Learner driver avoids ban over uninsured practice drive in Letterkenny
'She was driving her friend’s car for the purpose that her friend was assisting her before her driving test,' the woman's solicitor said, adding that the accused had completed 16 driving lessons at the time
A young woman who was uninsured when practising in her friend’s car before her driving test has avoided a disqualification.
Hawa Nazar appeared before Letterkenny District Court charged with driving without insurance.
Sergeant Jim Collins told the court how Gardai stopped a vehicle at 11.15pm on December 11, 2025 at Ballyboe, Glencar.
Nazar, a 23-year-old with an address at College Park, Letterkenny, was behind the wheel at the time. Gardai made a lawful demand of Nazar to produce her insurance or a certificate of exemption.
Mr Frank Dorrian, solicitor for Nazar, said his client had come to Ireland 20 months ago from Afghanistan.
“She was driving her friend’s car for the purpose that her friend was assisting her before her driving test,” Mr Dorrian said, adding that the accused had completed 16 driving lessons at the time.
“This was a couple of young ladies trying to prepare for a driving test,” Mr Dorrian said.
Judge Emile Daly convicted Nazar of driving without insurance. Nazar was fined €300 and given six months to pay. Judge Daly said she would not disqualify Nazar, who has no previous convictions, on this occasion.