UK Bank reveals surge in Driving Lesson Scams

Learner drivers are being warned to beware of driving lesson scams after a major bank reported a sharp rise in cases.

Lloyds Bank has seen a 92% increase in such scams between September 2024 and February 2025. This is compared with the previous six months.

Victims lose an average of £244, according to Lloyds Banking Group, which also includes Halifax and Bank of Scotland.

Scammers often promote fake offers on social media, claiming to provide discounted lessons or “guaranteed” early test slots.

Fraudsters sometimes pretend to be linked to reputable driving schools.

Victims are often persuaded to contact scammers via WhatsApp.

They may be asked to pay £150 up-front for five lessons, followed by another £100 for insurance.

The driving instructor then fails to show up, and the victim is blocked from further contact.

Another common scam involves fake driving tests.

Fraudsters claim to secure early or specific test slots. Victims only realise they have been conned when they arrive at the test centre to find no booking exists.

A Lloyds Bank spokesperson said: “Always research instructors before paying money. Avoid upfront payments to unknown individuals and only use trusted sources for bookings.”

The bank advises learner drivers to use official websites for test bookings and trusted driving schools for lessons.

Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds, said: “Driving is a rite of passage for many people and an eagerness to get behind the wheel as soon as possible – particularly if there are long waits for driving tests – can make people vulnerable to these driving scams.

“Always use a reputable driving instructor or company and be very wary of adverts on social media – particularly those that are suspiciously cheap, are pressure selling with time-limited offers or ask for payment to an account held in a random name.”

Camilla Benitz, managing director of AA Driving School, added:

“With waiting times for a car driving test remaining stubbornly high, it is a double whammy for learners to be targeted by opportunists trying to make money out of their need to book a driving test.

“Besides those who are profiteering from the high demand for driving test slots, there are also some online scammers which impersonate genuine driving schools and sell ‘fake’ lessons.”

She suggested that those looking to book with the driving school should do so directly through its website.

Ziegler has five tips to help spot driving lesson scams:

1. Be cautious with social media ads for driving lessons or test bookings.
2. Avoid up-front payments for lessons, test bookings, insurance, or fees. Beware of payments to mismatched or multiple accounts.
3. Don’t feel pressured by claims of guaranteed test slots or limited-time deals. Legitimate instructors won’t pressure you.
4. Research driving instructors or companies. Check reviews and verify their credentials by contacting the driving school directly.
5. Ensure clear information about lesson packages, cancellations, and payments. Walk away if details are unclear.