Many illegal driving schools detected in Sweden

A report by the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) shows that the number of illegal driving schools and methods to cheat in theory tests is increasing in the country, the Swedish Television SVT reported on Thursday.

According to the report, the number of illegal driving school has increased even though the number of teaching permissions is 15 students per supervisor.

The illegal activity includes most of all private driving lessons, but there have also been cases where earpieces and cameras have been used to cheat in theory tests. Students have also acquired certificates by mere payment.

"The cheating is widespread, refined and thoughtfully planned," VTI researcher Sonja Forward told SVT.

Forward says that because nobody takes responsibility for the illegal activity, it is easy to do it without getting caught. The report shows that approximately 3,400 cars in Sweden have dual pedals even though they are not registered to be used as a driving school car.

VTI proposes that the problem could be tackled by investigating how dual pedal cars are actually used. Higher fines, better co-operation between authorities and decreasing the number of teaching permissions are also suggested as a solution.