A desperate test candidate is facing sentencing after hiring impersonators to take his theory test, not once, but twice.

The case has focused on the learner rather than an impersonator, sending a clear message to others that paying for someone else to take tests for you is fraudulent and you will be open to prosecution.

Paying the costs

Mohammad Shoaib, a warehouse worker in London, resorted to the crime after failing his Theory Test 14 times.

Deeply embarrassed by his failures and mocked by friends and colleagues, he paid £800 for an impersonator to take the test for him.

Unfortunately for him, this attempt failed as well.

Social failure

Stephen Thomas, prosecuting, told City of London Magistrates’ Court: “Mr Shoaib provided a provisional driving licence to enable an impersonator to take his theory test on his behalf.

“December 30, the impersonator attended the Sidcup theory test centre, but staff at the theory centre were not satisfied with the licence and the man was refused to take the test.

“January 5, another impersonator attended a Southampton test centre, so quite some distance away.

“On both occasions, they were using Mr Shoaib’s licence. On this occasion, that person was allowed in and passed their test.

“It should be noted for the record that when it came to pass, the theory pass was automatically disqualified and he didn’t go on to take his practical.

“Mr Shoaib attended for interview and admitted paying the sum of £800 to an unknown man for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining a theory pass.

“He made numerous attempts to pass and had kept failing when he was approached by a person who knew he had issues and offered to take the test for him… He asked for £800 and a licence to be sent to him.”

Serious fault

Mohammad Shoaib came to be known as the ‘fifth failure’ by colleagues and friends. This social embarrassment has now been increased by being caught cheating.

The 38-year-old’s desperation led him to pay for two impersonators almost 35 times the cost of a test. All this took place between December 30, 2021 and January 5, 2022.

Shoaib, a family man, lives in Luton. He admitted supplying an article for use in fraud, namely his provisional licence.

Shahzad Hussain, defending, said Shoaib was “very deeply embarrassed”.

He said: “When I took the test five times and failed, I was devastated.”

“He is a husband and father of two young children. Amongst his colleagues and friends, he was known as a ‘fifth failure’ for failing five times.

“He then failed a further nine times after this.

“He works six days a week in a warehouse and he has not slept since these proceedings and is extremely anxious.

“This was an opportunity that arose and he paid for it.”

Another day, another test

Shoaib said: “I have disrespected the country I live in. I was desperate and foolish.”

Unfortunately, having two fraudulent attempts to pass the test has led to the prosecution.

Sentencing will take place at the end of March, though the  magistrate Derek Hunter informed Shoaib: “We wish to punish you in the community, we wish not to send you to prison.

“We need further checks – they’re on your house, your accommodation and this is because we may be able to put you on an electronic tag. Much better than prison.”

In the meantime, Shoaib has another imminent attempt at the theory test which he will be taking himself.