TSB issues warning to young people and learner drivers – as driving lesson & test fraud more than doubles

TSB can reveal a sharp spike in fraudsters targeting learner drivers, as losses to those hopeful of getting behind the wheel have more than doubled (211%)¹ in a year.

Analysis of the bank’s customer data found that fraudsters are increasingly using social media platforms to advertise driving lessons and tests that don’t exist – leaving young people, parents and new drivers out of pocket.

Just last week reports emerged of backlogs to booking driving tests, which could be fuelling a rise in the test scam element of this type of fraud – as learners aim to secure, or fast track a test.

The average loss for a scammed learner driver is currently £244, and although this is smaller than other types of fraud, it can hit younger people disproportionately hard.

TSB found that almost every recorded scam was carried out via a social media platform² – with Facebook accounting for over half (56%) of all driving lesson and test fraud losses; followed by Instagram (9%), Snapchat (9%), TikTok (8%), and WhatsApp (8%).

One such scam saw an individual pay £500 for 20 lessons up front via TikTok only for contact to dry up once the payment was made.

On Facebook, a customer responded to a post promising a fast-tracked driving test and tried to pay £100, which TSB blocked and confirmed it was fraud.

Fake DVSA websites have also been created as part of the sting – with several customers paying £350 for a test, having been contacted with the offer on WhatsApp, only to be blocked once the payment was made.

Alex Robinson, Head of Fraud Analytics, TSB, said:

“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.”

A DVSA spokesperson said:

"TSB's data shows that there is a serious and growing problem with this type of fraud.

“These accounts and sites are recognised scams that attempt to obtain payment or personal information and are not connected to DVSA.

“We take all allegations about test fraud extremely seriously and fully investigate reports of any individuals who attempt to circumvent the testing process.

“We urge people to report any suspicious social media accounts offering driving services to the relevant social media network."

Notes to editors:

1. TSB analysed fraud cases related to driving lesson and driving test scams from year to date (Jan-Aug) 2025, Vs Jan-Aug 2024

2 TSB data relates to where a platform origin was recorded as part of the scam

Fraud advice from TSB’s Head of Fraud, Alex Robinson

Social media platforms remain rife with scam content – so be careful with who and what you engage with.

It really pays to verify the seller and service before exchanging funds – as too often people make payments online only to never hear from the person they’ve been speaking with again. And use your card to pay, or a secure payment platform – avoiding a bank transfer for a service or seller you haven’t verified.

Don’t let your desperation to get your licence push you into unofficial routes. Only book a driving test through official companies – and be clear on how much they actually cost: The DVSA says a theory test costs £23 for cars, and the test itself is £62 – and £75 at the weekend.

Popular messaging services such as WhatsApp are now increasingly being used to target people with scams. Be vigilant to messages you receive claiming to be from official organisations, or offering fast-tracked tests.

Always check a website you’re dealing with is the official site – as fraudsters make very believable versions of the real thing: So check it’s actually the DVSA, or a test booking site you’re on.

Further information from the DVSA

GOV.UK is the only official driving test booking service.

All users have the ability and power to block and report users to the social media platforms and we would encourage anyone to do this if they see adverts like this.

DVSA reports fraud to the social media network and encourages the public to report it also.

DVSA has a dedicated counter fraud team.  DVSA’s investigations and counter fraud strategy focuses resource on those committing the most serious offences.

Like other scams, anyone can report posts like this and any others they see to the platform provider, and we would encourage anyone to do this. It is then for the social media platform to take it down, so other people don’t fall for these types of scams.

If you’ve been tricked into sharing personal information with a scammer, you can take immediate steps to protect yourself. If you’ve lost money or have been hacked as a result of responding to a suspicious text message, report it: at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040 (in England, Wales or Northern Ireland) to Police Scotland by calling 101 (in Scotland)

The theory and practical driving tests exist to make sure people have the correct knowledge, skills and attitude to drive on our roads.

We have robust processes in place to ensure all tests are conducted fairly, safely and to the required assessment standard, including through internal systems which manage the process of scheduling examiners and recording test results.