OF A LOAD OF CHEATS
Fake drivers and hidden phones behind 52% rise in test fraud
MORE and more learner drivers are trying to cheat their way to a full licence.
Research reveals a 52% rise in numbers using underhand tactics to pass their test over the last eight years – even though they risk jail if caught.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency figures reveal learners have bribed examiners, used hidden communication devices in theory tests and paid impersonators to stand in for them on practicals.
In 2013-14, Freedom of Information figures show 803 learners overall were caught trying to cheat during their practical or theory test.
A total of 445 used hidden devices such as phones and earpieces to get theory answers from an accomplice.
At the wheel, 49 impersonators stood in. But by 2018-19 the overall figure rocketed to 1,678 – with 1,522 theory cheats and 156 practicals. Figures in 2019-20 dropped to
1,373 but only because Covid cut test numbers. Cheating during the test is a criminal offence and can result in driving bans and prison.
Andy Rice, the DVSA head of counter fraud and investigations, said: “We take cheating in theory and practical tests very seriously and work closely with police to bring offenders to justice.”
Driving instructor Dave Carpenter, who runs a motoring school in Oldham, told us: “Some women say they’ll wear a short skirt for the practical test. I never know if they’re serious but I tell them it’s a bad idea. There used to a lot of attempted cheating in theory but now all possessions have to be put in a locker.”
In May a man from East London was jailed for two years and four months for fraud after disguising himself with head bandages and taking theory tests for people at £1,500 a time.
And in 2013, two crooked Birmingham examiners were jailed for charging £350 for test passes.
One was sentenced to three years and the other got 18 months.
They even passed candidates who failed to turn up for their tests.
We work closely with police to bring offenders cheating in theory and practical to justice ANDY RICE DVSA HEAD OF COUNTER-FRAUD AND INVESTIGATIONS