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An East London man has been detained on suspicion of fraud after allegedly attempting to sit a driving theory test on behalf of another person in Hertford. The incident occurred on January 19, when staff at a Driving Theory Test Centre noticed that the photograph on a candidate’s driving licence did not appear to match the individual presenting it.
Police were alerted and arrested 47-year-old Solomon Tweneboah, from Leather Gardens in Plaistow, on suspicion of fraud by false representation. He has been remanded in custody and is also facing charges linked to several similar offences nationwide following an investigation by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Read more: DRIVING TEST MAFIA: Corrupt Examiners Suspended as Fraud Cases Explode
PC Luke Griffin, who is leading the investigation, said impersonating someone during a theory test is an offence that can result in a criminal record. He added that police and the DVSA continue to work together to uphold testing standards and prevent unsafe drivers from being allowed onto the roads.
The case comes amid a sharp rise in driving test fraud. According to DVSA data cited by PA, attempts to cheat during driving tests increased by 47% in the year to September 2025, with 2,844 cases recorded. This compares with 1,940 cases the previous year and 1,274 in 2018/19. The DVSA said the increase reflects both higher levels of cheating and improved detection methods. Technology-based methods, including the use of hidden earpieces connected to mobile phones, accounted for the largest share of incidents in 2024/25, totalling 1,113 cases.
