Number of people CHEATING on their driving tests soars as long wait times makes it harder to pass quickly
THE number of people cheating on their driving tests has soared as long wait times are making it harder to pass quickly.
Figures show that to-be drivers are so desperate to get behind the wheel that they're using illegal tactics more than ever.
And part of that has put that down to the youngsters' fears of waiting lists, and having to be placed back in the long line if they fail their test.
Only 130,622 tests can be facilitated a month - which puts more pressure on first-time passing.
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), fraudulent cheating is the highest it's been in the last five years, with 1,195 reported cases this year.
This is an 83 per cent increase in reports compared to 654 incidences in 2017.
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The punishment for this can be revoked certificates, loss of license, and further prosecution.
Technology-assisted cheating in theory tests, however, is on the decline, with it happening 2.8 times more in 2017 than it is now.
The DVSA carries out two million theory tests each year, so technology-assisted cheating now has an extremely low incidence rate of 0.008 per cent.
James Armstrong, CEO of learner-driver insurer Veygo, says: “The pandemic caused a backlog in theory and practical tests that is still being felt, with a total of around 2.4 million tests rolled over this year so far.
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"Many young drivers are still desperate to pass their tests and get on the road – the travelling, convenience, and social freedom that driving allows is so close for learners.
“Sadly, impersonation cheating in tests has risen to a record high, and we suspect, this is partly due to the eagerness of learners to pass first time and quickly.
"As failing your test means added retake costs, and re-joining a waiting list for a theory or practical test.
"But cheating certainly isn’t the way to fast-track the process.
“We want to remind learners, and all drivers, that driving on the road carries responsibilities and certain standards, and to fraudulently pass a test could cause danger to others, and yourself.
"Keeping the roads safe for learners, new drivers and all road users is a priority.
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"If you want to pass quickly, make sure you’re doing it legitimately by following our .”
The cheating high comes after a fraudster who sat more than 100 driving tests for other people was charged.