Toothache blamed for underage driver

The mother of a 13 year-old has been reprimanded by police after she got her daughter to drive her down State Highway One near Wellington.

The girl and her mother were pulled over after police saw the car driving in an "erratic fashion" yesterday. A young child was also in the car.

The woman, who has an expired licence, told police she let her daughter drive because she had a tooth ache, a statement from police said.

"She also suggested that this was ok as she was nearly 14 years of age," the statement said.

"Police are alarmed at the apparent lack of concern for the safety of her children," the statement said.

Police issued tickets for a number of traffic offences.

- NZHERALD STAFF