A LEARNER driver charged with stealing a car and leading police on a high-speed chase appeared in court on eight charges today.

Hemi Thompson, of Kirkwood Rd, Tweed Heads South, pleaded guilty to police pursuit, driving recklessly/furiously and one charge of driving unaccompanied by a licensed driver.

Appearing via video link from jail, the 19-year-old also pleaded not guilty to stealing and driving a motor vehicle, exceeding speeds of 45km/h and two charges of driving unaccompanied by a l...

MORE than 21,000 South Australian learner and probationary drivers have lost their licences in the past five years.

Latest Transport Department figures, obtained by The Advertiser , show 21,095 L and P-plate drivers - more than 11 a day - have lost their licences since 2006.

So far this year, police have disqualified 3646 L and P-plate drivers - 1000 fewer than five years ago.

The most common offences resulting in a loss of licence were speeding, talking on a mobile phone, failing to disp...