SURREY, B. C. –A B. C. driving school has been shut down after being accused of helping students illegitimately obtain Class 1 licences.

The Insurance Corp. of B. C. and the RCMP conducted a joint investigation into Southwest Driving Academy, which allegedly provided students with fabricated experience letters to help them obtain their Class 1.While the investigation is continuing, ICBC revoked the school’s licence.

“I am glad to see that ICBC is taking this matter very seriously,” said Solicitor General John Les. “The provincial government’s priority is to ensure that we have safe drivers with secure licences on B. C. roads.”

ICBC announced in a release that it has also taken action against a number of students who used the false driver experience letters to help them obtain a Class 1 licence. Other students from the school have been asked to provide additional proof of experience. ICBC says about 123 people have been asked to provide further proof of their driving experience. Twenty-two have had their Class 1 licence revoked as a result of the investigation.

“ICBC has a zero tolerance policy for this type of behaviour,” said Mark Withenshaw, ICBC vice-president of driver services. “We actively work to protect the integrity of the driver licensing system and have a comprehensive plan in place to identify any potential fraud vulnerabilities in the driver licencing process.” •