Learner drivers across the UK are being warned to stay vigilant as a wave of sophisticated scams targeting them proliferates on major social media platforms. Fraudulent accounts on TikTok and Instagram are exploiting lengthy driving test waiting times and learner anxiety by offering bogus services, from fake certificates to stolen test slots.
How The Scams Operate on Social Media
With practical test dates often booked months in advance, many learners turn to social media for advice and shortcuts. This desperation is being ruthlessly exploited. An investigation found scam accounts openly advertising services to remove driving bans and penalty points, cancel speeding tickets, and provide fake theory and practical test passes. Some even brazenly claim they can deliver a full driving licence within three days without any test being taken.
These accounts often steal credibility by repurposing videos from legitimate driving instructors, presenting them as their own to appear authentic. Another common tactic involves individuals using bots to buy up test slots on the official government portal, only to resell them at a premium far above the standard £62 fee to learners desperate for an earlier date.
Platform Response: A Mixed Picture
When these scam accounts were reported directly to TikTok from a personal account, the platform initially found "no violation" of its rules against fraud and scams, leaving the accounts active. However, after direct contact from journalists, TikTok took immediate action to remove the specific accounts highlighted.
A TikTok spokesperson stated its Community Guidelines prohibit the trade of regulated or high-risk services and any attempts to defraud users. The company said it proactively removed 94.2% of violative fraud and scam content in Q2 2025, but acknowledged it cannot catch every instance. It pledged continued investment in Trust and Safety operations.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram—where similar accounts operate—was also contacted but provided no response to enquiries.
Official Action and Red Flags for Learners
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is taking steps to combat the issue. A spokesperson emphasised: "GOV.UK is the only official way to book a practical driving test." They urged the public to report any social media channels offering unofficial slots directly to the platform.
The DVSA also revealed it is making the system fairer, having closed almost 350 driving instructor accounts for breaching terms of service in 2025. From Spring 2026, new measures will take effect, including allowing only learners (not instructors) to book tests and limiting the number of changes that can be made to a booking.
Consumer group Which? advises learners to be acutely aware of several red flags:
- Offers that seem too good to be true, like a licence in days.
- Unsolicited contact asking for money or personal details.
- Suspicious website URLs or fake login pages.
- Being asked to pay by bank transfer, which offers little fraud protection.
The DVSA sternly warns that any test booked outside the official site is likely a scam, potentially leaving learners out of pocket and without a valid test slot. Furthermore, candidates caught using impersonators or fake certificates risk having their licence revoked and facing prosecution, which can lead to prison, driving bans, or unpaid work.
Suspected scams should be reported to the social media platform, the DVSA, and Action Fraud.
