AN ISLE of Wight man who decided to test drive a car on New Year’s Eve while over the limit for alcohol, and without a valid licence and insurance, has been banned from the road.

Louis Dauncey, of High Street, Carisbrooke, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, January 16.

The 34-year-old admitted drink driving, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance, in Newport, on December 31 of last year.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court police were alerted to a Renault Clio driving toward St Georges Way at excessive speed.

She said the car turned and came to a natural stop, and its driver – Dauncey – said he was test driving the vehicle.

The vehicle was barren of L plates and Dauncey's father, who was in the passenger's seat supervising, also didn't have a valid licence.

Dauncey registered a breath-alcohol reading of 60 when the legal limit is 35.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Dauncey’s last offence was nine years ago.

He said he admitted consuming alcohol much earlier in the day but felt OK to drive.

Dauncey was fined £120 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £48 surcharge.

He was disqualified from driving for 17 months.