News Beat
Road safety fears as learner drivers using earpieces and imposters to cheat tests spike nearly 50%
LEARNER drivers have been using earpieces and drafting in impersonators to take their theory and practical tests, a fresh investigation has found.
The number of candidates who have attempted to cheat on exams has spiked by 47 per cent over the last year.
According to figures from DVSA, around 2,844 cases of passing driving tests illegally were recorded in the year to the end of September 2025.
It marks a steep rise from the previous year, where 1,940 cases were noted.
Motoring research charity the RAC Foundation said driving test cheats are “putting other road users at risk”.
Around a third of this year’s offenders used an earpiece connected to a device via Bluetooth.
Others attempted to pass theory and practical exams by impersonating the candidate.
Would-be drivers are already facing an average waiting time of over five months.
The DVSA requires candidates to show their face to ensure it matches their ID provided.
Other measures include requesting applicants to prove their pockets are empty and using a metal detector to uncover any prohibited items.
Between 2024 and 2025, 96 candidates were prosecuted for attempting to cheat or impersonate candidates.
Those guilty could be jailed, banned from obtaining a licence, ordered to carry out unpaid work or be slapped with eye-watering court costs.
Qounain Khan, 23, was imprisoned for eight months last year after he pleaded guilty to impersonating applicants on 12 occasions.
While Sorina-Ana Turcitu, 42, was jailed for three months suspended for 18 months in September after trying to pass a practical test on behalf of another candidate.
Marian Kitson, DVSA’s director of enforcement services, said the agency had enhanced its “fraud detection capabilities”.
She continued: “It is essential that all drivers demonstrate they have the right 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.”
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “The longer people have to wait to get a test slot, the greater the pressure to pass, but that’s no excuse for cheating.
“Those looking to make money through impersonation and deception are putting other road users at risk.
“This data demonstrates the need for DVSA to be vigilant in spotting the cheats and for the penalties to be severe.”
Recorded incidents of driving test cheating in the 12 months to the end of September each year since 2019
2024/25: 2,844
2023/24: 1,940
2022/23: 2,344
2021/22: 1,960
2020/21: 820
2019/20: 876
2018/19: 1,274
