On April 7th 2014, interpreter assistance for driving theory tests and practical driving exams was ended. Book Your Theory Test Online reveals the reasons why…
Before translators were banned from driving theory tests and practical exams, non-English or Welsh speaking test candidates enjoyed foreign language voiceovers during the theory test and instructions in their own language when taking the practical driving exam.
Since the ban, the DVSA has revealed that 1,300 licences had to be revoked because of fraud, with interpreters providing theory test candidates with answers to the exam so that they could progress and take the practical driving exam.
At one stage the DVSA records that one in five theory tests taken with an interpreter present was fraudulent, with translators providing the answers, in secret, to wilfully accepting candidates.
Now, as a result of thoughtless translators and theory test cheats, non-English or Welsh speaking candidates have lost the privilege of having an interpreter present when taking a theory test or practical exam.
1,300 theory test certificates were made void due to allegations of cheating and obtaining a theory test pass certificate by fraudulent means. The problem had become rife according to the DVSA and it’s also one of the reasons why the DSA and VOSA merged, in order to stamp out fraud.
It was felt that the only way to eradicate the problem was remove the use of translation services as part of the theory test and practical driving exam.
The Book Your Theory Test Online blogger writes: “On the one hand it stops the theory test cheats however, genuine candidates will now suffer as a result of others’ actions, and it’s very unfortunate.”
The end to translation services for theory tests will also save £250,000 of taxpayers’ money and it is hoped the move will also improve road safety by keeping potentially dangerous drivers, with no knowledge of the Highway Code, off Britain’s roads.
In a statement from a DVSA spokesperson, they said: “Between 2008 and 2009 alone 20 per cent of theory tests taken using the services of an interpreter were fraudulent. Something needed to be done and this was the logical option.”
Over the last 12 months a number of theory test interpreters have been jailed for their part in helping candidates to obtain a theory test pass certificate via deceptive means. Perhaps the most prolific offender was 45-year-old Allyson Ng who ‘assisted’ nearly 100 people with their theory test answers.
Ng was jailed for 12 months and those candidates that she ‘helped’ were subsequently forced to re-take the theory test.
Book Your Theory Test Online offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your theory test – Ready to take your theory test? Book your theory test online today…
