Driver who has no license kills grandmother, 70, after exploiting legal loophole that allows him on roads alone

A man who failed a practical driving test twice, but was still driving alone on the roads, has been jailed after hitting and killing a pensioner.

Timothy Kusemi, a Nigerian national, had just his provisional licence when he slammed into Susan Whittles, 70, in Rudston, near Bridlington, East Yorkshire, in 2023.

The 41-year-old of Lower Bedford Road, London, was driving an Audi A6 when he failed to give way at a crossroads, causing a collision that killed Whittles at the scene and injured her husband.

He plead guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving, as well as causing death while unlicensed and uninsured.

Kusemi was jailed for six years and has been banned from driving for 11 years.

Lorraine Harris, coroner for Hull and East Yorkshire, revealed that Kusemi failed four more driving tests following the crash, before finally getting his UK licence in March 2025.

Nigerian national Timothy Kusemi was driving without a licence when he hit and killed pensioner Susan Whittles in 2023 (MEN MEDIA)

In a prevention of future deaths report, Harris revealed the loophole: "If a national of a non-designated country fails any number of driving tests within the 12-month period, they are still able to revert and rely on their 12-month limit to drive on their foreign/international licence in the UK, despite not meeting the safety standards set by the DVSA."

Harris has called for the transport secretary and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to take action because there is currently nothing in place to prevent such drivers being unsupervised behind the wheel.

She argued that the current system allows drivers 'who do not meet required standards... the potential to cause a risk of serious injury or harm to other road users'.

"Nationals of non-designated countries who fail a GB driving test are not treated in the same way as a GB resident who fails a GB driving test," Harris said.

Kusemi was jailed for six years and have been banned from driving for 11 years (MEN MEDIA)

"A GB resident is not allowed to drive without appropriate supervision and when they are driving they must display L plates to act as a warning to other vehicles of their inexperience."

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: "Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with Susan's family and loved ones.

"We will carefully review the coroner's findings from this tragic case to determine whether changes may be required."

The Department for Transport must respond to the report by May 26.

Bill Whittles, who suffered multiple fractures at the scene of the crash, issued a touching tribute to his 'lovely wife' and 'best pal'.

"She was a much-loved Nan to Anna and Oliver, and they miss her so much," he said.

"A much-respected local Preacher, Guide Leader and active supporter of Riding for the Disabled.

"What an awful waste."