That’s according to the bank TSB that has just released new analysis of how its customers are being fleeced by paying out for driving lessons and tests that don’t exist.

The bank recorded a massive 211% jump in customers being scammed between January and August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Left high and dry

The average cost of being stung comes in at £244, though in one case, that leapt to £500 for an up-front payment for 20 bogus lessons.

TSB’s research also reveals that there are several fraudulent websites that are masquerading as the official Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) site.

This has led to several customers paying to book their test – with each paying £350 for the privilege – only to find themselves blocked once the money had left their account.

Big problem

The DVSA is the first to admit that TSB’s findings represent a, “serious and growing problem … these accounts and sites are recognised scams that attempt to obtain payment or personal information and are not connected to DVSA.”

The agency says that it takes any allegations about test fraud extremely seriously and it always investigates reports of individuals who attempt to work round the testing process. “We urge people to report any suspicious social media accounts offering driving services to the relevant social media network,” says a spokesperson for the agency.

Take care

TSB also offers useful fraud advice to ensure you don’t fall victim to scammers:

  • Always verify the seller and the service before handing over your hard-earned – too many people are paying people who they know nothing about.
  • Use a banking card or a secure payment platform – not a bank transfer – to pay for a service.
  • Don’t be tempted to follow ‘unofficial routes’ to get a test booking – only book a test through official companies and only ever pay the actual cost of the service. For instance, a theory test costs £23 for cars and the driving test is £62 (and £75 for a weekend slot). If someone wants to charge you more, then walk away.
  • Double check the validity of the site you’re on. For instance, don’t use links provided to you in, say, messaging. Instead, Google the DVSA to ensure you end up on the genuine site, not a knock-off.
  • Be wary of offers coming in via social media and messaging services. For instance, TSB’s research reveals Facebook accounts for 56% of all driving lesson and test fraud losses. That’s followed by Instagram (9%), Snapchat (9%), TikTok (8%) and WhatsApp (8%).

If you believe you have been scammed, then contact the authorities. For England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report it to www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. For Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

“Fraudsters have really upped their attempts to target learner drivers – with offers of driving lessons and fast-tracked tests that simply don’t exist.

“Almost all of these scams start from social media platforms – so we’d advise only paying for a service if you can verify it first, and stick to official routes when booking your exam. Don’t let a fraudster put the brakes on learning to drive.”

• Alex Robinson, Head of Fraud Analytics, TSB

Know Your Code

Double your chances of theory test success with Theory Test Pro. Sign up for free here.

Main image by Freepik