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New data reveals a significant rise in cheating incidents during practical and theory driving tests across England, Scotland, and Wales, with cases jumping by nearly 50 percent in the past year. According to figures obtained from the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), more than 1,100 instances involved candidates using Bluetooth earpieces to receive help during theory exams. In total, almost 100 people were prosecuted for cheating attempts, including those who impersonated candidates to pass tests on their behalf.
Freedom of information requests highlighted that in the year ending September 2025, there were 2,844 reported attempts to cheat during driving tests, a 47% increase over the previous year. Around one-third of these attempts (1,113) involved the use of concealed technology, such as Bluetooth headsets linked to hidden phones, to assist with theory test questions. Additionally, 1,084 cases involved attempts by individuals to impersonate registered candidates during theory examinations, while 647 incidents saw impersonation in practical tests.
Experts warn that this surge in fraudulent activity has serious consequences. Dr Rasha Kassem, head of the Fraud Research Group at Aston University, expressed concern about the risks posed by unqualified drivers obtaining licences through cheating. She stated, “It means that there will be more accidents, collisions, insurance issues as well, damage to the car, and damage to human beings, injuries, and in some cases, death.” Dr Kassem emphasized the gravity of this crime, urging greater public awareness and labeling it as fraud under the law.
Authorities are taking steps to combat the problem by employing stricter identity verification methods, such as matching candidates’ faces with their ID photos during practical tests and enforcing checks like having theory test-takers roll up their sleeves and empty their pockets. Penalties for those caught include driving bans, prison sentences, court costs, and community service. Several high-profile prosecutions last year included Qounain Khan, who received an eight-month prison sentence for impersonating learners multiple times, and Ali Rasul, sentenced to two years for repeated cheating using hidden earpieces and impersonators.
The increase in cheating cases is occurring alongside persistent delays for practical driving test slots. Despite the DVSA reporting no direct evidence linking the rise in fraud to these waiting times, industry experts suggest the backlog is a factor. Carly Brookfield, chief executive of the Driving Instructors Association, commented that the demand-supply imbalance creates pressure that may push some individuals toward risky and dishonest behaviors. Dr Kassem also pointed to the difficulty of booking tests quickly, especially when licences are urgently needed for employment.
The ongoing backlog is expected to continue until at least November 2027, with contributing factors including examiner recruitment challenges and bots booking slots via third-party websites. In response, the Department for Transport has announced measures such as employing military driving examiners and limiting test booking access exclusively to learner drivers starting in the spring. Marian Kitson, director of enforcement services at the DVSA, stressed the importance of ensuring all drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge to drive safely, noting that “people who attempt to cheat driving tests put all road users at risk.” She confirmed that the agency has increased its detection efforts and works in partnership with police to bring offenders to justice and maintain road safety
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