LEARNERS have been warned of a driving test SCAM that could see them lose hundreds of pounds.
As waiting lists to take the practical exam get longer, sneaky bots are snapping up slots and selling them on at a hefty price.
Eye-watering fees of up to £400 are being paid by eager students desperate to get their licence, while it should only cost £62 on a weekday or £75 at the weekend.
And, experts at learner driver insurer Veygo warned some tests could be fraudulent.
It could come as a crushing blow as the cost of driving lessons already stretches many learners’ bank accounts with the average hourly rate at £35.
The average student driver needs around 45 hours of instruction, meaning the overall sum could total a whopping £1,575.
James Armstrong, CEO of the learner driver insurance brand Veygo says: “These scammers are profiting from learners’ eagerness to get on the road and the DVSA test backlog, by attempting to resell these test slots.
“With over 1.68 million tests taken in Britain each year, these fraudsters are sadly pocketing hundreds of thousands of pounds in profits – and worse; not all these test slots advertised will even be real. Vigilance and education will help combat this.
“We need to make all learners aware that these scams are happening, and in some cases are unlikely to land them without a legitimate test date, resulting in duplicate payouts and wasted money.”
The easiest away to avoid being swindled out of hundreds is to book your test through the official DVSA website.
“Ignore so-called deals and offers on social media platforms, as scammers are looking to capitalise on learners who are impatient and eager to pass soon,” added expert James.
He warned while waiting times may be “disheartening” it is always worth it.
“The extra time is instead affording learners the chance to build road confidence through private practice,” he continued.
“However when practising in a private vehicle, to avoid further unnecessary costs – such as fines for incorrect insurance – check out our guidance.”
It comes after The Sun previously spoke to parents of learner drivers who were left raging at the long waiting time.
Becky, of St Albans, Herts, said: “It’s a minefield. I think it’s criminal that these organisations are allowed to operate. It’s like a cartel.”
Kirsten Scheider, 48, also from Herts, is facing a 500-mile trip to Aberdeen — the closest town she could find with test availability for her 17-year-old son.
She said: “It’s ridiculous. Instructors tell you to book anything just to get on the system, then look out for a cancellation closer to home to swap it with.
“There’s been nothing, so I guess he’s going to Scotland.”
And Jeanette Lendon, 50, says son Callum, 17, has spent weeks searching for a test date, to no avail.
“It’s so frustrating,” said the smartphone photography trainer. “I went through pages and pages on the official website, right up to Callum’s birthday next June. There’s nothing.”
The Sun also spoke to one broker, under a condition of anonymity, who said he buys test dates from an instructor and makes up to £2,400 a week by reselling them for £240 apiece.
“My friend has access to the portal so he can book dates, and I’ve built up my client list to sell them,” he admitted.
“I don’t feel too bad about it – it’s not my fault that all the test centres are booked up, I just use it to my advantage. If anything, I’m helping, and if the DVSA cracks down, it’s on to the next hustle.”
