Jul 16, 2025
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"Countless individuals are now driving on our roads without ever having demonstrated the basic skills to do it safely," District Attorney Michael McMahon said at a press conference on July 1.
According to CBS News, authorities say staff at T&E Driving School, located in Queens, worked with the DMV employees and a driver who posed as other people and took tests on their behalf. Individuals were charged between $1,600 and $2,000.
Going undercover
Authorities say the scheme was uncovered thanks to the help of an officer who went undercover as a customer.
"A short time ago, our undercover, who never took the test, was told by the school he passed and was getting a license," McMahon said.
New York's DMV says it has begun revoking the driving privileges of customers tied to the scheme, according to CBS News. Officials said it's possible many didn't understand they were participating in a scam.
"These individuals often did not speak or understand English and may have believed they were taking legitimate, necessary steps," George Ioannidis of Homeland Security Investigations said at the press conference.
The broadcaster also reports the DMV examiners involved have either been fired or placed on leave without pay and are no longer conducting road tests. They're also facing charges.
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Spotting a shady driving school
Driving without the proper training and testing can lead to serious public safety risk for both the driver and everyone on the road. An inexperienced or untested driver could be more likely to cause accidents or violate traffic laws.
In addition to those safety concerns, there could be legal implications for drivers who obtain licenses through shady practices — even through not fault of their own. Here are some red flags to watch for when looking for a legitimate driving school:
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Unusually high fees for quick results: Be wary if the school promises a fast track to your license for a steep price.
Lack of transparency: If they won't give you a breakdown of costs or explain the testing process clearly, that’s a warning sign.
No written contracts or receipts: Always request documentation of what you're paying for and obtain proof of purchase.
Promises or guarantees that you'll pass the test: Legitimate schools prepare you for the test; they don't make guarantees or help you skip steps in the process.
Asking you to skip testing steps: If a school suggests you don't need to take a written or road test that you know is required, it may not be operating legally.
If you're unsure if a driving school is legitimate, contact your local DMV to verify that the school is licensed and in good standing. Driving schools can be a valuable resource for obtaining a license; just ensure you find one that operates in good faith.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer based in Ohio. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love.
