Britney must face trial for driving without a licence

Singer Britney Spears has failed in a last-ditch attempt to stop her driving without a licence case going to trial.

The star’s lawyers had hoped to avoid having to go back to court by getting the case put on hold or dismissed.

But a ruling released yesterday means the trial will go ahead on October 15, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for later today.

The ruling from Los Angeles Superior Court says: 'The 'Request for Stay; Petition for Wit of Prohibition and Writ of Mandate' and opposition thereto, having been read and considered by this court, is hereby denied.'

Britney is accused of not having a valid California driver's license when she bumped into another car in her Mercedes Benz in August last year.

Her lawyer Michael Flanagan argues she was driving with a Louisiana license that was valid because she owns homes in that state.

Flanagan was hoping to have the case dismissed and for Britney to pay a $10 fee.

She was caught on camera bumping into the other car and driving off without leaving a note.

She was seen checking the damage to her own car from the fender-bender.

The owner of the other car filed a police report and Britney was charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run and driving without a valid license.

But the hit-and-run charges were dismissed in October last year after the chart-topper paid an undisclosed sum to the other driver.

The Department of Motor Vehicles confirmed Britney had never been issued a California license, even though she has had homes in LA for years.

State law requires drivers to apply for a license within 10 days of moving to California.

Good hair day: Britney tries out three different hairstyles in the video for her single Womanizer, including this dark gothic look

Britney passed the test to get her California license soon after her fender-bender.

Earlier the star showed that she is back to her best by donning a black bra, tight leather suit and a black wig in the video for her new single Womanizer.

Britney talked about the new song at a radio interview with z100 in New York erlier this mnth.

'I like the fact that it's so empowering for girls because it's basically saying, you know, we know what you're up to.

'It's about guys cheating on other girls and stuff like that. It's kind of like a girl anthem. That's why I like it,' she said.