Jail term puts brakes on Croydon driving test fraudster

A serial fraudster who travelled the country taking driving tests for other people has been jailed for 20 months.

Croydon resident Balbir Singh made a living pretending to be learner drivers so he could take theory and practical examinations for them – even taking two tests in a day on one occasion.

He was arrested at a testing centre in Ipswich after turning up to take a practical exam under someone else’s name in June.

Singh, 41, admitted 16 offences of fraud by making a false representation and possessing false identity documents with intent, and asked for another 12 offences to be taken into consideration.

The court heard his crime had made the roads more dangerous by putting unqualified drivers on to the streets.

Singh used bogus identities to take tests across the country, travelling to the midlands, south coast and Yorkshire to commit the frauds.

He even managed to fit in taking two tests for other people in a single day, clocking up his first in Bradford early on May 5 before heading to Blackpool for a second test at 1pm.

Andy Rice, head of the Driving Standards Agency’s fraud and integrity team said: “Driving test impersonation is a serious offence that puts law- abiding road users at risk.

“Cases such as this are rare but we investigate all suspected incidents and work closely with the police to make sure those responsible are brought to justice. We welcome today’s sentence, which shows those found guilty of driving test fraud will be punished.”

An application has been made to seize £1,120 in cash found in Singh’s car as the proceeds of crime. His Volkswagen Golf was also retained by the police as it was used in the commission of a crime.