Driving check fraud is a severe and rising situation 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 instances the place somebody aside from the candidate tried to take a seat the sensible driving check on their behalf.
These aren’t remoted incidents. In the identical area, 71 makes an attempt to cheat the idea check 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 highway 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. Gadgets akin to Bluetooth headsets are getting used to feed solutions to idea check candidates. In different instances, impersonators have allegedly tried to bribe check centre workers or manipulate ID checks by intently mimicking the looks of the actual candidate.
The scenario is exacerbated by persevering with delays in securing sensible check appointments. In components 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 threat failing and having to attend months for an additional check,” Brookfield mentioned. “This places strain not solely on the testing regime but additionally 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:
Idea 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 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 Providers, mentioned: “The people who get criminals to take their driving check 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 perspective, it’s deeply troubling. ADIs work tirelessly to lift requirements and promote security. The concept that somebody can bypass that course of completely undermines the whole lot we stand for.
What’s Being Finished?
The DVSA is actively coaching examiners and check centre workers to identify potential fraud. This contains drawing on intelligence from previous makes an attempt, strict ID checks, and guidelines stopping candidates from taking private gadgets into idea check centres.
The company has additionally begun recruiting 450 new examiners to assist scale back ready instances and take some strain off the system.
But it surely’s clear extra should be executed – particularly in high-risk areas just like the South East. Stronger vetting processes, higher know-how, and presumably even biometric ID may very well be on the horizon.
A Function for ADIs
As ADIs, we’re on the frontline. We will be the first to note if a pupil appears unusually evasive about check preparations, or is reluctant to share reserving particulars. It’s very important we report any suspicions by the right 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 check, however why the method exists. Dishonest might look like a shortcut, nevertheless it’s one that may result in tragic penalties.
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