![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/close-driving-instructor-woman-student-828010119.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLEARNERS have been warned of a driving test SCAM that could see them lose hundreds of pounds.<\/p>\n
As waiting lists to take the practical exam get longer, sneaky bots are snapping up slots and selling them on at a hefty price.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Eye-watering fees of up to \u00a3400 are being paid by eager students desperate to get their licence, while it should only cost \u00a362 on a weekday or \u00a375 at the weekend.<\/p>\n
And, experts at learner driver insurer Veygo warned some tests could be fraudulent.<\/p>\n
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 \u00a335.<\/p>\n
The average student driver needs around 45 hours of instruction, meaning the overall sum could total a whopping \u00a31,575.<\/p>\n
James Armstrong, CEO of the learner driver insurance brand Veygo says:\u00a0\u201cThese scammers are profiting from learners\u2019 eagerness to get on the road and the DVSA test backlog, by attempting to resell these test slots. <\/p>\n "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. <\/p>\n "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.\u201d<\/p>\n The easiest away to avoid being swindled out of hundreds is to book your test through the official DVSA website. <\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n "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.<\/p>\n He warned while waiting times may be "disheartening" it is always worth it. <\/p>\n "The extra time is instead affording learners the chance to build road confidence through private practice," he continued. <\/p>\n "However when practising in a private vehicle, to avoid further unnecessary costs – such as fines for incorrect insurance – check out our\u00a0guidance.\u201d<\/p>\n It comes after The Sun previously spoke to parents of learner drivers who were left raging at the long waiting time.<\/p>\n Becky, of St Albans,\u00a0Herts, said: \u201cIt\u2019s a minefield. I think it\u2019s criminal that these \u00adorganisations are allowed to operate. It\u2019s like a cartel.\u201d<\/p>\n Kirsten Scheider, 48, also from Herts, is facing a 500-mile trip to Aberdeen \u2014 the closest town she could find with test availability for her 17-year-old son.<\/p>\n She said: \u201cIt\u2019s ridiculous.\u00a0Instructors\u00a0tell you to book anything just to get on the system, then look out for a cancellation closer to home to swap it with.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s been nothing, so I guess he\u2019s going to Scotland.\u201d<\/p>\n And Jeanette Lendon, 50, says son Callum, 17, has spent weeks searching for a test date, to no avail.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so frustrating,\u201d said the smartphone photography trainer. \u201cI went through pages and pages on the official website, right up to Callum\u2019s birthday next June. There\u2019s nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n 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 \u00a32,400 a week by reselling them for \u00a3240 apiece.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/dk-comp-page23-driving.jpg\")
<\/picture>CLEVER MANOEUVRE <\/span><\/p>\nI couldn't book a driving test so I took drastic action – it cost me \u00a3150<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/newspress-collage-23929146-1694562581533.jpg\")
<\/picture>TOP TIP <\/span><\/p>\nI passed my driving test first time – free way to get on road FAST & save \u00a31,000s<\/h3>\n
Most read in Motors<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/newspress-collage-9ne87p9kw-1701298217222.jpg\")
<\/picture>FOG OFF <\/span><\/p>\nI’ve discovered Amazon cleaning product which stops windscreens fogging up for GOOD<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/dk-motors-28nov-comp.png\")
<\/picture>BEST-EVER MACCA <\/span><\/p>\nMind-bending performance and tech means 750S is McLaren’s best car ever<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/MR-P22-PARKING-COMP.jpg\")
<\/picture>TAKING THE P <\/span><\/p>\nI was fined \u00a360 \u2013 but got parking ticket overturned after exposing loophole<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/stressed-woman-drive-car-feeling-862830855.jpg\")
<\/picture>PAY THE PRICE <\/span><\/p>\nDrivers bracing for rise in car insurance – 10 jobs where premiums will soar<\/h3>\n
Read More on The Sun<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/delivery.jpg\")
<\/picture>![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/newspress-collage-x8aohzyel-1701255583354.jpg\")
<\/picture>