Motorists could be fined £2,500 and get points towards their driving license this bank holiday weekend

AUTO passengers are warned they could be fine if they make one simple mistake this bank holiday weekend.

The error could result in £2,500 fine10 points on the driver’s license or even a complete driving ban.

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insurer Veygo warns of the potential penalties for letting a learner driver drive you home after a boozy trip to the pub this bank holiday weekend.

Anyone supervising a ‘designated’ learner driver while exceeding the legal alcohol limit can face fines of up to £2,50010 points on their licenseor a driving ban – even if they are not behind the wheel.

James Armstrong, CEO of Veygo, says: “Many of us will want to make the most of an extra day off this bank holiday with a few drinks.

“Arranging for rides after the pub is going to be front and center on people’s minds. A college student or teenager who wants to learn to drive, get some extra practice, and make some extra money seems like a good candidate.

“Parents of learner drivers – or their friends – may be tempted to offer cab fare in exchange for a ride home, and learner drivers in need of cash would happily accept that.

“But what many people don’t realize is that accepting a ride from a learner – no matter how confident you are – means you, as a qualified driver, are responsible for controlling the vehicle.

“That means you have to obey the rules you would normally obey if you were in the driver’s seat – including going under the alcohol limit.

But there are more things to make sure before you hop in the car after a few drinks.

James Armstrong continued: “You also need to make sure that you are qualified to mentor a learner in the first place.

“Carers must be at least 21 years old, have held their driver’s license for three years and have insurance on the vehicle.

“So if you’re planning on having a few drinks, it’s best to avoid taking favors from the learners and draw the straw among those with full licenses as to who the designated driver will be. “