Glynn Cross v The Registrar of Approved Driving Instructors

Facts

The appellant, Glynn Cross, was a trainee approved driving instructor. On 22 December 2025, while taking a pupil on a rural lesson, he became lost and used his mobile telephone to set a route; a police officer saw him using the phone and stopped him, and he was reported. He accrued six penalty points for using a mobile phone whilst in charge of a car. On 5 February 2026 the Registrar of Approved Driving Instructors revoked his licence on the basis that he was no longer a fit and proper person, taking the view that the offending was serious and that allowing his name to remain on the Register would undermine confidence in it. By a notice of appeal dated 9 February 2026, the appellant appealed to the First-tier Tribunal. He accepted full responsibility for the offence but argued that revocation was disproportionate: it was a single isolated incident, he had no prior matters touching his good character, and revocation would seriously affect his livelihood and family. Character references were provided. He submitted that a warning or conditions attached to his licence would be more appropriate. The Registrar responded that the offence was serious, that instructors teaching often young people bore particular responsibilities, and that a clear message had to be sent. The appeal was determined at an oral hearing held via the CVP system.