End of road for 'black market' driving tests

A CRACKDOWN on a "black market" in driving tests is planned after it emerged motorists are paying £300 for the chance to lose their L-plates.

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A shortage of examiners means motorists have to wait up to six months to book a driving test, which usually costs £62.

But a thriving underground market has developed in which profiteers arrange tests on the official computer system and then sell the appointment at an inflated price.

The alarm was raised by the Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council, which said the long wait for tests began during the pandemic, and added: "This has resulted in a black market which we know is charging as much as £300 for a £62 test."

Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood has vowed to cut the waiting list for driving tests.