Facts
A learner driver, being taught by a friend, hit a lamp post and the friend was injured.
Issue
Is a learner driver held to a lower standard of care?
Held
No. A learner driver must meet the standard of a reasonably competent qualified driver.
Principle
The standard of care is objective; inexperience is no excuse (Lord Denning MR).
Why it matters
Leading authority on the objective standard.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Nettleship v Weston [1971] 2 QB 691 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/nettleship-v-weston> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.