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 much from immune.
Throughout Kent, Surrey and Sussex final yr, there have been 21 circumstances the place somebody aside from the candidate tried to take a seat 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 idea take a look at had been recorded, with greater than half involving impersonation. Nationally, the Driver and Automobile Requirements Company (DVSA) recorded over 2,000 situations of dishonest within the 2023-24 monetary yr.
The implications for highway security, ADIs, and the integrity of the testing system are stark.
Excessive Demand, Greater Dangers
Talking on BBC Radio Kent, Carly Brookfield, Chief Government of the Driving Instructors Affiliation, warned that fraudulent makes an attempt have gotten more and more daring. Units resembling Bluetooth headsets are getting used to feed solutions to principle take a look at candidates. In different circumstances, impersonators have allegedly tried to bribe take a look at centre workers or manipulate ID checks by carefully 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 instances 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 stated. “This places stress not solely on the testing regime but in addition on instructors who work onerous to arrange pupils correctly and ethically.”
Localised Breakdown
Right here’s how the numbers break down for 2024 within the South East:
Concept Take a look at Dishonest Makes an attempt
- Kent: 24
- Sussex: 28
- Surrey: 19
Sensible Take a look at Impersonation Makes an attempt
- Kent: 12
- Sussex: 7
- Surrey: 2
Whereas the DVSA couldn’t verify what number of of those circumstances are at present below police investigation, it reiterated that fraud detection stays a prime enforcement precedence.
Placing Lives at Threat
DVSA’s Marian Kitson, Director of Enforcement Companies, stated: “The folks that 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 highway 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 highway security – correctly certified drivers.
From an teacher’s standpoint, it’s deeply troubling. ADIs work tirelessly to lift requirements and promote security. The concept somebody can bypass that course of solely undermines every thing we stand for.
What’s Being Carried out?
The DVSA is actively coaching examiners and take a look at centre workers 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 objects into principle take a look at centres.
The company has additionally begun recruiting 450 new examiners to assist scale back ready instances and take some stress off the system.
But it surely’s clear extra should be finished – particularly in high-risk areas just like the South East. Stronger vetting processes, higher know-how, and probably even biometric ID might be on the horizon.
A Function for ADIs
As ADIs, we’re on the frontline. We would be 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 the proper channels and assist uphold the requirements our occupation is constructed on.
We should additionally proceed educating our pupils – not nearly the way to go the take a look at, however why the method exists. Dishonest could look like a shortcut, however it’s one that may result in tragic penalties.
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