Another fraudster who took driving theory tests on behalf of others in exchange for payment has been jailed.

It comes as UK authorities attempt to crack down on driving test fraud.

You failed

Aaron Kumar, 28, formerly of Cambridge Street, Leicester, was sentenced to one year and ten months in prison after pleading guilty to six counts of fraud by false representation at Northampton Crown Court.

The offences occurred between 2021 and 2024 at test centres nationwide, including in Corby and Northampton.

Kumar charged his clients £250 plus expenses to sit their theory tests, allowing them to bypass a key requirement for obtaining a full driving licence.

However, he was caught on January 15, 2024, when staff at the Corby Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) centre recognised him and alerted the police.

Officers arrived while he was completing a test and questioned him about his identity.

Initially, he claimed to be the person he was impersonating but quickly admitted the fraud when pressed.

In addition to his prison sentence, Kumar was banned from obtaining or holding a driving licence for three years and 11 months and was ordered to pay £3,296 in prosecution costs.

On the rise

The case highlights growing concerns about fraudulent attempts to pass UK driving tests.

In 2023 alone, the DVSA investigated over 1,300 cases of driving test fraud.

Common offences include using impersonators for theory and practical exams and fake documents.

Driving test fraud is particularly alarming because it allows potentially untrained as well as unqualified drivers onto the roads.

PC Harry Cory, the investigating officer in Kumar’s case, welcomed the sentencing:  “I am pleased that Aaron Kumar has been jailed, as it goes to show that economic crime does not pay and that you will eventually be caught and brought to justice.”

He also condemned those who paid Kumar for his services: “The driving theory test exists for a reason, and to try and pay your way out of taking one is disgraceful. Driving is a privilege that must be earned through both a theory and practical test, and no one should be able to skip out on either.”

Testing and challenging

The UK driving test system has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years, particularly with driving test wait times reaching an average of 15 weeks in some areas due to high demand and backlogs.

As a result, there is a worry that more learners are resorting to fraud, using impersonators or illegally obtaining licences to avoid delays.

To combat this, the DVSA has introduced stricter identity checks, including biometric verification and AI-powered facial recognition technology. Examiners are also being trained to spot suspicious behaviour, and severe penalties are being imposed on those caught cheating.

While most learners complete their tests honestly, Kumar’s case is being highlighted to warn would-be fraudsters that authorities are stepping up their efforts to crack down on fraud.

With road safety at stake, the DVSA, police, and courts are emphasising their committment to ensuring that only qualified and legitimate drivers are allowed behind the wheel.