Driving take a look at fraud is a severe and rising problem within the UK – and new figures obtained by the BBC reveal that the South East is way from immune.
Throughout Kent, Surrey and Sussex final yr, there have been 21 instances the place somebody aside from the candidate tried to sit down the sensible driving take a look at on their behalf.
These aren’t remoted incidents. In the identical area, 71 makes an attempt to cheat the speculation take a look at have been recorded, with greater than half involving impersonation. Nationally, the Driver and Automobile Requirements Company (DVSA) recorded over 2,000 cases of dishonest within the 2023-24 monetary yr.
The implications for street security, ADIs, and the integrity of the testing system are stark.
Excessive Demand, Increased Dangers
Talking on BBC Radio Kent, Carly Brookfield, Chief Govt of the Driving Instructors Affiliation, warned that fraudulent makes an attempt have gotten more and more daring. Units reminiscent of Bluetooth headsets are getting used to feed solutions to concept take a look at candidates. In different instances, impersonators have allegedly tried to bribe take a look at centre employees or manipulate ID checks by intently mimicking the looks of the true candidate.
The scenario is exacerbated by persevering with delays in securing sensible take a look at appointments. In elements of the South East, learners face ready occasions of six months or extra. For some, this has created a harmful incentive to bypass the system altogether.
“Fraudsters will attempt to cheat the system as a result of they don’t need to danger failing and having to attend months for one more take a look at,” Brookfield mentioned. “This places strain not solely on the testing regime but in addition on instructors who work onerous to organize pupils correctly and ethically.”
Localised Breakdown
Right here’s how the numbers break down for 2024 within the South East:
Principle Check Dishonest Makes an attempt
- Kent: 24
- Sussex: 28
- Surrey: 19
Sensible Check Impersonation Makes an attempt
- Kent: 12
- Sussex: 7
- Surrey: 2
Whereas the DVSA couldn’t verify what number of of those instances are presently underneath police investigation, it reiterated that fraud detection stays a high enforcement precedence.
Placing Lives at Danger
DVSA’s Marian Kitson, Director of Enforcement Companies, mentioned: “The those who get criminals to take their driving take a look at know that they’re incapable of passing themselves. By fraudulently acquiring a licence, they place different street customers and themselves in danger from their unsafe driving.”
Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Basis, echoed this concern, describing impersonation as “flagrantly kicking away” one of many three important pillars of street security – correctly certified drivers.
From an teacher’s standpoint, it’s deeply troubling. ADIs work tirelessly to boost requirements and promote security. The concept somebody can bypass that course of totally undermines all the pieces we stand for.
What’s Being Carried out?
The DVSA is actively coaching examiners and take a look at centre employees to identify potential fraud. This consists of drawing on intelligence from previous makes an attempt, strict ID checks, and guidelines stopping candidates from taking private gadgets into concept take a look at centres.
The company has additionally begun recruiting 450 new examiners to assist scale back ready occasions and take some strain off the system.
However it’s clear extra have to be achieved – particularly in high-risk areas just like the South East. Stronger vetting processes, higher know-how, and presumably even biometric ID might be on the horizon.
A Position for ADIs
As ADIs, we’re on the frontline. We stands out as the first to note if a pupil appears unusually evasive about take a look at preparations, or is reluctant to share reserving particulars. It’s very important we report any suspicions by way of the proper channels and assist uphold the requirements our career is constructed on.
We should additionally proceed educating our pupils – not nearly tips on how to go the take a look at, however why the method exists. Dishonest could appear to be a shortcut, nevertheless it’s one that may result in tragic penalties.
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