How the DVSA is Tackling Driving Test Impersonation

If you’ve ever wondered what checks an examiner carries out before a driving test, the following extract from the DVSA’s second edition enforcement update should make you feel better about the process.

DVSA action against serial driving test impersonator

A serial driving test impersonator, Safiyo Jimcaale has been sentenced to 14 months in prison following a long-running investigation into fraud offences committed at driving test centres across Great Britain.

She first came to the attention of DVSA when she attended Watnall Driving Test Centre in August 2023 with an accompanying male driver.

A driving examiner suspected she was not the genuine licence holder so police were called but both fled. She was then charged and bailed for a separate offence in Uxbridge, but failed to attend court, and was linked to more than 40 suspected impersonation offences at theory test centres nationwide and remained at large.

On 28 January 2025, DVSA enforcement officers attended Nuneaton Driving Test Centre following intelligence that an impersonation attempt would take place.

Jimcaale attended the test centre purporting to be another individual and was again suspected to not be the genuine licence holder during the identity check. The driving examiner identified discrepancies and it was suspected the candidate was not the genuine licence holder. Police were called and arrested Jimcaale on suspicion of fraud by misrepresentation. The accompanying male driver was later released with no further action.

Following interview by DVSA officers, the seriousness of the offences and her licence status from a previous custodial sentence resulted in Jimcaale being remanded into custody.

She was subsequently charged with offences of fraud by misrepresentation and initially entered not guilty pleas. While on bail following a later court appearance, she attempted to recover a surrendered passport using false medical documentation. She claimed a relative overseas required care. DVSA officers were able to demonstrate that the documents were fraudulent and the passport was withheld.

Jimcaale later pleaded guilty to the offences.

On 21 April 2026, Warwick Crown Court sentenced Jimcaale to 14 months’ immediate imprisonment.

DVSA worked closely with police and the Crown Prosecution Service throughout the investigation.

Source: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency

What can we do?

The DVSA has consistently warned that impersonating a learner driver during a theory or practical test, or arranging for someone else to take a test on their behalf, is illegal.

Although the agency recognises the difficulties caused by current test waiting times, it has confirmed that firm action will be taken when there is clear evidence of cheating.

ADIs also have an important role to play in discouraging this behaviour. Anyone who suspects that a person is pretending to be someone else during a theory or practical test should report their concerns directly to the DVSA.

Government guidelines recommend that all reports should contain all available information on the suspects, such as:

• Given names and addresses
• Physical descriptions
• Times and dates of encounters and incidents
• How you find out about the impersonation e.g. in-person, online etc.

If you don’t hear back from the DVSA after a report has been made, don’t panic. The agency’s website confirms that while all reports are reviewed and investigated where appropriate, news with their investigations may be withheld.

Report driving test impersonation on GOV.UK

What can we learn from this?

As driving instructors, we have a responsibility to shape the next generation of drivers by instilling our learners with the skills, confidence and attitude to gain their licence through their own hard work and merit.

The roads can be dangerous and the last thing we need is unqualified and unsupervised drivers making them more so.