Warning over fake Highway Code

The DVSA warned that learners and licenced drivers who use a fake Highway Code run the danger of failing theoretical or practical exams or perhaps getting into trouble on the road.

There’s no getting around it – if you want to drive on UK roads, you need to know the Highway Code.

The Highway Code is a set of rules and regulations that all drivers must adhere to, and it’s essential reading for anyone who wants to pass their driving test.

However, there are fake versions of the Highway Code floating around, and if you’re tempted to buy one, you should think again.

Not only is it illegal to use a fake Highway Code, but you could also end up with some very serious consequences.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what the fake Highway Code is, the consequences of buying one, and how to avoid falling into the trap. So, let’s get started!

Staggered Crossroads sign from official Highway Code

The fake Highway Code

It is a poorly photocopied or scanned version of the official document that is sold illegally. These copies often leave out important information, which could lead to learners making mistakes when they take their theory tests.

Not only that, but buying a fake edition of the Highway Code supports the criminal activity.

The Consequences of Buying the Fake Highway Code

If you’re caught buying or selling a fake copy of the Highway Code, you could face a fine of up to £5,000.

But that’s not all – if you use a forgery copy to help you pass your theory test and it contains inaccurate information, you could be prosecuted for misleading the examiner.

This could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and your driving licence being revoked.

How to Avoid Buying a Fake Highway Code

There are a few simple things you can do to make sure you don’t accidentally buy an imitation copy of the Highway Code:

  • Only buy from an approved retailer: You can find a list of approved retailers on the GOV.UK website.
  • Check for the hologram: All official copies of the Highway Code will have a hologram on the front cover.
  • Check the price: The official Highway Code costs £4.99. If you see it being sold for anything less than that, it’s likely not to be an original copy.
  • Check the date: The current edition of the Highway Code was published in 2022. Any versions being sold that are dated before then are no longer valid.
  • Check the content: Make sure all tables and diagrams are clear and easy to read, and that there are no missing pages.
    By following these simple tips, you can make sure you don’t accidentally buy a phoney copy of the Highway Code – and avoid any potentially costly consequences!

Conclusion

When it comes to studying for your driving test, it is important to make sure you are using an official copy of the Highway Code.

There are a lot of unauthorised versions of the Highway Code floating around, and if you use one of these counterfeit versions, you could end up with an expensive fine!

An approved retailer will always have holograms on their product and clear content throughout their pages. So if you’re looking to avoid any fines, make sure you study from an official copy of the Highway Code.

Thank you for sharing!
About the author
Francis Quarm

My name is Francis Quarm, the founder of FQ Driving Academy. Although I don't teach anymore, I'm still very much interested in all things driving and with my resource website I aim to help those on their driving journey of learning.

Join the discussion