A TEENAGER tried to take a driving test for a friend who had failed just weeks before, Burnley magistrates heard.

Majid Hussain, 19, gave police his true identity after he was challenged by the examined. He escaped jail after the bench told him what he had done was a 'misguided' attempt to help a friend. They added that if he had committed the offence for profit, he would have gone to prison.

Hussain, of New Hall Street, Burnley, was given 80 hours community service, after admitting forgery of an instrument and using a licence with intent to deceive, in August.

The court heard the examiner was suspicious after Hussain gave his name as Ahmed, and contacted police. Hussain signed the standard insurance declaration as Ahmed and both he and the examiner got into the car. The examiner again challenged Hussain about his identity and, shortly after, the police arrived. Hussain produced an identification card in his own name. It then became clear the defendant was trying to take a driving test for a friend, who had failed a few weeks earlier. Graeme Tindall, defending, said Hussain was an intelligent young man, came from a good family and had never been in trouble. He had got involved in the offence because he had been put under considerable pressure by the friend, who constantly asked him to take the driving test.

He was full and frank in his admissions to police after producing his identity. But it was difficult to give any real explanation for what he had done. The defendant had not derived any benefit for himself. Hussain had learned his lesson, was deeply remorseful and had brought shame on his family, who were at a loss to understand why he had become involved.

Mr Tindall added that the defendant was looking for temporary work and had a job lined up. He then wanted to go to London to stay with relations and get permanent employment there.

He went on: "The defendant offers his sincere apologies to all concerned. This is the first and last time he will be before the court.

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