Driving Test Theory Test Scam

timdalby

My wife booked my daughter on a theory driving test and to do so went to Google and put into the search engine 'Book a theory driving test'. The number one hit takes you to a theorytest.net a sponsored link site and my wife followed the link thinking it was the official site followed all the directions and paid for the theory test for £33 completely unaware that this was not the official government site. The booking was then made by the company (theorytest) and a conformation e-mail was sent to confirm booking and a few days later another e-mail with the date of the test. This date was unsuitable so I called the number on the e-mailed which was the official government site number 0870 0101372 and a pre-recorded message it told me how to reschedule on the website at https://www.direct.gov.uk where I found out the the cost of a test was £21.50 after speaking with the official site to try and find out why my wife had paid £33 on line she said it was a regular occurrence that people were using sites thinking they were booking direct and subsequently finding that was not the case and they indeed had been charged a booking and handling fee. This means this site is charging a massive £11.50 for booking and handling and there is no mention of that on their https://www.theorytest.net site in fact there are no terms and conditions on the site or any means of contact. I have also checked around and driving schools normally charge around £2.50 but they clearly state this is a handling or booking fee and in most case give you a link to book direct with the government site.

This type of site should be shut down or at least make you aware that there is a booking fee for the service they provide. How many other parents have fallen pray to this type of con, it can't be legal not to display contact details or terms and conditions on such a site.

dmg24

Have just had a look at that site. With respect, did your wife really think that was the proper site?!

espresso

timdalby wrote: »

it can't be legal not to display contact details or terms and conditions on such a site.

Some people should stay off t'net if they can't read:

Terms and conditions

Have a look at the real DSA site here

Woby_Tide

http://www.theorytest.net/termsandconditions.htm

Theorytest.net is an independent company, we do not administer the DSA Test booking system. Consequently we charge an administration fee in addition to the DSA Test Fee to cover our costs involved in making Test bookings and alterations with the DSA on behalf of 'Users' and to offset the costs of our service in dealing with e-mails, telephone calls and text messages to and from our 'Users'. The 'Theory Test Booking Fee' is the combined DSA Theory Test Fee and the Theorytest.net administration fee. Please do not proceed to booking a Test if you have any doubt.

brazilianwax

Top hit on google for your search is the DSA - ie the official site.

Sponsored links aren't hits.

And I agree with the others - this site is so obviously non-Government!

lellie

this is quite interesting - I work for Pearsons who run the theory test and wonder if head office are aware of this (as we run the call centre that does the official booking too). I will bring it up next time I'm in.

anewman

I agree the site looks unprofessional. However, there are lots of people who are less web savvy than others who will be sucked in by these sort of things. Afterall it's what these people want. So have a heart please

alwaysonthego_2

Do you have a connection with this website by any chance??? :rolleyes:

barjam_2

cant believe i also fell for this too.. i know i never used theorytest.net and i cant prove it.... as my confirmation email is from them... grrrrr

KeithP

Dan, that was nearly two years ago.
:beer:

dan_essex

that'll teach me for not checking the date :rolleyes:

still pretty funny tho :rotfl: