Mass driving test scams
 

Apparently many thousands of people have paid for someone else to take their driving tests and are therefore on our roads fraudulently and very probably unsafely.

Heard a test examiner explaining that although photocard licences have made things more difficult for the criminals involved (many of whom are engaged in all sorts of other dubious activities) it is often hard to match the picture on the provisional licence to the face of the person taking the test. Apparently some people have had provisional licences for years and in that time their appearance may have changed quite a lot.

Well surely if there is any doubt in the mind of the examiner as to the identity of the person taking the test it should be called off until enquiries have been made. Furthermore, why aren't pictures taken of the person sitting the test and new licences issued only using these 'official' pictures. At least this would mean that someone who'd claimed they'd aged prematurely or something would only be able to get a photocard with someone else's mug on it.

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

I think there are more people driving on the roads who have no license at all (or a license they have bought in another country) than people who have fraudulently obtained UK licenses. I think we need to tackle that problem first.

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

Some people who have passed the driving test are terrible drivers.

Surely regular tests, rather than a once-in-a-lifetime test, is the way forward?

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

I thought the photo licence was meant to stop this happening though to be honest some of the people on the roads are such bad drivers that it doesn't suprise me at all.

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

Couple of years ago, I hired a car out, so the hire company, required my driving license, its the old paper back type, I have a clean driving license because I consider myself a careful driver who doesn't break the speed limits. The comment I got off one of the guys in the office, he said its a very rare site seeing a completely clean driving license.

But like others have said here - there is some absolutely low driving standards from some drivers, so it does make you wonder if they actually A) Own a driving license. B) Actually ever sat a test and passed it.

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

Well I think they're 2 aspects of the same problem to be honest and both need to be addressed.

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

Mine is completely clean too, never had a point on it, a fact I keep pointing out to my family when they ask to borrow my car;).
I have a 15 year old Merc which is in far better condition than my mothers 3 year old Vauxhall Aguila.

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

I think that a lot of people simply get used to driving. They then forget that they are controlling a machine that, if badly used, could kill or seriously injure someone. Combine this with the fact that most people do forget what they learned after a while (not directed at drivers specifically, that last bit, we've all forgotton stuff we learned at school).

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

Here's my driving licence pic.http://www.clown-ministry.com/images...lown-color.jpg:D
thanks to marky for link.

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

I'm such a good driver, the authorities even endorsed my licence ;)

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

Ah but it's far easier to deal with them than it is to deal with someone who as far as the authorities are concerned has passed a test and should be on the road.

If the Police catch someone with no license for doing something stupid (red lights, mobile phones, generally looking a bit shifty in control of a vehicle) it takes about 30 seconds to find out if they have a licence or not and if they don't 9 times out of 10 they are punted to the side of the road and the car taken away (Cracking bit of legislation that :tu: )

If they are pulled for any of the above reasons or being in an accident etc. when they are checked it'll show them as having a full licence and unless they burst to getting someone to sit it for them you'll never know and they'll just go through the usual court system. Maybe picking up a few points here and there until they hit the barrier and lose their licence but unless they get done for a dangerous driving or the judge takes a dislike to them they won't have to pass the test again.

Personally I think making a competency test part of getting your licence back after any ban or even in lieu of another punishment would be a better idea, i.e. you get convicted of careless driving and either get 6 points + fine or retake the test.

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

I agree completely. Send them back to school and hopefully they will eventually learn to drive properly. After all, the law isn't only about punishment, but also rehabilitation.

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

I feel we should be concentrating on those without a licence (even though i know my own father passed his driving test twice - once for him and once for his uncle in the 70's :D)

I spoke to someone the other day who doesn't have a driving licence (who was driving a car!) and told me its actually worth getting arrested and charged for driving without a licence/insurance because you only receive a fine as opposed to having to insure a car. Apparently some young drivers do this all the time!

Therefore all of us who are gaining our no-claims are still having our policies increased year on year to compensate for the losses incurred by these idiot drivers!! Who's the mugs here?? :erm:

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

Most forces now take the car off drivers who don't have insurance or a license so as well as the punishment the courts can hand out (not always a fine, a visit to her majesties bed and breakfast isn't unknown for repeat offenders) you have to pay recovery and storage costs for the car.

Plus if your face or numberplate gets known (and it will) you would soon find a lot more 'random' checks being done to ensure everything is in order document wise.

Re: Mass driving test scams
 

I'd love to agree with you there Derek, maybe we just don't have enough officers to enforce this (like most other places) but i just don't see it happening and in the meantime the innocent and honest drivers are the only ones who seem to be the worst off.

I was told recently by a friend (who is a policeman in our area) that there are 7 police officers covering our area of almost 150k population overnight and at weekends - which is spread approx 15 x 25 miles :erm:

Just another extremely under-funded but necessary service :(