Driving test cheating up 47% in Great Britain, prompting road safety concerns

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by PA MediaJanuary 21, 2026 at 11:09 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Driving test cheating in Great Britain has risen sharply, increasing 47% in the year ending September 2025, with 2,844 cases recorded by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The increase, attributed to both more cheating and better detection, raises road safety concerns according to the RAC Foundation. Technology-assisted cheating during theory tests and impersonation were the most common offenses. The rise in cheating occurs amidst a backlog for practical driving tests, with average waiting times of 22 weeks. The DVSA is using various measures to detect and prosecute offenders, including physical checks and intelligence gathering, resulting in 96 prosecutions in 2024-25. Those caught face potential imprisonment, driving bans, and fines.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

London 50% Birmingham 50% Cardiff 50% Ipswich 50% Sorina-Ana Turcitu 60% RAC Foundation 60% Qounain Khan 70% England 70% Scotland 70% Wales 70% Great Britain 90% Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) ×690%

Keywords

driving test cheating 100% road safety 80% driver and vehicle standards agency 70% theory test 70% practical test 60% impersonation 60% waiting times 50% technology-assisted cheating 50% prosecution 40% fraud 40%