A MIGRANT who twice failed his driving test killed a pensioner in a horror crash after exploiting a learner loophole, an inquest heard.
Nigerian Timothy Kusemi, 41, was driving unsupervised on a provisional licence when he slammed into 70-year-old Susan Whittles in 2023.
He admitted causing death by dangerous driving at court last month and was jailed for six years.
But his shocking case exposed a major legal loophole which allowed him to remain behind the wheel on a Nigerian licence.
Coroner Lorraine Harris said some overseas motorists are able to drive for up to a year after becoming a resident while they obtain full a British licence.
The grace period means they can fail as many tests as they like and still take to Britain’s roads without supervision or even L plates.
Issuing a prevention of future deaths report, Ms Harris said the law needed to be changed urgently to prevent another tragedy.
She said: “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.”
Nationals from China, India, Israel, Nigeria, Malaysia, Pakistan and the USA are among those who can drive for 12 months if they hold licences from their home countries – even if they fail UK driving tests during that period.
Ms Harris said there was no mechanism for examiners to prevent drivers who repeatedly fail their practical tests here from continuing to drive unsupervised.
In fact, the current system allowed those “who do not meet required standards” to continue posing “a risk of serious injury or harm to other road users”, she said.
Kusemi arrived in the UK in September 2022 and was issued with a provisional licence in June 2023.
Under the law he was required to pass a practical test by mid-September.
He failed twice, in July and September, but continued to drive unsupervised, the Hull inquest was told.
Kusemi slammed into Susan’s car in November 2023 after failing to stop at a crossroads in Rudston, near Bridlington, East Yorks.
She died at the scene and her husband was left seriously injured, the inquest was told.
Kusemi’s 12-month grace period had already lapsed but the coroner called for the law to be brought into line with UK learners.
They must display L plates and only drive with supervision.
Kusemi, of Romford, Essex, went on to fail four more tests after the crash before finally getting his UK licence in March last year.
He was jailed at Hull Crown Court and banned from driving for 11 years.
Last night, 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.”