Man in dock for taking driving test for a friend

dubai — A 23-year-old man, who tried to take a driving test on behalf of his friend, 22, stood trial on Monday at the Dubai Court of First Instance on a charge of using documents in another person’s name.

Prosecutors accused the Pakistani man of using a driving lesson form issued to his compatriot and the latter’s Emirates ID when he tried to take a driving test in his place.

He had allegedly collected Dh1,000 for his help.

The original holder of the documents has been accused of aiding and abetting by giving his papers to the other man. The case dates back to December 27, 2017, and was registered at Bur Dubai police station.

A Sudanese supervisor at a driving institute had to inform his superior when the first defendant approached him with documents bearing photos that were not his own.

“I was on the job when he came to take the theoretical driving test but he looked different from the photos on the documents he presented. He was then taken to the manager’s office. We found out later that he impersonated his friend and tried to take the test in his place,” the supervisor told the prosecutor.

A police sergeant said both accused were apprehended when the complaint was received. An Emirati manager at the institute said: “When we asked him about the reasons behind his behaviour, he stayed silent and cried.”

When interrogated by the police and during public prosecution investigation, the first accused admitted to the charge.

A ruling will be issued on December 24.