In a concerning trend, attempts to cheat on driving tests across England, Scotland, and Wales have increased by a staggering 47% over the past year. According to figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), there were 2,844 recorded cases of cheating in the year leading up to September 2025, up from 1,940 in the previous 12 months and just 1,274 in 2018-19.
The rise in cheating comes amidst a substantial backlog in practical driving tests, with learners facing an average waiting time of 22 weeks in September 2025, compared to around 5 weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the DVSA has stated that it has found no evidence linking the increase in cheating to these longer waiting times.
The most common form of cheating was technology-assisted methods during theory tests, such as using Bluetooth-connected earpieces to access hidden information. Impersonation of registered candidates was also a significant issue, with 1,084 such incidents recorded for theory tests and 647 for practical tests.
Marian Kitson, DVSA’s Director of Enforcement Services, emphasized the importance of all drivers demonstrating the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitude to drive safely. “Our counter-fraud team carries out robust investigations into suspected fraud, working with the police to bring fraudsters to justice and keep Britain’s roads safe,” she said.
The surge in cheating has prompted concern from road safety advocates. Steve Gooding, the Director of the RAC Foundation, warned that those looking to profit through impersonation and deception are “putting other road users at risk.” Emma Bush, the Managing Director of the AA Driving School, described the increase in cheating attempts as “staggering” and expressed concern that some may have succeeded in cheating undetected.
The DVSA has stated that it is using a range of measures to detect and prevent cheating, including requiring learners to show their faces to match their photographic ID, searching for hidden devices, and utilizing intelligence to identify vehicles and individuals involved in previous attempts. Offenders face severe penalties, including prison sentences, driving bans, and court costs.
This data highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and robust action to address the growing problem of driving test cheating in Great Britain. Maintaining the integrity of the testing process is crucial for ensuring the safety of all road users.
