Walsall man locked up for driving theory test fraud

Ranjodh Singh, 34, from Walsall, handed his provisional driving licence to an impersonator to take the test for him.

The man claiming to be Singh attended the Stratford-upon-Avon theory test centre on January 15 but staff did not believe him and refused him entry to the test.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA).

Singh was asked to attend for a voluntary interview with the agency's counter fraud team, when he admitted the offence and to paying someone to take the theory test on his behalf.

Singh, from Newhall Road, Walsall, pleaded guilty to supplying a UK provisional driving licence to be used in connection with a fraud when he appeared at Warwick Crown Court.

Andy Rice, head of counter fraud and investigation at DVSA, said: "Our priority is protecting everyone from unsafe drivers and vehicles.

"Our theory tests are designed to ensure that future drivers have the right knowledge and attitude to drive safely and responsibly.

"This case sends a clear message to others that they could face a prison sentence if they are caught cheating their theory test."

The DVSA has investigated 1,065 cases of suspected driving theory test fraud since April. Many of the investigations are still ongoing while 136 of them have been referred for prosecution.

Passing sentence on Singh, Judge David Potter said: “It is essential that the protection to the public continues and that everyone who tries to circumvent the testing system will appreciate the consequences.

"This calls for an immediate sentence and I do not feel that in spite of his good character and guilty plea with family responsibilities, that I can suspend it."

The DVSA says it is constantly reviewing its detection methods and trains staff to become experts in spotting impersonation and Bluetooth headset fraud.

More than 2 million theory tests were taken in 2018-19.