California DMV Says Suspected ‘Cheating’ Cause of 11,000 Driver Test Cancellation Letters

The California Department of Motor Vehicles said cheating concerns led them to require thousands of drivers to retake their written knowledge exam in recent weeks.

The agency had previously been tight-lipped about why they issued 11,000 Californians re-evaluation notices.

DMV spokesperson Jonathan Groveman said in an email that irregularities it identified in exam results suggested “some individuals may have attempted to circumvent the testing process using various cheating methods.”

The DMV did not provide any specifics on how people might have cheated. State lawmakers previously requested more information about the nature of any misconduct, and asked if the DMV had identified cheating schemes or third-party and criminal organization involvement.

While Groveman said that receiving a notice “does not indicate a final determination that cheating occurred,” it means that the test taker’s results were “identified as potentially problematic.”

The agency said it has referred multiple cases to county district attorneys for potential prosecution. 

“Ensuring the integrity of the knowledge testing process is essential to public safety and to confirm that drivers understand California’s rules of the road,” Groveman said.

The letters warn that drivers who do not retake and pass the written test within 30 days will have their licenses cancelled.