Cheating on driving tests in England, Scotland, and Wales has surged by 47% in just one year, according to figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This alarming trend is raising serious concerns about road safety, with many experts warning that cheats are putting other road users at risk.
The DVSA recorded a significant increase in cheating cases, with 2,844 instances reported in the year up to September 2025, compared to 1,940 during the previous 12 months and just 1,274 in 2018-19. The rise is attributed to both more people attempting to cheat and improved detection methods.
Technology-assisted cheating was the most common method used, with 1,113 cases of theory test cheating involving hidden earpieces or other devices. Impersonating registered candidates accounted for a significant proportion of cheating incidents, with 1,084 theory tests and 647 practical tests compromised.
The increase in cheating comes as learners face lengthy waiting times for driving tests, with an average wait of 22 weeks in September compared to just five weeks before the pandemic disrupted driving testing. However, the DVSA says it has no evidence linking waiting times to cheating.
To combat cheating, the DVSA uses various measures, including checking candidates' faces and pockets for concealed devices, patting them down, and using handheld metal detectors. Intelligence gathering also helps identify vehicles and individuals involved in previous cheating attempts.
The consequences for cheats are severe, with 96 people prosecuted for attempting to cheat or impersonate others in 2024-25. Offenders can face prison sentences, bans from driving, community service, and fines.
Some cases have made headlines, including Qounain Khan, who was sentenced to eight months in prison after pleading guilty to impersonating learners 12 times. Similarly, Sorina-Ana Turcitu received a suspended sentence for attempting to take a practical test on behalf of someone else.
Industry experts are warning that the increase in cheating is putting other road users at risk and calls for increased vigilance and tougher penalties. The RAC Foundation's Steve Gooding stated that "the longer people have to wait to get a test slot, the greater the pressure to pass, but that's no excuse for cheating." Emma Bush, managing director of the AA Driving School, described the rise in cheating attempts as "staggering" and warned that some individuals may have cheated successfully and be on the roads.
The DVSA recorded a significant increase in cheating cases, with 2,844 instances reported in the year up to September 2025, compared to 1,940 during the previous 12 months and just 1,274 in 2018-19. The rise is attributed to both more people attempting to cheat and improved detection methods.
Technology-assisted cheating was the most common method used, with 1,113 cases of theory test cheating involving hidden earpieces or other devices. Impersonating registered candidates accounted for a significant proportion of cheating incidents, with 1,084 theory tests and 647 practical tests compromised.
The increase in cheating comes as learners face lengthy waiting times for driving tests, with an average wait of 22 weeks in September compared to just five weeks before the pandemic disrupted driving testing. However, the DVSA says it has no evidence linking waiting times to cheating.
To combat cheating, the DVSA uses various measures, including checking candidates' faces and pockets for concealed devices, patting them down, and using handheld metal detectors. Intelligence gathering also helps identify vehicles and individuals involved in previous cheating attempts.
The consequences for cheats are severe, with 96 people prosecuted for attempting to cheat or impersonate others in 2024-25. Offenders can face prison sentences, bans from driving, community service, and fines.
Some cases have made headlines, including Qounain Khan, who was sentenced to eight months in prison after pleading guilty to impersonating learners 12 times. Similarly, Sorina-Ana Turcitu received a suspended sentence for attempting to take a practical test on behalf of someone else.
Industry experts are warning that the increase in cheating is putting other road users at risk and calls for increased vigilance and tougher penalties. The RAC Foundation's Steve Gooding stated that "the longer people have to wait to get a test slot, the greater the pressure to pass, but that's no excuse for cheating." Emma Bush, managing director of the AA Driving School, described the rise in cheating attempts as "staggering" and warned that some individuals may have cheated successfully and be on the roads.
i mean i get it learners are stressed but come on 22 week wait times just pushes them further into desperation mode... anyway dvsa needs to step up their game with those detection methods tech-assisted cheating is a major issue 
gotta stay vigilant on the roads
I'm like, totally worried about these stats - a 47% increase in cheaters is crazy! It's not just about road safety, it's also about the people who are getting caught up in trying to cheat - the stress of waiting for a test slot must be overwhelming. And yeah, some people might get away with it, which is super concerning. The DVSA needs to step up their game and make cheating even harder to do. I mean, 96 people prosecuted last year? That's not enough, right? We need to see more severe penalties for cheaters... maybe even a longer sentence or a lifetime ban from driving. It's just common sense 
I think the waiting times for driving tests are actually a good thing! Like, people are getting more anxious and desperate to pass, which might make them more likely to cheat 
. But at the same time, it's crazy that 47% of ppl are cheating on their tests already 
. The DVSA is doing its best with the tech and stuff, but I think they should try some new things too, like more frequent tests or something 
. And honestly, if ppl can't pass without cheating, maybe they shouldn't be allowed to drive in the first place? 
Just saying.
I'm getting super worried about this trend! It's like, we already know how important road safety is, but when people cheat on their tests, it puts EVERYONE at risk. 
The longer you wait to get a test slot, the more desperate you might feel, but that doesn't mean you have to cheat. I'm all for making driving tests harder, not just for your own safety, but also for the people on the roads around you.
. We're living in an age where you can't even walk down a street without being photographed or recorded somewhere. But still, we expect people to cheat? It's just not cool. 
but seriously, whats wrong with people these days? the wait times r already super long now, can u imagine tryna cheat and still hav 22 weeks of stress on ur back 
. anywayz, idk wat the devs are gonna do bout it, maybe they should just start testin ppl in minecraft or somethin lol just kidding but seriously, lets all just try 2 b good ppl and pass our tests legit 
. And the methods they're using... technology-assisted cheating with hidden earpieces? It's like, come on 
. I mean, we all know how much pressure there is to pass, but let's keep it real - you gotta try the right way 
.
. Eight months in prison? No joke. I'm not sure if stricter penalties would deter people or just push them to get creative with their cheating methods 
.
I'm like, totally shocked by this news 
! 47% increase in people cheatin' on their driving tests is just crazy 
. But seriously, it's so frustrating when these cheaters think they can get away with it and put others at risk on the road 
. It's gotta be tough for them to catch everyone, but at least there are consequences for breaking the rules 
. And those cases where people have gotten caught and sentenced to prison? That's like, totally fair 
.
. The waiting times are already crazy long – 22 weeks?! That's like, half a year 
! If only they could focus on learning instead of cheating 
.