Wed, 21 Jan 2026

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 Driving test cheating soars as candidates turn to Bluetooth headsets and impersonators

Experts blamed persistently long waits for practical tests while the DVSA blamed better detection.

*1,113 cases involved Bluetooth headsets used to cheat on theory tests.
*96 people were prosecuted for attempting to cheat or impersonate test candidates.
*Common methods of cheating included using technology such as earpieces connected via Bluetooth to concealed phones.
*A third of attempts to cheat during driving tests involved impersonating the registered candidate.
*Learner drivers face persistently long waits for practical test slots, which industry leaders believe contributed to the rise in cheating.
*The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) blamed a general rise in cheating and improved detection methods for the increase in cases.
*Offenders can face driving bans, prison sentences, or be ordered to carry out unpaid work.
*Steps taken to prevent fraud include matching test candidates' faces with their photo ID and asking theory candidates to roll up their sleeves.
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