If it’s not soaring waiting lists or skyrocketing prices for lessons - it's a new host of driving test scams to look out for. It has to be said that because of this, it's a pretty difficult time to learn to drive.
To manage what's already a stressful time, we aim to help by covering what learners can do about the driving test waiting list, but also drawing attention to this new warning that has been issued by the Red Driving School ahead of new 2024 figures which claim the driving test backlog in the UK is now at a staggering 1 million.
Seb Goldin, CEO of Red Driving School spoke to national news outlets earlier in the month and revealed how one student ended up paying £800 to a fake instructor for a bundle of lessons they never received. This is part of a wider increase in fraudulent scammers selling driving tests on the black market for prices from anywhere between £120-£350. Even if these tests somehow turn out to be legitimate, the actual cost of a DVLA driving test is £62.
Learners have been issued with a fresh wave of warnings as scammers catch onto the ongoing backlog and create realistic scam driving instructors, packages and tests to cope with delays. Fake social media accounts are even being used to flog tests and fake lessons on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and WhatsApp.
When the waitlist for a test can be anywhere between 4-6 months for somebody trying to book right now, it's no wonder people are turning to unregulated means to try and get a test. But the bottom line is, it's never worth it. Not only could your test be fake, but you will end up spending double or triple the amount of what it should be.
The current backlog makes waiting for a test incredibly frustrating and opens up heaps of opportunities for fraudulent scammers wanting to take advantage of learners who are quick to get their licence. However, buying lessons or tests from anywhere other than approved driving instructors or the DVLA puts you at risk of being a victim of scammers. It may be painful, but it's far better to accept the long waiting times than pay hundreds of pounds for a test which may not even be legitimate.
Are you a frustrated learner who has a long wait until they take their test? If you're looking to kill some time and keep the passion for cars alive, why not try one of our Provisional Licence Driving Experiences? With a range of Aston Martin's, Lamborghini and more to choose from, you'll soon realise not having a licence (yet!) doesn't mean you can't enjoy the thrill of a Supercar or High Speed Passenger Ride Experience.
