Colorado Driving School Suspended for Fraud, Hundreds of Licenses to Be Revoked

State investigators uncovered months of misconduct at the Academy School of Driving in Colorado Springs.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car key fob against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The Colorado DMV's crackdown on a driving school's fraudulent practices aims to restore trust and safety in the state's licensing system.Colorado Springs Today

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles has suspended the Academy School of Driving in Colorado Springs after an investigation found the school engaged in widespread fraud, including marking answers on exams, cutting required driving test times, and charging illegal fees. As a result, around 460 licenses of Coloradans who attended the school will be revoked, and employees involved in the alleged fraud will face disciplinary action.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and public safety in the driver's license and road testing system. The DMV's action aims to stop these fraudulent practices and hold the school accountable for putting Coloradans at risk through manipulated testing and licensing.

The details

According to the DMV, instructors at the Academy School of Driving marked answers for students on exams to ensure passing scores, cut state-mandated 15-minute driving tests to less than five minutes, and charged applicants illegal fees ranging from $550 to $600 for guaranteed results. The school also submitted falsified data for driving test routes and durations to the state DMV system and manipulated appointment availability to create demand.

  • The fraud at the Academy School of Driving began as early as March 2025.
  • The misconduct was first reported in November 2025, prompting a months-long investigation.
  • The driving school was suspended by the Colorado DMV last week.

The players

Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles

The state agency responsible for driver's licensing and vehicle registration in Colorado, which uncovered the fraud at the Academy School of Driving and suspended the school's operations.

Academy School of Driving

A privately owned driving school in Colorado Springs that was suspended by the Colorado DMV for engaging in widespread fraud, including manipulating driving tests and exam results.

Electra Bustle

The Senior Director of the Colorado DMV, who stated the agency is committed to protecting public safety and the integrity of the driver licensing system.

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What they’re saying

“The Colorado DMV is committed to protecting public safety and the integrity of our driver licensing system. 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.”

— Electra Bustle, Senior Director, Colorado DMV

What’s next

The Colorado DMV stated that additional regulatory or enforcement actions may follow as new evidence emerges from the ongoing investigation into the Academy School of Driving.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of maintaining strict oversight and accountability in the driver's license and road testing system to ensure public safety. The Colorado DMV's swift action to suspend the fraudulent driving school and revoke hundreds of licenses demonstrates its commitment to upholding the integrity of the licensing process and protecting Coloradans from unscrupulous actors.