Learner sentenced for driving test earpiece fraud

A learner driver has been sentenced for fraud after repeatedly using a hidden electronic earpiece to cheat in his driving theory test.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said Hemin Braim Abdullah was spotted on CCTV at Bournemouth Test Centre in 2024 inserting the device into his headphones prior to taking the test, which he passed.

He was given 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £687 after admitting three counts of fraud.

DVSA director of enforcement Marian Kitson said driving test fraud "put innocent road users at risk".

Abdullah first attended the Croydon theory test centre on 24 November 2022 when staff stopped his test after noticing he was using an earpiece.

On 14 February 2024, he made a second cheating attempt at the theory test centre in Southwark when staff again found that he had an electronic earpiece concealed in his left ear.

In both cases, Abdullah was not allowed to sit the test and left the premises.

Finally, on 22 October 2024, Abdullah used an electronic device to cheat at the theory test centre in Bournemouth, which was later seen on CCTV.

The DVSA said Abdullah had stated that he had paid someone £600 to read him the answers.

The test certificate was subsequently revoked and he was reported to the police.

After pleading guilty to fraud, Abdullah was sentenced at Weymouth Combined Court.

Kitson said the agency had improved its monitoring and detection of fraud, resulting in more criminal prosecutions and licence revocations.

"It's essential that all drivers demonstrate they have the right skills, knowledge, and attitude to drive safely," she said.

"The theory test is part of the driver testing and training regime to assess candidates' ability to drive safely and responsibly as well as making sure they know the theory behind safe driving."