Timothy Kusemi, a Nigerian national, had a provisional licence when he caused the death of Susan Whittles, 70, at a rural junction near Bridlington in East Yorkshire on November 24, 2023, according to reports. He had already failed his British driving test twice before the fatal crash. Timothy Kusemi was legally allowed to drive unsupervised on UK roads despite having a provisional licence and failing his test twice, due to a loophole for foreign drivers, according to multiple reports. Government guidance allows people from countries where driving standards are not considered equivalent to the UK, including Nigeria, to drive for up to a year after becoming a resident while they obtain a British licence. Foreign nationals can fail any number of driving tests within their first year in the UK and still continue driving unsupervised. The exact details of the crash, such as speed, road conditions, or other contributing factors, have not been disclosed.
Kusemi admitted causing death by dangerous driving and serious injury by dangerous driving on February 23, and he was jailed for six years and banned from driving for 11 years. He failed a further four driving tests after Susan Whittles' death before finally passing on March 21, 2025. Coroner Lorraine Harris noted that Timothy Kusemi continued to drive beyond the 12-month limit on his national licence despite his test failures. She warned that the current system for foreign drivers has the potential to cause a risk of serious injury or harm to other road users. According to Metro - Main, Bill Whittles described his wife as a lovely partner and active community member, calling her loss an awful waste.
Sue was a lovely wife to me and best pal over the years – we were a unit. She was a much-loved Nan to Anna and Oliver, and they miss her so much. A much-respected local Preacher, Guide Leader and active supporter of Riding for the Disabled – what an awful waste!
Coroner Lorraine Harris has written to the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency following the case. She warned that more people could die on UK roads unless ministers close the loophole that lets foreign drivers who fail UK tests continue driving unsupervised. Labour has been urged to close the driving licence loophole for foreign drivers. What specific actions, if any, the Department for Transport and DVSA will take in response to the coroner's report remains unclear, as does how many other foreign drivers have been involved in similar incidents under this loophole. Whether Timothy Kusemi was driving beyond the 12-month limit at the time of the crash, and if so, why he was not penalized for it earlier, is also unknown. The current status of the loophole and any legislative or regulatory changes being considered by the government have not been detailed.