Does the learner have to wear seat belts while driving?

Explanation

Wearing a seat belt is required for a learner too.

A learner behind the wheel is legally in the position of a driver and bears the same requirements, including wearing a seat belt. The law makes no exception for the training period, and the instructor's permission changes nothing — an instructor cannot lift a requirement imposed by law.

The safety reason is exactly the inverse of what the wrong options suggest. The probability of a driving error is higher during training sessions than at any other time: late braking, releasing the clutch abruptly, misjudging distance. That means a learner is more exposed to a collision than an experienced driver, not less. A belt is decisive even at these low speeds; an impact at urban speed without a belt easily ends with the head striking the wheel or the windscreen.

The argument that "a belt makes driving difficult" has no basis either: a three-point belt does not restrict arm or leg movement and, by holding the torso in place, actually improves a beginner's control of the wheel and pedals. The habit of belting up is built from the very first lesson; that is why the law makes it compulsory from day one.

• There is no exception for learners; whoever is behind the wheel counts as a driver and the belt requirement applies to him. • Difficulty in driving is not an accepted justification; a seat belt does not impede control of the car and in fact holds the torso in place. • An instructor has no authority to waive a legal requirement; his permission concerns the training process only, not safety equipment.

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