Learner driver caught cheating on 19th theory test spared jail

Ali Mohammed, 26, from Birmingham is being labelled as one of Britain's very worst drivers after he was caught attempting to cheat his 19th theory test after failing the previous 18 efforts.

 

Mohammed had splashed out hundreds of pounds attempting to pass his theory test but after failing an astounding 18 times, he decided to rope in a 'ringer' to help him get one step closer to owning a full licence.

The scam was quickly rumbled when eagle-eyed staff at the Driving Standards Association realised the stand-in didn't match the picture that was on Mohammed's provisional licence.

Birmingham Crown Court heard how this wasn't the first time the defendant had attempted to cheat his way to a driving licence - he was rumbled back in 2007 when he tried to use a double in a Stoke test centre.

Mohammed, originally from Turkey, admitted fraud and was handed a nine-month prison term, suspended for two years for his latest attempt to fool the authorities. He was also handed 200 hours' community service.

The Mirror.co.uk reported that his barrister, Nigel Stelling, said: "He has tried again and again to get his licence legitimately."

"He is a family man with commitments to a partner and a child. He has resolved to sort his life out."

Recorder Edward Coke told him: "It is with hesitation I do not send you (to prison). It is very serious because a full driving licence is a valuable document.

"Without the theory, members of the public could be maimed or killed because of an ignorance of the theory of driving," the Manchester Evening News reported.