Learner driver, 41, who spoke hardly any English cheated on her theory test by hiding a Bluetooth headset under a specially-made hijab

• Hatice Sadir requested her questions be heard on tape in English at test centre 
• Paid a 'facilitator' to listen in on the other end and then feed her the answers 
• Exam officials grew suspicious when they realised how little English she spoke
• Admitted fraud and sentenced to 20 weeks' jail, suspended for 12 months  

Hatice Sadir (pictured leaving London Magistrates' Court today) hid a bluetooth device under a headscarf 

A learner driver who spoke little English tried to cheat on her theory test by hiding a Bluetooth headset under a specially made hijab, a court heard. 

Hatice Sadir, 41, was fed the right answers by a 'facilitator' she planned to pay £300 but officials questioned her after the exam when they found the concealed device.

The Turkish mother of three was caught out at the Southwark Theory Test Centre on January 9 last year, prosecutor Rajesh Pabary told City of London Magistrates' Court.

'A bluetooth receiver was found in her possession used for the purposes of fraud related to a driving theory test,' he said.

'One has to book a theory test on a specific date at the test centre and provide personal details such as email address, date of birth and address.

'During the course of booking, a voice over can be booked in English or Welsh - if a person has difficulty reading they can request a voiceover.

'They are given a set of headphones when they arrive at the centre and the questions are read aloud. The person attending is not allowed assistance during the test.'

After several cancellations Sadir's theory test was scheduled at Southwark for 9 January 2018 and a 'voice over' was requested.

'When she attended the centre she was wearing a big head scarf,' said Mr Pabary. 'She was recognised by a member of staff from two weeks before - on the previous occasion she was not wearing a headscarf.

'This, coupled with the fact that she spoke very little English, aroused suspicion. She answered the questions very fast and the test was successfully passed.'

After the test Sadir was confronted by staff, who searched her headscarf and found the Bluetooth device, City of London Magistrates' court heard.

Mr Pabary explained that the bluetooth receiver connected her phone to a 'facilitator who overhears the questions being read and then provides the answers. 

The usual fee for this type of service is between £400 and £800.'

Sadir admitted using the device to cheat on the test, but refused to reveal the identity of the facilitator.

'She admitted she was provided a specifically adapted scarf and was going to pay £300 for the service,' said Mr Pabary.

'The test was booked some distance away from where she resided - this is usually done to avoid detection.

'This offence deals with potential risk. Ms Sadir could have obtained a full UK driving licence.

'If the device had not been found she would have gone on to take and potentially pass a practical test.

'There is a risk to other road users from someone who does not understand the rules and regulations of the road.

'It undermines the integrity of the test - people who use the UK roads expect to share the road with competent drivers.

Magistrate Jacqueline Jenkins told Sadir: 'We see this as a serious matter and one that has passed the custody threshold.

'However, since you pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, we will suspend the sentence for 12 months.'

Sadir, of Kidbrooke, southeast London, admitted fraud and was sentenced to 20 weeks jail suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to pay £2,115 in costs.