Queens Driving School Involved in DMV License Fraud Scheme

A driving school in Queens was implicated in a scheme to illegally secure driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants by paying off DMV examiners, authorities announced. The operation also involved corrupt officials on Staten Island who facilitated the process.

The scheme, known as Operation Road Test, was uncovered through a coordinated investigation involving state authorities and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. According to prosecutors, the driving school targeted members of the Chinese community—many with limited English—using social media and advertising to attract clients and promise licenses regardless of their driving skills or immigration status.

Prosecutors allege that the owners of T&E Driving School, along with employees and examiners, arranged payments to DMV staff to fast-track licenses without proper testing. The examiners allegedly approved applicants without having them take actual road tests, effectively rubber-stamping their licenses.

Authorities identified several individuals involved, including Weixian Tan, Weiwen Tan, Winnie Yang, and Wenfeng Yang. They paid off DMV examiners Aji Idicula, Tianna Rose Andolina, and Edward Tarik Queen to execute the scam. The investigation suggests that hundreds, potentially thousands, of licenses may have been issued fraudulently, with each examiner reportedly processing about 1,500 tests annually.

Officials called the operation “brazen” and a betrayal of public trust. The defendants faced charges related to fraud, tampering, and theft. They were released after arraignment but were required to surrender their passports. Authorities indicated the scope of the scheme could be much larger, with ongoing investigations expected to uncover more individuals involved.

This case highlights significant vulnerabilities in the licensing process and underscores efforts to restore integrity and safety in driver licensing.