The online vehicle buyer BigWantsYourCar.com has highlighted a spike in the number of learner drivers cheating on their theory test.
As learners continue to face a backlog in driving tests initially caused by the Covid pandemic, some have been tempted to make sure they pass first time by cheating.
A spokesperson for BigWantsYourCar.com noted that there were more than 1,600 cases of cheating during 2022 and 2023, with an increase in people being investigated.
They explained: “The shocking rise in theory test cheating, with reports leaping from 568 in 2020-21 to over 1,600 in 2022-23, is a clear red flag for our driver education system. Seeing these incidents triple in just three years screams for urgent action from educational authorities and regulators.
“Of the 1,652 cheating cases reported in the 2022-23 stretch, 625 were closely scrutinised, culminating in 46 individuals facing the music for theory test deception. This underlines just how grave the situation is.”
A recent report from the insurance company Marmalade found that more than five million learners were competing for the 1.8 million test slots available throughout 2024.
The backlog is not helped by the many driving instructors who are urging their students to book a test as soon as possible, rather than when they know they are ready for it.
BigWantsYourCar.com noted that the backlog is putting pressure on learners to take shortcuts to ensure they pass their theory test first time.
The spokesperson from BigWantsYourCar.com suggested that cases of cheating could be reduced by monitoring candidates more and making sure the questions are randomised.
They advised: “To combat these alarming trends, the DVSA should consider multiple strategies. First, enhancing the security and integrity of the theory test process to make cheating more difficult and less appealing is crucial.
“Implementing more sophisticated monitoring technologies and randomising question banks could deter fraudulent activities.”
The company also suggested that more focus should be put onto providing learning resources to help drivers prepare for the test.
BigWantsYourCar.com noted that the pass rate for the theory test is 45.4 percent, suggesting that collaboration between the DVSA and driving schools could help to increase that figure and make candidates feel less inclined to cheat.
Currently, learners can revise by taking a mock theory test on the Government’s website or download a number of free apps that feature questions from the exam.
