Motoring

Scams exploit frustration over driving test delays

- Shane Hickey

Criminals are cashing in on would-be drivers' frustration over test delays by claiming they can help them skip queues and obtain licences without the need to do exams.

Fraudsters are asking for hundreds of pounds for what they say are legitimate licences, claiming they have staff inside the government testing and licensing bodies working for them.

In one scam seen by the Guardian, the fraudster asked for £850 for a driving licence, payable in instalments, claiming that a “team of DVSA-certified instructors” would process the buyer's details.

They claim the driver is enrolled in a test centre but will not have to sit the theory or practical test. Instead they claim their staff submit test results through the system which leads to the licence being issued.

However the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), which issues licences, and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which carries out tests, have warned that the promised shortcuts are scams designed to gather victims' money and personal details.

They have also warned that any documents that do arrive are counterfeit.