14/10/2026
Latest DVSA update
Read the latest in our regular series on court cases and compliance tips
DVSA Enforcement
September 2026
Welcome to the second of our regular updates on tackling test fraud – where we'll share:
court cases – real examples of DVSA’s enforcement work in action, specifically in relation to driving test fraud
practical tips – advice on how to report someone to DVSA
We know the vast majority of ADIs play a vital role in maintaining standards and supporting learners to succeed the right way, and we value the professionalism you bring to the industry.
It’s essential that all drivers have the right skills, knowledge and attitude to drive safely – something we all have a shared interest in protecting.
We want to share with you what happens to people who attempt to obtain a
driving licence fraudulently, so you can see how our counter-fraud team works with the police to bring fraudsters to justice.
Court cases heading
Technology-assisted theory test cheating leads to suspended prison sentence
Kanav Wadhwa received a suspended prison sentence and a fine of £2,610 after being found guilty of attempting to cheat on his theory test twice – once by using a Bluetooth device to listen to answers and once by using an impersonator to take the test on his behalf.
Mr Wadhwa was caught with the devices on Thursday 17 October 2024 at the Staines Theory Test Centre.
Mr Wadhwa requested to use headphones to complete the theory test. While he was completing the test, test centre staff saw him acting suspiciously when adjusting the headset and decided to investigate.
He was searched by the invigilators, who found a Bluetooth device. The test was cancelled and the device was confiscated – Mr Wadhwa was asked to leave.
Then, on Friday 4 June 2025, he arranged for someone to take his theory test on his behalf, supplying them with his provisional driving licence so they could impersonate him.
Staff at the test centre grew suspicious that the impersonator was not the same person as on the driving licence and did not allow the test to go ahead. As Mr Wadhwa’s driving licence was marked as having attempted to cheat before, his details were reported to the police.
On 28 July 2026, Mr Wadhwa appeared at Isleworth Crown Court.
He was found guilty of both offences – receiving consecutive sentences of 23 weeks for bringing the devices to his theory test and 40 weeks for attempting to arrange an impersonator to take his test. Both sentences were suspended for 12 months, on the condition that he complete up to 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.
In addition, he was ordered to pay costs of £2,610, to be paid at £200 a month. He was also given 360 hours of unpaid work – 180 for each offence committed.
The sentence sends a strong warning to anyone considering cheating on their theory test – anyone who flouts the law puts all road users at risk and will be pursued under the full extent of the law.
Making a report header
It’s illegal to cheat at a practical or theory test by using an impersonator or impersonating a learner driver.
We recognise the situation around waiting times is placing pressure on those learning to drive, and we are continuing to take action to improve test availability, but where there is clear evidence of cheating, we will take action to protect the integrity of the system.
We also know you already play an important role in discouraging this behaviour and promoting safe, honest routes to gaining a licence. If you suspect someone of pretending to be someone else at a theory or practical driving test, you can report them to us.
When making a report, please include as many of these details as possible:
names and addresses of the people
descriptions of what they look like
dates and times
where you found out about it
We will investigate your report, but we might not be able to tell you what happens.
Report driving test impersonation on GOV.UK.
