A learner driver had to take his pregnant partner on a four-mile detour to hospital after she went into labour – because he is not allowed to drive on motorways.
Simon Cannon, 34, jumped behind the wheel of the car which he fitted with ‘L plates’ when girlfriend Rebecca Bird, 34, woke with stomach pains.
She had to act as an instructor while her boyfriend attempted to drive 12 miles from Blackburn to Burnley General Hospital.
But he had to take a major detour because he only has a provisional licence which means it would be illegal for him to drive on motorways.
He avoided the M65 and had to use the A-roads instead adding four miles on to his journey – making it a 16-mile route in total.
Luckily the doting couple made it in time and Rebecca gave birth to 7lb 11oz baby girl, Melody at 6am — five hours after going into labour.
New parent Simon said: “I was insured on Rebecca’s car and I avoided the motorway, I had a lot of responsibility with my pregnant girlfriend in the car next to me.
“Thankfully everything was fine and we’ve got our first baby.”
Miss Bird said: “We’re both so happy. We’ve got a beautiful baby daughter.
“She was due on the 9th of January originally so she was a bit early.
“We had planned for a quiet New Year’s Eve but that soon changed.”