It’s probably safe to say that nobody enjoys taking a test. Tests are stress-inducing and just not fun. This may be why some UK learner drivers are avoiding their driving test entirely. Some people have even tried getting someone else to do it for them. However, this behaviour is dangerous and against the law!

What does the UK driving test consist of?

The UK driving test consists of two parts; to get their full licence a learner driver must pass both parts.

• Theory Test – you must receive a total pass mark of 86%. You must receive 43/50 in the Multiple-Choice section, and 44/75 in the Hazard Perception section.
• Practical Test – you must prove to an approved DVSA instructor that you are able to safely control a vehicle, making less than 15 minor faults on a 40-minute test.

Some people would rather cheat

Since 2012, 320 convictions have been recorded in relation to people either attempting to get their full licence, by having someone else take their driving theory or practical test for them, or by being the person taking somebody else's test.

Endangering drivers

Andy Rice, Head of Fraud Investigations, at the Driver Vehicle Standards Authority (DVSA) said this puts lives at risk. The driving test is designed to test a learner on a variety of skills, that a driver may encounter on a day-to-day basis. By not completing this test, they have not proved they are a safe road user.

What are the costs of breaking the law?

As you can imagine, the punishments for either being caught impersonating someone, or requesting someone to impersonate you, are quite high. According to DVSA, these can include:

• a prison sentence
• a ban from driving
• an order to do community service
• an order to pay court costs

In regards to this particular issue, 320 people have been convicted, and over 1,100 driving licences have been revoked. [caption id="attachment_12523" align="aligncenter" width=""] Information source: bbc[/caption]

How to resolve the issue

If you think someone got their licence, or helped get a licence, using impersonation, you can contact the DVSA by following this link. Getting a licence this way is wrong, and puts peoples’ lives in danger. It is down to learners to take their own tests. If they aren’t confident about passing, they should keep practising.

Bettering the odds with learner insurance

Learners can increase their likeliness of passing both tests.

• A learner can increase their chance of passing the theory by revising from an approved theory test handbook.
• A learner can increase their likeliness of passing the practical driving test by taking out a learner insurance policy and practising their driving.

Getting enough driving practice is vital for feeling more confident on the actual driving test. Learner insurance allows the learner driver to practice their driving for as many hours as their insurance policy lasts. A learner will need access to a vehicle, (either their own vehicle, or a borrowed one), and an accompanying driver (see our acceptance criteria for the accompanying driver).

Cost of learner insurance vs. Cost of getting caught

Learner insurance from Insurelearnerdriver can cost anywhere from £12 (for a day's cover) to £70 (for one month's cover). The costs may vary – your quote may be slightly less, or more, depending on your individual details. When you compare this relatively small expense to the cost of potentially serving a prison sentence or losing your licence, then paying for learner insurance, to increase your driving expertise and confidence, is probably the better option. Take your time to get driving test ready. Take full advantage of your learner insurance policy and get in enough hours of practice so that your confident enough to pass your driving test.