A TEENAGER has avoided having his driving licence revoked under new driver’s rules despite getting behind the wheel of a works vehicle without insurance.

Alan Gray, 19, decided to pick up a friend after finishing his shift in Darlington on the evening of January 24 at around 8.15pm.

Police responded to alerts that a Cherokee Jeep had broken down on the A1150 at Great Burdon, Darlington, and spoke to Gray at the scene.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday that Gray has only held a driving licence for around 18 months.

Ann Barker, prosecuting, said: “The defendant has spoken to a PSCO at the scene and said he was driving on a trades policy, which only covers him during business hours.

“He stated during interview that while he was closing the garage, he’s taken the keys to the Jeep to collect a friend in Middlesbrough and the vehicle has run out of diesel on the way back to Darlington.

“He admitted to driving the vehicle outside those business hours.”

Gray, who represented himself in court, was told that new drivers ordinarily have their licence cancelled if they collect six or more points within the two years of passing a driving test.

However, magistrates elected to use their discretion with the 19-year-old who has no previous convictions and holds his own insurance policy.

His was not given penalty points, but was instead banned from driving for seven days and fined £200.

Gray, of Darlington Road, Ferryhill, County Durham, will pay £85 in court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.