Learner drivers have been warned the mistake could see them banned from hitting the road
A motoring expert has issued a stark warning to learner drivers. He is calling it reckless, urging people to stop.
As we previously reported, over a thousand people were caught cheating during their driving test last year, with many sneaking in Bluetooth headsets or impersonating the candidate. This has sparked fears that more dangerous drivers will soon hit the road.
It was revealed that the number of people caught cheating on driving tests increased by 47% in a year across England, Scotland and Wales. Although the DVSA does not blame waiting times, Rhydian Jones, motor expert at confused.com, has said the backlog of tests could be the reason, but it is no excuse for cheating.
He said: “Reports that learner drivers are turning to Bluetooth earpieces and even hiring others to sit their driving tests show how intense the pressure has become for many people trying to get on the road.
“The rise in the number of learner drivers cheating is a result of the ongoing backlog of test slots since the pandemic. Whilst some learner drivers might be frustrated by the delays, loopholes are not the answer.
“Our own research shows just how challenging the driving test landscape has become. Since 2021, around 6 million tests have been taken.
“Yet only about half resulted in a pass, meaning many learners face retests and further delays. We have also found that pass rates vary widely between test centres, with some as low as 33% and others up to 80% – making it harder for learners to know their chances of success.”
In his warning, he cautions that “taking shortcuts only creates bigger problems” and “puts road safety at risk and could mean unprepared drivers ending up on UK roads.”
So what should worried drivers do instead? Jones suggests: “Rather than looking for ways around the system, learners should focus on being ready and confident so they can pass properly when their test comes around.
“Some test centres have higher pass rates due to easier routes, learners should look into this to improve their chances of passing.”
Motoring experts at RAC Drive have also issued the same warning and reminds people that those who break the law can be:
- Sent to prison
- Banned from driving
- Ordered to carry out unpaid work
- Made to pay court costs
While cheating attempts rose by nearly 50% in one year, a total of 2,844 incidents were recorded. These fraudulent attempts are making it even harder for honest learners to book slots, worsening already long waiting times.
According to the report, RAC notes that over 1,100 people used Bluetooth devices to secretly receive answers during their theory exams. Meanwhile, nearly 1, 700 cases involved impersonation, meaning people posed as the candidate for practical or the theory test.
Specific figures show there were 1,084 attempts to sit theory tests on behalf of someone else recorded, along with a further 647 cases where individuals tried to pose as another person for the practical test. However while thousands cheated, only 96 people were actually prosecuted during this period.
Marian Kitson, DVSA Director of Enforcement Services, spoke to BBC News about the data and said: “It is essential that all drivers demonstrate they have the right skills, knowledge, and attitude to drive safely.
“People who attempt to cheat driving tests put all road users at risk by trying to obtain a driving licence fraudulently. 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.”
