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Ireland's learner drivers are being ripped off to the tune of €200,000 a year by unscrupulous websites. That's according to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which is calling on all learner drivers and those looking to book driving or theory tests to only do so through the official sites.
Around 11,000 people have been affected by this, with bogus websites charging an extra, and wholly unnecessary, extra charge of up to €23 for a theory test booking and €18 for a licence test booking. The sites are UK-based, so there's nothing the Irish authorities can do other than monitor the issue and publicise the danger, but not only are these people being taken for a financial ride, they are also entering sensitive details such as their address and PPS number in order to book the tests.
Mr Declan Naughton, Director of Driver Testing and Licensing with the Road Safety Authority said: "We are really concerned that customers in Ireland are being ripped off by these websites who are charging customers up to €23 extra to book their theory or driving test for them. These so-called services are making a huge profit at the expense of unsuspecting customers who may not realise that they are paying a totally unnecessary extra cost to book their test. We want to remind customers that when they book their test through the official channels, there are no hidden extras; they only pay the cost of the test itself. In addition, their data will be stored in accordance with Irish Data Protection Laws."
Explaining how customers may end up on one of these websites instead of on the official test booking websites, Mr Naughton said: "These unofficial websites advertise to book theory and driving tests online and customers are fooled into thinking that they are the official booking websites. These bogus websites lure customers in by appearing official, using words associated with the driving and theory test and even using our name. The RSA has tried to beat these sites at their own game by advertising the official sites online. However, many customers continue to be fooled into booking their tests on the unofficial sites. The only winners are the bogus sites in the UK who are targeting unsuspecting learner drivers, and companies like Google, who profit from all the advertising."
Denise McCarthy, Deputy President & VP Welfare, Union of Students of Ireland commented: "It is unacceptable that these websites try to trick learner drivers into paying an extra fee to book their test. Students are already under pressure with mounting college fees and expenses and we would urge all students to only book their tests through the RSA's official channels. For many students, the additional booking charge of €20 can make a significant difference when relying on a grant or waiting for their next pay cheque."
Anything else?
If you're looking to book your test, then there are only two websites you should do it through. www.rsa.ie for a driving test or www.theorytest.ie for the theory test. Please do ignore all other advertised sites, no matter how official they may look.
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