TikTok scam preys on Britain’s 600,000-strong driving test backlog with £400 fee
Brits risk £400 TikTok diving licence scam as learner backlog hits 600,000
- Fraudsters are charging up to £400 for fake documents, luring cash-strapped learners worried about failing.
- Google searches for “buy drivers licence online” are up 200% in the UK.
- Britain’s driving test backlog has surpassed 600,000 learners – the longest queue on record.
- Updraft Founder urges Brits to be cautious and parents to be aware of the scam.
TikTok accounts in the UK are promising to sell driving licences directly with no test required. At a time when Britain’s learner drivers are facing the biggest backlog on record, some may be tempted into parting with hundreds of pounds in the hope of skipping the queue.
With Google searches for “buy drivers licence online” up 200% year-on-year and “buy drivers license” up 67%, it’s clear more people are falling for the false promises.
Aseem Munshi, Founder of Updraft, experts in helping people manage their consumer credit, is urging Brits to stay vigilant, particularly parents, as young learners on social media may be especially vulnerable to these scams.
TikTok scammers charging up to £400 for fake licences
Updraft has investigated the situation on the app and has found that fraudsters are targeting frustrated learners with offers of full driving licences for up to £400 and practical tests for £200, promised to be offered in just 3 days. One account with this type of offering has even exceeded 6,000 followers.
These “documents” are not legally recognised, meaning that not only do victims lose money, but they could also face penalties for driving without a valid licence and are at risk of identity theft.
Alongside fake licences, some promise to remove bans and points for a fee, which drivers will also be legally prosecuted for.
Why a rise in popularity now? The record-breaking driving test backlog
New statistics show Britain’s backlog of learner drivers has now surpassed 600,000 – the largest ever waiting list 1. With some learners waiting months just to book their first attempt, the pressure is immense.
The appeal is clear: with the cost of lessons mounting, the official test itself priced at £75, and the threat of being pushed to the back of a queue if they fail, many learners see these shortcuts as a cheaper alternative and “quick fix”. In reality, they’re costly scams.
Expert warns how financial stress makes scams more tempting
Aseem Munshi, Founder of Updraft, warns that financial strain is part of the problem:
“When people are under pressure, whether it’s from rising costs or the fear of falling further behind in the driving test queue, they’re more vulnerable to offers that promise a quick solution. Unfortunately, scams like these don’t just leave victims without a licence, but they also deepen financial stress by wiping out hundreds of pounds that could have gone towards genuine lessons or paying off debts.
“Scammers are clever at exploiting frustration, but the only safe and legal way to get a licence is to pass your test. No social media account can shortcut that process, and paying them could cost you far more in the long run.”
Final Thought
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