- Colorado shut down a driving school accused of faking license tests.
- Investigators say some “15-minute” drives lasted just four minutes.
- More than 460 drivers could lose their licenses and retake tests.
Drivers need a valid license to pilot a vehicle on public roads. That’s not shocking, but over the last year, we’ve seen much greater emphasis on that than is typical. Often, it’s centered around those driving big rigs. Now, Colorado is taking aim at a school that helps everyday folks get everyday driver’s licenses, and over 450 individuals who attended that school just lost their ability to drive on public roads.
The Colorado DMV has immediately suspended the testing certificate for Academy School of Driving in Colorado Springs after uncovering what it calls a “systemic” fraud scheme that allegedly turned driver testing into something closer to a pay-to-play operation.
Investigators say the fraud had been going on since at least March 2025. Among the most serious allegations: outside “coordinators” were reportedly sitting in the testing room and physically filling in answers for applicants during written exams. Meanwhile, mandatory 15-minute behind-the-wheel tests were allegedly being cut down to as little as two to four minutes before employees entered fake route and timing data into the state system.
Read: 13,000 Immigrant Truck Drivers Just Lost Their Licenses In California
If that wasn’t enough, the DMV says Academy School of Driving also charged applicants between $550 and $600 for guaranteed passing results. Investigators further allege that coordinators manipulated the DMV appointment system by using fake placeholder names to reserve scarce testing slots, then resold those appointments to customers. In essence, honest applicants were stuck waiting while others allegedly bought their way to the front of the line.
“The Colorado DMV is committed to protecting public safety and the integrity of our driver licensing system,” said DMV Senior Director Electra Bustle. “This action was taken to stop these bad actors from continuing to manipulate this critical road safety program. We will continue to work closely with our partners in law enforcement to hold accountable those who attempt to subvert the process and put Coloradans at risk.”
Colorado says 460 people will receive notices that could cancel their driving privileges. Many of them may have to surrender their licenses and retake both the written and road tests at another school. The DMV says the investigation remains active and additional action could follow, including disciplinary measures against specific employees and possibly criminal charges. For now, Academy School of Driving has been ordered to stop all testing operations immediately.
