A WOMAN has been ordered to carry out 220 hours unpaid work as part of a community sentence for allowing someone else to take her driving theory test in Skipton.

Hajia Biliki Ogundare, from London, admitted fraud in that she allowed someone else to sit the theory test at the centre in Carleton Road, on March 29, last year.

In the case brought by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Harrogate Magistrates Court was told that the person who attended in Ogundare’s place was challenged as they appeared not to look like the photo on the driving licence.

That person made off before they could be apprehended, the court was told.

Ogundare, whose name the test was booked under, was contacted and interviewed, but at the time denied arranging for someone else to take the test for her.

Magistrates at Harrogate sentenced Ogundare, of Mitcham Park, Mitcham, London, to a 12 month community order with 220 hours unpaid work. She will also have to pay costs of £500.

Following her court appearance, Andy Rice, Head of DVSA Counter Fraud and Investigation said the DVSA’s priority was to protect everyone from unsafe drivers and vehicles.

“ Driving and theory tests exist to help ensure people have the correct knowledge, skills and attitude to drive on our roads,” he said.

“Circumventing the tests puts lives in danger, we have methods in place to detect test fraud and will come down hard on anyone involved in (such fraud).”

DVSA has successfully prosecuted many people involved in test fraud, with some receiving immediate custodial sentences. It says it is constantly reviewing its detection methods and trains staff to become experts in spotting impersonators and the use of Bluetooth headsets.