Recent statistics reveal a troubling 47% increase in cheating attempts on driving tests across England, Scotland, and Wales, prompting significant concerns over road safety. Industry experts and leaders are concerned by the recent increase in fraud. Finally, they emphasize the importance of maintaining the most rigorous standards of integrity in the behind-the-wheel testing process.
Emma Bush, the managing director of the AA Driving School, said the rise in cheating attempts was “staggering.” She noted that the increase in the fraud is unprecedented and shocking. It implies that thousands of people could have gotten away with cheating and are currently driving on public roads.
“It is even more worrying that while the numbers of those caught have risen a concerning amount, it is likely some people will have cheated successfully and be on our roads.” – Emma Bush
The push to pass driving tests has dramatically increased with long delays for test appointments. Learners are experiencing an average of 22 weeks wait times for a test. This is a dramatic difference from the approximately five-week waiting period logged in February 2020. Steve Gooding, the director of the RAC Foundation, noted that increased waiting times put added stress on learners. This additional stress creates barriers that prevent them from thriving.
Gooding explained that people may be incentivized to commit academic dishonesty to receive a low passing score. These delays can push them to unscrupulous methods.
One of those ensnared trying to game the system is 22-year-old Ali Rasul of Exeter. In November 2025, Jones was sentenced to two years in prison at Exeter Crown Court. He had failed a total of eight times and tried to cheat during his theory test. As it turns out, Rasul relied on a secret earpiece and a hired impersonator. His actions demonstrate the lengths to which some will go to pass their tests.
23-year-old Qounain Khan of Birmingham, England was arrested for his fraudulent activity and pursued criminal charges. In June 2025 he was sentenced to prison by Cardiff Crown Court for eight months. He’d impersonated learners at theory test centers 12 other times.
Industry leaders and scholars alike caution that this cheating epidemic is far more consequential. It defeats the whole point of driving tests to begin with. Marian Kitson from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) emphasized the necessity for all drivers to possess the right skills, knowledge, and attitude for safe driving.
“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.” – Marian Kitson
And that’s the major problem, the financial incentives to cheat are huge. Impersonators are said to be able to charge up to £2,000 to allow a learner to pass a test. Unfortunately, this high-stakes market creates additional hurdles for the regulators responsible for maintaining equitable testing practices.