The U.K. is set to scale back translation services for people undertaking driving tests. Both practical and theory tests can currently be undertaken in 19 foreign languages: Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish and Urdu. The U.K. currently has the most accommodating driving test language system in Europe. Unlike the scale back of translation services in councils, this move has been taken because of cheating.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin ordered the crackdown to stop rogue interpreters helping people who cannot speak English cheat their way to a UK driving licence by telling them the answers to questions in both the theory and practical tests.

More than 850 test passes have been revoked since 2009, while nine interpreters have been banned.

It is unfortunate to think that because of the errors of a few, some people will now be unable to drive in the U.K.. Although 850 test passes being revoked may seem like a large number ‘about 675 learners a week take the test with an interpreter in the back seat. A further 2,100 use them or rely on voice-overs for their theory exam.’ Although the move is apparently not due to saving money, the ‘Department for Transport figures say the crackdown will save £230,000 a year.‘

via: The Daily Mail & The Sun