NYC Driving School Shut Down in License Fraud

Authorities in New York City have uncovered a large-scale fraud scheme in which T&E Driving School in Queens, now permanently closed, and corrupt DMV examiners facilitated the illegal sale of driver’s licenses to noncitizens, especially targeting Chinese immigrants with limited English and driving skills. At least 14 individuals, including driving school staff and DMV examiners, were indicted for accepting bribes to falsify or completely bypass mandatory road tests and requirements, with payments ranging from $1,600 to $2,000 per license. Prosecutors estimate that hundreds or even thousands of unqualified individuals may have received fraudulent licenses, raising serious public safety and national security concerns. The fraudulent licenses also risk enabling further illicit activities, as state-issued IDs can be used to access secure facilities. The operation, named 'Operation Road Test,' is believed to be only partially uncovered, with authorities anticipating further arrests and developments. The investigation into the extent of the scheme is ongoing.