Summary
A BBC investigation found that some individuals offer driving instructors up to £250 monthly payments for their test-booking login details. These individuals, known as touts, use the login information to bulk-book driving tests, which they then sell at inflated prices on social media platforms. The issue contributes to long wait times for learners trying to book tests through official channels.
Key Facts
- Touts offer driving instructors £250 monthly for login details to a test-booking system.
- Touts sell driving tests on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook at prices up to £500.
- Official driving tests typically cost no more than £75.
- The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is aware of the issue, but some touts reportedly still operate.
- Touts are active in places like London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
- A DVSA survey found that one in three learners used third parties to book tests.
- Changes proposed by the Transport Secretary may allow only learners, not instructors, to book tests starting in the spring.
- Around 642,000 learners in Great Britain are waiting for driving tests, with wait times averaging 21 weeks.
