DVSA reports 47% rise in driving test cheating across the UK

Driving test cheating has surged by 47% across England, Scotland and Wales, according to new data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

In the 12 months to September 2025, 2,844 attempts to cheat during the theory and practical test were recorded, a rise of almost 50% on the year before.

DVSA figures acquired by a Freedom of Information Request by the Press Association News Agency, show a wide range of tactics being used to cheat the test – and the results of it are impacting waiting times for real learners – who are already struggling to book a slot.

Technology played a major role, with 1,113 incidents involving Bluetooth devices hidden on candidates to feed them answers during theory exams.

Impersonation also featured heavily, with 1,084 attempts to sit theory tests on behalf of someone else recorded, along with a further 647 cases where individuals tried to pose as another person for the practical test.

Over the same 12‑month period, 96 people were prosecuted for cheating or attempting to impersonate a genuine test candidate.

Marian Kitson, DVSA Director of Enforcement Services, spoke to BBC News about the data.

She said: "It is essential that all drivers demonstrate they have the right skills, knowledge, and attitude to drive safely. People who attempt to cheat driving tests put all road users at risk by trying to obtain a driving licence fraudulently," she said.

"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."

• Driving test delays set to last into 2027
• Military examiners brought in by the government to cut driving test backlog
• Are driving test backlogs leading to an increase in scams against learner drivers?

Is it illegal to cheat on a driving test?

Yes, it is illegal to cheat on a practical or theory driving test in the UK by impersonating a candidate (and taking their test for them).

It is also illegal to use an impersonator and ask them to take the test for you.

Those who break the law can be:

• Sent to prison
• Banned from driving
• Ordered to carry out unpaid work
• Made to pay court costs

How to report someone for being involved in impersonating driving test candidates

If you suspect someone is involved in cheating the driving test, report the matter to the DVSA.

They can do this by emailing the DVSA intelligence unit ([email protected]), or calling 0800 030 4103, Monday to Friday from the hours of 7:30am to 6pm.

When doing this, it is important to include as many of these details as possible.

This can be names and addresses of the people, descriptions of what they look like, dates and times of either the practical or theory tests, and any other relevant details about how you found out about it.

The DVSA will investigate every report, but they are unlikely to provide you any details about the outcome.