discrimination ?? EU driving licence and insurance

ezrollers

Hello,

Not sure this is the right forum to post, but here it goes.

Last Saturday I was prevented from taking part on a promotional event by Mazda (Mazda hot laps challenge ([SIZE=-1]www.mazda.co.uk/mazdahotlaps)[/SIZE]) as I did not have a UK driving licence.

The cited the fact that they could only get insurance for UK licences. This seems to me slightly odd. Surely, if you are qualified to drive on the public highway, you can do the same on a track event.

Can a company refuse to insure you on the basis of not having a UK licence?

This seems to me like discrimination. Can they really refuse to insure you on the basis that you don't have the right licence?

I'd like to know, as I wanted to go to a formula ford or similar track day and don't want any nasty surprises.

TIA

mattymoo

Major firms are very worried about being sued and the resultant loss of reputation. They therefore put checks in place to ensure only licensed drivers may take part. Imagine the press field day if they let a disqualified driver take part who then left the track killing spectators.

It is easy for their staff to check UK licenses, type of vehicle / endorsements etc. However, EU, foreign and international licenses may not be familiar to many and so to avoid confusion they have refused to accept them. It is their event, their rules.

Labman_2

As mattymoo says it's their event & their rules. I imagine there would also be an age restriction too. Can't see them letting a 17 year old take part either. Take your UK driving test asap & enjoy as many events as you like in the future.

noh

Labman wrote: »

As mattymoo says it's their event & their rules. I imagine there would also be an age restriction too. Can't see them letting a 17 year old take part either. Take your UK driving test asap & enjoy as many events as you like in the future.

I don't think you need to take a test. You exchange your driving licence, issued by another EU country, for a UK one.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/DG_4022562

Nigel

ezrollers

noh wrote: »

I don't think you need to take a test. You exchange your driving licence, issued by another EU country, for a UK one.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/DG_4022562

Nigel

Thanks m8

I didn't know it was that easy to change it.

The "it's their event, their rules" argument is not very convincing.

If a company decided not hire foreign people because they can get a better deal on workers insurance, this argument would not fly.

shelly

I find it annoying that I can't do a Ferrari trackday as I'm too short. I'm 4' 11" and they said when I enquired last year that they couldn't let me do it as "for insurance purposes" I had to be something like 5' 4". Bugs me like crazy as I drive both our cars with no problems.
Surely Ferraris have adjustable seats?!?!?

mattymoo

ezrollers wrote: »

Thanks m8

I didn't know it was that easy to change it.

The "it's their event, their rules" argument is not very convincing.

If a company decided not hire foreign people because they can get a better deal on workers insurance, this argument would not fly.

Two different things though. Employers are supposed to check employees credentials, work permits / visas etc and can be fined for not doing so.

With the trackday, somebody has to check the license on the day and decide if it is valid - all within a pretty short time frame. By excluding the foreign licenses they rule out the potential for misinterpretation.