Learner drivers have been issued a stark warning about fake tests and driving lesson offers, after a bank recorded a huge surge in people losing money to scammers.
TSB said it recorded a 211% jump in total losses to this type of fraud, following its analysis of fraud cases related to driving lesson and driving test scams between January and August 2025, compared with the same months in 2024. The bank suggested that driving test backlogs could be fueling scams as learners try to secure or fast-track a test. The average loss for a scammed learner driver is £244.
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. »
One scam saw someone pay £500 for 20 lessons up-front, only for communication to dry up once the payment was made.
Another customer responded to a Facebook post promising a fast-tracked driving test and tried to pay £100, which TSB blocked and confirmed was fraudulent.
Fake DVSA websites have also been created as part of the sting. Several customers paid £350 for a test after being contacted with the offer on WhatsApp, only to be blocked once the payment was made.
TSB found that almost every recorded scam was carried out via a social media platform, 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%).
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. »
TSB shared some key tips to help people avoid scams:
- Verify the seller and service before exchanging funds. If it’s legitimate, use your card or a secure payment platform to pay – avoid a bank transfer.
- Don’t let 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 of messages you receive claiming to be from official organisations or offering fast-tracked tests.
- Always check the website you’re dealing with is the official site, as fraudsters make very believable versions of the real thing.
