Driving test examiner arrested in 'cash-for-pass' inquiry

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Across the country investigators are examining nearly 900 cases of alleged identity fraud

A driving test examiner has been arrested by police investigating an alleged cash-for-pass scam.

Officers arrived at a north London driving test centre at 08:00 GMT and took the man into custody before seizing boxes of documents.

It happened as fellow examiners, who are not under suspicion, began their first tests of the day.

It is alleged the examiner was bribed, taking as much as £3,000 for each test that he agreed to pass in advance.

Investigators have so far identified more than 100 people who they allege had fraudulently obtained their licences from him.

Identity fraud claims

The licences are currently being revoked.

Two driving instructors and four test candidates were also arrested in London and Walsall, West Midlands.

Andrew Rice, head of fraud and integrity at the Driving Standards Agency, said: "We believe the candidates have approached their driving instructor, they've had a conversation saying for x amount of money we can guarantee you a pass.

"The candidate then agrees to that. The driving instructor then speaks to our member of staff and tells them which candidate to pass."

Across the country investigators are also examining nearly 900 cases of alleged identity fraud, where a candidate pays somebody else to sit the driving test for them.

The number of cases of identity fraud has grown in recent years.

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