Daniel-Florin Constantinescu v Registrar of Approved Driving Instructors

Facts

The appellant, Daniel-Florin Constantinescu, was a trainee driving instructor who had been granted two trainee licences under section 129 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, valid from 20 January 2025 to 19 January 2026. Such a licence permits a person who has passed the driving ability and fitness test to acquire practical experience in giving instruction, including for payment, while working towards the instructional ability and fitness test which completes the qualifying examination under the Motor Cars (Driving Instruction) Regulations 2005. The appellant failed the Part III instructional ability test on 30 April 2025 and 15 August 2025, and cancelled other bookings. On 5 January 2026 the Registrar of Approved Driving Instructors received his application for a third trainee licence. The Registrar notified him that refusal was being considered; the appellant made written representations dated 7 February 2026, relying on disrupted training arrangements, reduced access to pupils and a structured plan for further practice. After considering those representations the Registrar refused the application by correspondence dated 26 March 2026. The appellant appealed to the First-tier Tribunal, General Regulatory Chamber, indicating in his notice of appeal that he wished the appeal to be determined on the papers without attending. Because the application had been made before expiry of the second licence, section 129(6) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 kept that licence in force pending disposal of the appeal.