Introduce Shock Tactics In To Driving Test, Says Mr Loophole
Shock tactics including experiencing crashes in a simulator, driving on a “skid pan” and attending lectures by an accident investigator with accompanying video evidence, should be included in the UK driving test, a leading motoring lawyer has said.
Nick Freeman, aka Mr Loophole, said the time had come for a full overhaul of the national driving test to boost driving standards, increase confidence and lower accidents, particularly amongst those who had recently passed the current two-part examination.
Mr Freeman said whilst the driving test taught drivers how to reverse around corners and to negotiate junctions, it failed to prepare them for a host of other real life experiences, such as motorway driving and what to do in the event of losing control of their vehicle.
Topics including drink and drug driving and the use of a mobile phone should also be included in any revamped curriculum.
In addition, Mr Freeman said all newly qualified drivers should have “black boxes” fitted in their cars for two years, and they should only be allowed to carry a single passenger during this period.
Mr Freeman said: “I think the time has come for a fresh approach as to how we prepare our new drivers for the road ahead. The current test simply does not adequately equip new drivers with the skills they need for driving on our road network; motorway driving being a classic example.
“The test should be more relevant and harder hitting. New drivers must be able to respond to any given situation, be it snow, fog, ice or even a car travelling towards them at speed on the wrong side of the road!
“Learner drivers also need to understand that in the wrong hands a car is a lethal weapon.”
Mr Freeman added: “This greater level of education should impinge on the cognitive function of the new driver, thus making them more informed and therefore safer.”
About Nick Freeman
Nick Freeman is probably the best known solicitor practising in the country today.
He has been dubbed "Mr Loophole" by the press owing to his vast technical knowledge of motoring law matters and his ability to successfully challenge the prosecution over procedural irregularities.
Nick is widely known for his celebrity client list and high profile criminal defence cases.
Nick is the head of Freeman & Co. Solicitors and although based in Manchester, represents defendants in motoring and criminal cases all over the country.
After graduating from Chester Law School in 1979, Nick started his career as a prosecuting solicitor for Greater Manchester Police.
Nick soon became known for his technical legal abilities and robust court room style and he was soon recruited into private practice by the highly respected solicitors firm of Burton & Co. He was soon to be made a partner at the practice but in 1999 he decided to start his own firm following which Freeman & Co. was formed.
Owing to Nick's meticulous case preparation and technical legal skill he soon made Freeman & Co. one of the most respected and sought after criminal solicitors firms in the country.
Despite the celebrity client list and media attention, Nick and Freeman & Co. have built their practice on representing ordinary members of the public with the same tenacity as those more high profile cases that are reported in the press and on TV.
Outside of his professional practice Nick is a regular expert guest on TV and radio and is well regarded as an expert legal commentator. He is an ardent supporter of defendant anonymity in sex cases.
In recent times his credits have included Tonight With Trevor MacDonald, Close Up North West, Channel 4 News, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live to name but a few. He also appears regularly on Sky News, BBC News 24 and Legal Eagles on ITV's This Morning. Nick is a regular legal commentator for the Sunday Times.
A father of 2 children Nick is a keen golfer with a 2.9 handicap and enjoys vigorous exercise with his Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Contacting Nick Freeman
For professional matters and representation Nick can be contacted through Freeman & Co. on 0161 236 7007 or you can send him a confidential email by clicking here.
If you would like to contact Nick for a media appearance or legal comment please call David Simister on 0845 389 26 26.