Over the last 12 months, 670 cases of impersonators taking theory tests & practical driving exams have been exposed. The problem has been much publicised, but is anyone really getting to the root of why people are cheating? Book Theory Test Today offers a perspective.
Before I get into this, I’m in no way condoning cheating on a theory test or practical exam. However, it’s all well and good compiling figures telling the general public and road users that people are cheating, but is anybody at the DVSA trying to understand why people are resorting to deception to get a driving licence? Personally, I don’t think so.
Informing the world that more learner drivers are cheating, is like informing us that the hole in the ozone layer has increased by five centimetres. After all, nothing is done to prevent the problem; the DVSA continues to punish cheats as we continue to punish the ozone layer.
The number of theory test and practical exam cheats is on the increase, with the latest figures showing a rise of more than a fifth compared with the previous financial year, according to the DVSA.
Pressure                                                                                Â
With the cost of learning crippling road novices, there is immense pressure to pass. Why? Before a learner even reaches a full licence, they have to pay for a provisional licence, driving lessons, a theory test & a practical exam. Failing a theory test or practical exam means more expenditure, increasing the desperation to pass.
Other Reasons for Cheating Learner Drivers
Some cheating learner drivers reside in rural areas, and having a car would grant them a new independence. I’m not saying this is a reason to cheat, I’m merely pointing out what drives people to cheat.
There are a number of cheating learners who have failed a theory test or practical exam multiple times that eventually; frustration gets the better of them.Â
A proportion of cheats are simply naive, they actually get suckered into. There are pro-impersonators out there who can easily convince a 17 year-old to surrender a bit of cash, allowing the impersonator to sit a theory test or practical exam on their behalf.
Prevention
Yes, I understand that unlicensed road users are putting lives at risks, but let’s face it there are those who have passed a theory test and practical exam who are just as dangerous on the road.
In order to stamp out the problem of cheating, surely the DVSA has got to concentrate its efforts on what motivates a person to cheat. After all, prevention not punishment is the best cure.
There’s an argument here that it’s circumstance that causes learner drivers to act deceptively. Surely, the DVSA must look into the circumstance of each individual case before dishing out punishments.
Genuine Cheaters
OK, I’ve argued why some people do cheat, but I accept that for some there is no circumstance. There is a proportion of learner drivers out there that are out to dupe the DVSA and in this instance, I can agree with the DVSA’s head of fraud and integrity who says:
“The driving test is there to ensure that all drivers have the skills and knowledge to use the roads safely and responsibly. Anyone who tries to circumvent this process is putting innocent road users at risk. Driving test fraud is a serious offence and is dealt with accordingly.â€
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