SCORES of illegal driving instructors are teaching on Greater Manchester roads, the M.E.N. can reveal.

The Driving Standards Agency is investigating 33 cases of unqualified and unlicensed instructors charging for lessons in the region.

Fraud investigators believe it is the tip of the iceberg - but must prove money has changed hands before they can prosecute.

The law requires would-be instructors to pass a rigorous three-part test before being licensed and added to an approved register.

They are subjected to criminal records checks, must have fewer than six points on their licence and need special insurance.

Stuart Brown, from Apex Driving Instructor College, Sale, is working with the DSA to tackle the problem.

He said: "This is a significant problem. There are probably about 100 or so unapproved instructors operating in Greater Manchester and we see more at some test centres than at others.

Specialist insurance

"You need specialist insurance or the pupil, car and instructor will not be covered."

Qualified driving instructors should display a green badge with a photo on their windscreen during lessons or a trainee pink licence. There are thought to be more than 400 instructors working illegally across Britain.

Michelle Moston, of the DSA, said: "Illegal instructors on our roads have not passed the agency's rigorous three-part test to ensure they are meeting the highest standards of safety.

"This puts all our lives at risk.

"To prove the offence, we need to have evidence that money has been exchanged.

"However, suspected illegal driving instructors will be sent a letter by the DSA and this very often acts to deter them."

To report a suspected illegal driving instructor call the DSA on 02920 581155 or e-mail: intergrity.team@dsa.gsi.gov uk.