Makes an attempt to cheat UK driving checks have risen sharply, with new figures revealing a 47% year-on-year improve in recorded incidents. The information, obtained by the Press Affiliation by means of a Freedom of Data request to the Driver and Automobile Requirements Company, reveals 2,844 dishonest instances within the yr to the top of September 2025, up from 1,940 within the earlier 12 months.
The figures additionally present a major rise in contrast with earlier years, with simply 1,274 incidents recorded in 2018/19. Know-how-assisted dishonest throughout idea checks accounted for the biggest share of instances in 2024/25, together with hidden earpieces linked to hid cell phones. Impersonation stays a significant concern, with people trying to take idea and sensible checks on behalf of others.
The RAC Basis warned that dishonest throughout driving checks places different highway customers in danger. The DVSA stated the rise displays a mixture of extra makes an attempt to cheat and improved detection strategies, together with identification checks, bodily searches at idea take a look at centres, and intelligence-led investigations.
These findings come amid ongoing delays in accessing sensible driving checks. Learners confronted a mean ready time of 22 weeks in September, in contrast with round 5 weeks earlier than the coronavirus pandemic. Whereas the DVSA says it has no proof immediately linking longer ready instances to elevated dishonest, the Driving Instructors Affiliation (DIA) believes the broader context can’t be ignored.
The DIA says it’s sadly unsurprised by the figures. Many learners have develop into so determined to safe and preserve a take a look at slot that, as soon as they lastly get one, they’re unwilling to threat failing and being compelled again into what many describe as a tortuous reserving system. On this local weather, some learners take the higher threat of dishonest slightly than face months of additional delay.
The affiliation has persistently warned since lockdown that decreased take a look at provide, mixed with excessive demand, creates situations the place dangerous behaviour is extra doubtless. Whereas these providing impersonation and dishonest companies already face extreme penalties, the DIA believes stronger deterrents aimed immediately at learners could be simpler in decreasing demand.
What learners usually don’t realise
Many candidates are unaware that utilizing an impersonator or taking cheat gadgets right into a idea take a look at is a prison offence. Learners concerned may face:
- Fraud costs and a prison document
- Licence revocation or long-term driving bans
- Being barred from taking one other take a look at
- Critical impacts on work, journey and future alternatives
Past the authorized penalties, the DIA highlights the broader security threat. Anybody prepared to cheat to realize a licence is demonstrating risk-taking behaviour, and is prone to carry that very same angle onto the highway, placing themselves and others in peril.
The DVSA confirmed that 96 individuals have been prosecuted for driving take a look at fraud in 2024/25, with penalties together with jail sentences, driving bans and fines. The AA Driving College described the rise in dishonest makes an attempt as “staggering”, warning that some people should still be slipping by means of the web.
The FOI knowledge underlines the significance of each sturdy enforcement and tackling the pressures that push learners in the direction of unsafe and unlawful shortcuts. There are not any consequences-free routes to a driving licence, and no secure options to correct coaching and readiness.
