A recent investigation conducted by the BBC has uncovered a significant rise in driving test fraud. The report reveals that fraudsters are exploiting social media platforms, with over 600 pages and accounts on Facebook and TikTok offering driving licences without the need for tests. Fees of up to £2000 have been charged for such services.
According to exclusive figures obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), instances of impersonation-based fraud have tripled in the past five years. This alarming trend has prompted concern from Carly Brookfield, CEO of the Driving Instructors Association (DIA), who warns of the clear risks associated with such practices, in terms of allowing those who may not be safe and competent to drive independently to obtain a licence by deception.
Brookfield highlights the impact of lengthy waiting times for practical test slots (reaching up to six months in some regions) which could lead some pupils to try and obtain their licences fraudulently. Clearly the concern here is that these pupils could cause a serious road safety risk if they are not fit to drive independently, and they have not been assessed.
The BBC investigation also reveals that some fraudsters have approached driving instructors, soliciting referrals for students struggling to pass their tests, thus compounding the problem further.
The information presented in the report emphasises the urgent need for action to address driving test fraud and mitigate its potential risks.
1 thought on “BBC Exposé Reveals Surge in Driving Test Fraud, DIA CEO Expresses Concerns”
The only ones to blame for the incompetence and fiasco is the government and its own department the DVSA.
If this was an a private company it would have been shut down by now, because it’s government controlled nothing is getting done, driving instructors get blamed for taking students to test when not ready. The last time I was aware of things in Winchester they used to have about 15 no shows a week that had booked a test and never showed.
If the DVSA only allowed people to book tests in their own county unless proof is provided that they are in education in that county, this would go a little way to improve things.
Also the MOD examiner’s could do civilian tests that also would reduce waiting times.
I’m sure the DVSA and government wouldn’t agree to this and continue to do nothing, hence fraudulent licences will still continue until multiple of lives are taken and again the underlying problem is the government/DVSA/DVLA .