According to data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), 2,844 cases were recorded in the year ending September 2025. This marks an increase from 1,940 cases in the preceding 12 months and 1,274 cases in the 2018-2019 period.

The RAC Foundation, a motoring research charity, stated that fraudulent activities in driving tests pose a risk to other road users.

The DVSA attributes the rise in recorded cases to a combination of increased fraudulent activity and improved detection capabilities.

A driving school car in the UK. Photo: SWNS

Technological fraud in theory tests, such as using earpieces connected via bluetooth to concealed phones, accounted for the largest share of incidents in 2024-2025, with 1,113 cases.

Impersonation of registered candidates was a recorded fraudulent act in 1,084 theory tests and 647 practical tests.

The rise in fraud occurs amidst a significant backlog of practical driving tests. Learners faced an average wait of 22 weeks for a test in September, compared to approximately 5 weeks in February 2020 before the pandemic, when testing was largely suspended.

The DVSA states it has no evidence linking fraudulent behavior to the extended waiting times.

Learners arriving at test centers are required to present their face for verification against photo identification. Measures to detect fraud in theory tests can include asking candidates to roll up their sleeves and show empty pockets, with a staff member conducting a body search and using a handheld metal detector.

The DVSA also uses intelligence to identify vehicles and individuals involved in previous fraud cases. 96 people were prosecuted for attempting to cheat on driving tests or impersonating candidates in 2024-2025.

Impersonators and those using impersonation services face potential imprisonment, driving bans, community service, and court costs.

Qounain Khan, 23, from Birmingham, was sentenced to 8 months in prison in June 2025 after pleading guilty to impersonating learner drivers at theory test centers 12 times. The court noted that impersonators could be paid up to 2,000 GBP (2,700 USD) to pass tests.

Sorina-Ana Turcitu, 42, from north London, admitted taking a practical test on behalf of another person and received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, at Ipswich Magistrates' Court in September 2025.

Ali Rasul, 22, from Exeter, was sentenced to 2 years in prison in November 2025 after being caught repeatedly attempting to cheat on theory tests over 8 months by using a concealed earpiece or an impersonator.

My Anh (according to Guardian)