Colorado DMV Suspends Academy School of Driving Following Fraud Investigation

Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles

Media Relations

[email protected]

DENVER, Friday, April 10 — The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued an immediate summary suspension of the testing certificate for the Academy School of Driving (ASD) in Colorado Springs following a DMV investigation that uncovered systemic fraudulent driver testing.

ASD is a privately owned and independent Certified Driving Education and Testing School and primarily serves the Colorado Springs area. The summary suspension requires ASD to cease all testing operations, pending a formal disciplinary hearing on the matter. This remains an active and continuing investigation. While immediate action protects public safety, the DMV will be reviewing all records related to ASD. Additional regulatory or enforcement actions may follow as new evidence emerges.

“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.”

Investigation Findings

While the investigations by the DMV’s Motor Vehicle Investigations Unit (MVIU) and Driver Testing and Education (DTE) team began in November 2025, their findings revealed that ASD’s alleged fraudulent activities have been ongoing since at least March 2025, which include:

• Written Test Fraud: External “coordinators” were physically observed marking answers for applicants in the testing room to ensure passing scores.
• Dangerous Drive Test Shortcuts: State-mandated 15-minute behind-the-wheel drive tests were being dangerously truncated to as little as two to four minutes, with testers subsequently entering falsified route and duration data into the state system.
• Financial Exploitation: ASD exploited applicants, who were targeted and charged illegal, exorbitant fees ranging from $550 to $600 for guaranteed results.
• Appointment Manipulation: “Coordinators” were found to be manipulating the DMV appointment system using fictitious placeholder names to secure limited appointments and charging applicants, effectively stealing slots from honest, law-abiding applicants.

Immediate Corrective Actions

In addition to the summary suspension, the DMV will take the following actions:

• Targeted License Actions: 460 individuals will be notified of license actions, including the cancellation of their privilege. The DMV continues to review files for patterns of fraudulent activity.
• Tester Disallowance: The Division is reviewing specific ASD employees involved in the alleged fraudulent activity to take appropriate disciplinary action.

We recognize that there are ASD customers in “mid-flight” with paid, pending services. These affected customers will need to complete instruction or testing at another driving school. We have created a web page, dmv.colorado.gov/asd-information, to provide up-to-date guidance and next steps for affected customers.

About the Colorado DMV

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is committed to promoting public safety, trust, and confidence by providing customer-focused driver license and motor vehicle services. With a vision to enhance the quality of life for all Coloradans, the DMV strives to deliver exemplary service, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for every customer. Visit DMV.Colorado.gov to learn more.

###