The man in question was sentenced at Luton Crown Court, at a previous hearing the court had heard that he had taken over 40 theory driving test impersonations.

Four of the people who should have taken the test but instead had the man take them also appeared in court and were convicted on charges of conspiracy receiving 2 months imprisonment each.

It is hoped that the imprisonment of the fraudsters will act as a deterrent to anyone else who tries to conduct impersonations at driving tests.

Andrew Rice the Head of Fraud and Integrity Team at DSA said: “People who impersonate driving tests present a real risk to all road users as they provide an entitlement to drive to those who have not been assessed to show that they are competent to do so“.

“The DSA investigates all cases of suspected impersonation and we are working closely with the police and the courts to track down offenders and bring them to justice.”

The driving instrcutor struck off the Approved Driving Instructors’ register in 2003, after he was convictied of indecently assaulting a learner driver.

The instrcutor in question carried on giving lessons and as a result was given:

• a 9 month prison sentence (suspended for 2 years)

• disqualified from driving for 12 months

• given a 3 month curfew between the hours of 10pm and 7am.

• ordered to pay £200 compensation to one pupil and £1,400 court costs.

Michelle Moston, the deputy head ofDSAs “Fraud and integrity team” said: “This case clearly demonstrates the reason why anyone who is paying for driving tuition must ensure that their instructor is an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)“