Romanian Fraudster Tried Twice to Cheat Driving Theory Test

A Romanian fraudster tried twice to cheat his way through the driving theory test.

Marian-Mihai Lungu, 31, of Orchard Street, Boston, Lincolnshire, admitted two offences under the Fraud Act 2006 when he appeared at Boston Magistrates' Court on Monday, 17th November 2025.

Magistrates heard that the Romanian national first tried to beat the system at the North Finchley Theory Test Centre in north London, where he attended a test booking on 22nd November 2022.

Given his rudimentary grasp of English, Lungu requested a headset that would read the questions aloud to him. His plan was to use a Bluetooth device to relay the questions to an accomplice, who would then feed him the correct answers via the headset.

The 31-year-old was rumbled when staff noticed him retrieving the Bluetooth device from his trousers and putting it into his ear. Lungu was turned away from the Test Centre without completing the test.

The second fraud took place at the Coventry Theory Test Centre on 7th March 2025. Lungu was booked in for a test, which he appeared to pass. However, investigations later revealed that someone else had completed the test in his name. Lungu had provided his driving licence to the impersonator, who clearly had a very similar appearance.

Lungu admitted an offence under section 6(1) of the 2006 Act in relation to the first incident and an offence under section 7(1) in relation to the second incident.

The section 7 offence, which is the more serious of the two, has a maximum sentence of 10 years' custody on conviction on indictment; 12 months' custody on summary conviction.

Anton Balkatis, prosecuting on behalf of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, told the court that the Agency only decided to prosecute once Lungu's involvement had been identified in the second offence.

"These are serious offences," Mr Balkaltis told the court.

Magistrates ordered to preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Lungu was granted unconditional bail until his sentencing hearing at the same court on Wednesday, 17th December 2025.

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