Driving test cheating soars as candidates turn to Bluetooth headsets and impersonators

Driving Test Cheating Cases Surge by Nearly 50% Across Britain

According to the latest estimates, cheating rates during both practical and theory driving tests increased by nearly 50% last year across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Data obtained via Freedom of Information (FOI) requests by the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) revealed over 1,100 cases involving the use of Bluetooth headsets. Almost 100 offenders were charged with either attempting to trick examiners or impersonating registered candidates. Industry officials suggest the rise is driven by a desperation to pass amidst a backlog of tests, while the DVSA attributed the figures to a general increase in cheating and improved detection methods.

The Scale of the Problem

In the year to September 2025, a Freedom of Information request by the Press Association revealed 2,844 attempts to cheat—a 45% increase on the previous year.

Electronic Fraud: Over a third (1,113) of cases involved electronics, such as Bluetooth earpieces connected to hidden mobile phones during theory tests.
Impersonation: There were 1,084 attempts to have a "stand-in" take a theory test and 647 incidents where someone pretended to be the registered candidate for a practical examination.

Dr Rasha Kassem, head of Aston University’s Fraud Research Group, warned that people passing tests illegally pose a grave danger. "It means more accidents, injuries, and deaths on our roads," she said, noting that fraud undermines public safety and causes significant damage to vehicles and infrastructure.

Strict Penalties for Fraud

Cheating on a driving test is a serious criminal offence. Fraudsters and those who employ them face penalties ranging from driving bans to prison sentences. They may also be ordered to perform unpaid community service or pay heavy court fees.

In the 12 months to September last year, 96 individuals were charged. To combat this, the DVSA has introduced stricter measures:

Face Matching: Comparing a practical test candidate’s face with their photo ID.
Physical Checks: Asking theory candidates to roll up their sleeves and show that their pockets are empty before entering the exam room.

Recent Convictions

Several high-profile cases have reached the courts recently:

Qounain Khan, 23: Sentenced to eight months in prison in June 2025 after pleading guilty to impersonating learners on 12 separate occasions.
Sorina-Ana Turcitu, 42: Sentenced to 12 weeks in prison in September 2025 after attempting to take a practical test on behalf of someone else.
Ali Rasul, 22: Handed a two-year prison term in November 2025 for repeatedly attempting to cheat the theory test over an eight-month period using hidden earpieces and impersonators.

Driven by the Backlog?

The rise in fraud comes as learners face exceptionally long waits for practical test slots. While the DVSA stated there is no direct report linking cheating to waiting times, Carly Brookfield, Chief Executive of the Driving Instructors Association, told the BBC the trend was "almost inevitable."

"In an age of high demand but very limited supply, you will see people engaging in dangerous habits," she explained. "People who do not want to risk the 'tortuous merry-go-round' of hoping for another slot may, unfortunately, take the risk of cheating."

The National Audit Office warned in December that the driving test backlog might not be fully resolved until November 2027. Contributing factors include a shortage of examiners and third-party websites using "bots" to book up available slots.

A Commitment to Safety

Marian Kitson, the DVSA’s Director of Enforcement, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to tackling fraud. "All drivers must demonstrate they have the correct skills, knowledge, and attitude to drive safely," she said. "Attempting to obtain a licence fraudulently puts all road users in jeopardy. Our counter-fraud team conducts robust investigations to bring fraudsters to justice and keep Britain’s roads safe."