Bogus driving instructors are working in and around Skipton.

Now a special investigator has been appointed to track down the illegal tutors working in the town.

Andrew Rice, head of the recently formed fraud and integrity department at the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), said: "We have received several reports of suspected illegal driving instruction in the Keighley and Skipton areas, which are currently under investigation.

"Individuals who are not suitably qualified present a significant danger to public safety in that they have not been subject to the agency's criteria to establish they are fit and proper' to be registered as an approved driving instructor."

It is an offence to provide driving instruction for money unless qualified and registered with the DSA.

All DSA-registered driving instructors must display a badge when teaching and carry the correct insurance for their car, which covers pupils.

There are two types of badge - a pink triangle meaning the instructor has one more exam to take to complete their training and a green octagonal one for a fully qualified instructor.

All badges carry the instructor's photo and an expiry date.

Keighley Driving Instructors Association (KDIA) is attempting to raise awareness of the growing crime, which it says is not only putting members' livelihoods at risk but leaving drivers carrying the burden of uninsured accidents.

James McGrath, of KDIA, said: "If an instructor cannot provide a badge then serious questions need to be asked.

"Learner drivers can help to drive these people out of the profession by giving the person's name, address and vehicle registration number to the police, who with the help of the DSA can investigate to see if the instructor is allowed to teach.

"If they are discovered to be practising illegally they can be charged with fraud, obtaining money by deception and operating a vehicle outside the terms of its insurance."

Anyone who has information which may assist in identifying suspected illegal instructors is urged to contact the DSA fraud and integrity team on 02920 581290 or to e-mail integrity.team@dsa.gsi.gov.uk.