Fraudsters targeting learning drivers

People who are learning to drive have been told to be vigilant for possible fraud.

According to Lloyds Banking Group, the number of driving lesson and test scams increased by 92% between September 2024 and February 2025, compared with the previous six months.

In many cases, these scams start with fake adverts on social media, presenting attractive offers such as discounted driving lessons.

Some, meanwhile, are falsely claiming to be linked to reputable driving schools.

Fraudsters are also using WhatsApp to trick learner drivers into paying for non-existent lessons upfront.

Once the victim turns up for the lesson and finds there’s no instructor waiting for them, they are then blocked. 

Other fake ads are targeting people who are waiting to book their test, promising guarantees of specific or early test slots, and when the learner driver turns up at the test centre, they discover that no such booking exists.

Learner drivers must be vigilant

Lloyds has urged learner drivers to be wary of possible scams, particularly when they see tempting ads on social media and requests for upfront payments.

Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds, said people should also be suspicious if they feel pressurised to pay or make a decision quickly.

“Always use a reputable driving instructor or company and be very wary of adverts on social media, particularly those that are suspiciously cheap, are pressure selling with time-limited offers, or ask for payment to an account held in a random name,” she commented.

'Driving is a rite of passage for many people and an eagerness to get behind the wheel as soon as possible - particularly if there are long waits for driving tests - can make people vulnerable to these driving scams.”

Staying safe online

For more tips on how to stay safe from fraudsters, read our blog on how to spot a scam and check out our guide on outsmarting online scammers.

Remember the rule of thumb that if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
 
So always take a moment to think before clicking on links or sharing information, and don’t let yourself be pressured into a quick decision.

Legitimate organisations won’t rush or panic you and will always let you say no.