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Learner Driver Caught In High-Speed Police Chase During Third Lesson

Learner Driver Caught In High-Speed Police Chase During Third Lesson

The 17-year-old was terrified as cops pursued a vehicle heading straight for her

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Learning to drive is stressful at the best of times. But spare a thought for one young learner who found herself caught in the middle of a high-speed chase - on her third lesson.

Yep, fledgeling driver Mia Cuddington was just 30 minutes into her lesson when she caught sight of police pursuing a vehicle coming in the opposite direction at high speed down the narrow road. The cops and the fleeing driver were forced to mount the pavement in order to avoid a nasty crash with Mia during the pursuit in Kent last week.

The 17-year-old was driving on Cecil Avenue in Sheerness when she spotted the grey vehicle heading towards her at speed with marked police cars in pursuit.

"Oh my god, oh my god. Help me, what are we going to do?" she asked her instructor Darren.

Within seconds the fleeing driver mounted the kerb and was immediately followed by officers, who swerved past her before disappearing into the distance.

In the video, she can be heard screeching: "Oh my god, what's happening? Oh my god, I'm so stressed out right now!"

Speaking today, Mia added: "I drove around the corner but had to finish my lesson early.

"I was in shock and still shaking and not in a fit state to drive."

Before she knew it, Mia was in the middle of a hot pursuit.
SWD Media

Darren Willett has been a driving instructor for 19 years and says he had never seen a real police chase - let alone while teaching.

Mr Willett, 50 said: "I heard the sirens and then suddenly saw the Subaru turn into the road ahead.

"We were shocked when the driver took to the pavement and then again when the police followed either side of us.

"It's the school holidays, children are usually out and about playing everywhere - luckily, the weather wasn't good today, so I think most had stayed indoors."

Mia was so shaken by the ordeal that she wasn't able to carry on with her lesson.

Darren added: "I won't be charging for the lesson, I can't expect my pupil to pay when she has been scared like that!"

She was so shaken, she couldn't finish her lesson.
SWD Media

Officers pursued the vehicle for several miles until the driver abandoned the vehicle after running out of petrol.

According to reports, the silver Subaru Impreza was found to have a corroded, weakened and poorly repaired sub frame, and multiple other failures when it was last tested almost three years ago.

Road safety experts have called for the teenager - who didn't have a license, tax or insurance - to spend some time behind bars to reflect on his driving.

The unidentified 18-year-old man was also found to be in possession of cannabis, however was later released without charge pending further enquiries.

Edmund King, AA president said: "Having a car racing head-on towards you on a narrow residential street would be a terrifying experience for any driver but even more so for a Learner driver.

The ordeal happened during Mia's third lesson.
SWD Media

"We hope that the dangerous driver has been apprehended and spends some time inside to reflect on their driving."

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "At 3.30pm on Wednesday 14 August 2019, Kent Police officers attempted to stop an uninsured car in Richmond Street, Sheerness.

"The vehicle did not stop and was pursued to Minster Road where it was abandoned by the driver, who attempted to leave the area on foot.

"An 18-year-old man from Sheerness was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without a licence or insurance, and possession of cannabis.

"He has since been released, pending further enquiries."

You will be pleased to know that the traumatic ordeal hasn't put Mia off driving and she is ready to get back behind the wheel.

Featured Image Credit: SWD Media