It’s official – cheating is on the increase in both the theory and practical driving tests. According to figures released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, there were 2,844 attempts to game the system in the year to September 2025 across England, Wales and Scotland.

Now compare that to the same period last year where there were 1,940 attempts – with the rise representing a record 47% increase.

The good news is that 96 people have been prosecuted for the offence. The bad news? That this number only represents the tip of the iceberg judging from 2025’s extraordinary numbers with experts believing the number of offenders could be significantly higher.

It also means that there are drivers out on our roads who have never passed the test.

How they’re cheating

Fraudsters are using modern tech or impersonation to try and cheat their way to a pass – or a pass for their ‘customers’. For instance:

  • 1,113 incidents saw theory test candidates using Bluetooth earpieces connected to hidden smartphones so they could be fed the right answers during their test.
  • 1,084 incidents saw a fraudster impersonating the candidate for the theory test.
  • 647 incidents saw fraudsters impersonating the candidate for the practical driving test.

Why the rise?

The DVSA is quick to point out that, while the wait for driving tests is high, there is no evidence this is leading to higher levels of cheating. However, others believe that there is likely a significant link as learners become more and more desperate to get their licence.

Whatever the cause, to combat the issue of cheating, the DVSA has a series of checks in place when candidates turn up at a test centre for their test:

  • Asking candidates to roll up their sleeve
  • Checking that their pockets are empty
  • Patting candidates down or using a metal detector
  • Checking the candidate’s face against their ID
  • Using intelligence to cross check with previous offenders

Banged up

Such checks have already helped detect and prosecute offenders such as Qounain Khain who was given an eight month sentence for impersonating candidates 12 times for the theory test.

Remember, if you are caught cheating or hiring an impersonator to get you through your test, the penalties are severe, including a driving ban and even serving a prison sentence. For instance, Ali Rasul was sentenced to two years in prison for repeatedly trying to cheat on the theory test using either a Bluetooth earpiece or an impersonator.

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