Drivers have been warned of a growing scam which sees fraudsters offer illegal driving licences to motorists, which could lead to criminal prosecution.
The scam, which has been found across social media sites, particularly TikTok, comes as drivers grow more frustrated with the practical testing backlog, which has caused motorists to look at other ways to get onto UK roads.
More than 600,000 learners are currently waiting to take their practical examination, which has created a perfect storm for scammers who promise to bypass the official process entirely.
Social media has now become a hunting ground for criminals selling counterfeit documents, with some accounts amassing over 6,000 followers while advertising their illegal services.
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Financial technology firm Updraft has uncovered multiple accounts offering full licences without any testing requirements, preying on frustrated learners who face months-long waits and escalating lesson costs.
The firm revealed that criminals have been advertising complete driving licences at £400 each, while practical test passes are marketed for £200 with delivery promised within three days.
The scammers also claim they can eliminate penalty points and driving bans for additional fees, despite such actions being completely illegal under UK law.
None of these documents carries any legal validity, leaving purchasers not only financially exploited but also facing potential criminal prosecution for driving without proper authorisation.
According to reports, online searches for purchasing driving licences have skyrocketed, with queries for “buy driver’s licence online” surging by 200 per cent compared to last year.
Similarly, searches for “buy driver’s licence” have increased by 67 per cent, indicating growing desperation amongst learners seeking alternatives to the official testing route.
The appeal becomes clear when considering the financial burden facing learner drivers who have to pay hefty fees for lessons and practical tests, which have a £75 charge.
Aseem Munshi, who founded Updraft, cautioned that economic pressures make individuals particularly susceptible to such schemes.
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He said: “When people are under pressure, whether it’s from rising costs or the fear of falling further behind in the driving test queue, they’re more vulnerable to offers that promise a quick solution.
“Scammers are clever at exploiting frustration, but the only safe and legal way to get a licence is to pass your test. No social media account can shortcut that process, and paying them could cost you far more in the long run.”
Mr Munshi emphasised that victims don’t merely lose their licence opportunity but also suffer deeper financial harm “when hundreds of pounds vanish that could have supported legitimate lessons or debt repayment”.
Drivers who purchase these counterfeit documents face severe legal repercussions, including prosecution for driving without valid authorisation and potential identity theft from sharing personal details with criminals.
Social media accounts have been offering drivers fake licences to help get them on the roads quicker
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PAThe fake licences carry no legal standing whatsoever, meaning drivers using them risk criminal charges, hefty fines, and genuine driving bans that could impact their future ability to obtain legitimate documentation.
The expert has now urged parents to monitor young learners who may encounter these scams through social media, as teenagers represent an especially vulnerable demographic.
Despite the current testing delays and financial pressures, in April this year, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander pledged to tackle the growing problem.
She instructed the DVSA to intensify its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests with the hope that an additional 10,000 tests would be available each month.