Maryam Bi v Registrar of Approved Driving Instructors

Transport Regulations

Between:

Maryam Bi

Appellant:

and

Registrar of Approved Driving Instructors

Respondent:

Date and type of Hearing: Hearing on the papers on 11 February 2026.

Before: Brian Kennedy KC

Decision: The Tribunal dismisses the appeal.

Promulgated: 11 February 2026.

Introduction

1. This is an appeal against DVSA’s refusal to issue a third trainee driving instructor licence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Motor Cars (Driving Instruction) Regulations 2005. I have reviewed the bundle, the Respondent’s decision, and the Appellant’s submissions. The refusal was lawful and rational; the appeal is dismissed. 

Appellant’s Arguments

2. The Appellant contends that cancellations—including one by DVSA—impeded progress; a third licence is needed for real-world practice to prepare for the final Part 3 attempt; refusal is unfair and disproportionate given her efforts and earning needs; and the scheme’s purpose should not penalise events beyond her control. ·

Facts and Context

3. The Appellant has held two six-month trainee licences, passed Part 2, failed Part 3 twice, cancelled two further tests (18 Nov 2025; 06 Jan 2026), with one DVSA cancellation (02 Mar 2026). She applied for a third licence before expiry, and her final Part 3 attempt is listed for 07 Apr 2026.

Reasons and Law

4. The trainee licence is a temporary, transitional permission to gain experience toward registration; there is no entitlement to renewal. Given two failures, two self-cancellations, and only one DVSA cancellation, DVSA was entitled to conclude that sufficient progress had not been shown and that a further licence would frustrate the statutory purpose. Training can continue without paid instruction. With a final attempt already booked, the functional need for a trainee licence is spent. 

Decision