the I had the licence. I also have applied for my Part 3 test date which is currently awaiting on hold to confirmed date.[17]The Registrar’s statement of case dated 16th October 2025 resists the appeal. The Registrar states that: i. the purpose of the provisions governing the issue of licences is to afford applicants the opportunity of giving instruction to members of the public whilst endeavouring to achieve registration. The system of issuing licences is not and must not be allowed to become an alternative to the system of registration; ii. the licence granted to applicants is not to enable the instructor to teach for however long it takes to pass the examinations, but to allow up to six months experience of instruction. This provides a very reasonable period in which to reach the qualifying standard in the examination and in particular, to obtain any necessary practical experience in tuition. The Appellant has already had two trainee licences which cover a period of 12 months. Moreover, by virtue of the Appellant having applied for a third licence before the expiry date of the second, that licence has remained in force to the present time and will allow him to continue to give paid instruction until determination of the appeal; iii. since passing his driving ability test the Appellant has failed the instructional ability twice and cancelled one more such test booked for 24 October 2025. (Annex A) Despite ample time and opportunity the Appellant has not been able to reach the required standard for qualification as an Approved Driving Instructor; and iv. the refusal of a third licence does not bar the Appellant from attempting the instructional ability test of the Register examinations. He does not need to hold a licence for that purpose, nor is it essential for him to give professional tuition under licence in order to obtain further training. The Appellant could attend a training course, or study and practice with an Approved Driving Instructor or give tuition on his own (provided that he does not receive payment of any kind for this). These alternatives are used by some trainees who acquire registration without obtaining any licences at all.[18]I note, importantly, that the Test History states the Appellant had a Part3 Test scheduled for 29th December 2025.

The evidence

[19]I considered a bundle of evidence containing 22 numbered pages, including the Appellants full trainee licence history from the registrar.

Conclusions

[20]I have considered the Appellant’s points of appeal. I note:a. I have considered the Appellant’s submissions relating to the ‘unforeseen and deeply personal circumstances’, albeit I note that no dates have been provided to the Tribunal. As such as it is difficult to know how they related to the different licences/proposed licence.b. The Appellant did not respond to the Respondent’s submission that ‘no evidence has been provided of lost training time’.c. The Appellant stated that he had applied for his Part 3 test and was awaiting a date (at the time he completed his notice of appeal).d. I am aware that it can be difficult to book a Part 3 test and it is common for the system to take a booking but immediately place it ‘on hold’ without a date being set for the Part 3 Test.e. However, I also note that the Appellant took and failed the Part 3 Test on 24th October 2024 and also on 13th March 2025.f. The Appellant had a further test booked for 24th October 2025 which he cancelled (I am unaware of the reasons why he cancelled this appointment).g. The Appellant has a further appointment scheduled on 29th December 2025.[21]The application is refused because:a. It is not the case that individuals are entitled to continual renewal of trainee licences until they pass their Part 3 test. The six month period of such licences is set on the basis this is an adequate period to prepare for the Part 3 Test, and it is not necessary to hold a Trainee Licence in order to either prepare for or to take the Part 3 test.b. I take into account the circumstances put forward by the appellant; however he has already had the benefit of two trainee licences covering a period of twelve months (these came to an end on 30th June 2025).c. The Appellant had the opportunity to take the test again on 24th October – I am aware he cancelled this, however I have not been provided with an explanation as to the reason for this.d. Additionally, by applying for a third trainee licence the Appellant has had the benefit of s.129(6)(b) of the Act extending his trainee licence until this appeal is disposed of (i.e. a period of almost 5 months).[22]Had the third trainee licence been granted this would have expired on 30th December 2025, a little over a month after the date of this hearing. I find it is proportionate in the circumstances to refuse the application, the Appellant has had the benefit of a further (just under) 5 months, just by bringing the appeal.[23]It is important to note that the Appellant passed his Part 1 test on 7th December 2023 and so his two-year period within which he must have passed both the Part 2 and Part 3 tests expires on 6th December 2025 (ie before the scheduled date for his Part 3 Test on 29th December 2025). Even if I were to allow the appeal and extend time (which to be clear, I have refused to do), I am not able to grant him an extension of time past the statutory maximum period of 2 years. The Appellant may wish to make contact with the Respondent about this – for completeness, I add that the Tribunal has no power to direct access to a test as a priority.[24]Even if the Appellant is able to reschedule his Part 3 test to take place before 6th December 2025, I do not find that his appeal should be allowed. I come to this conclusion, because as set out above he has had several opportunities now to take that test and it is not necessary to hold a Trainee Licence in order to either prepare for or to take the Part 3 test.[25]I am not persuaded that the Registrar’s decision was wrong. In all the circumstances, I agree with the Registrar’s decision and dismiss this appeal. Signed: Judge Kiai Date: 20th November 2025