Learners should be asked if they want 'chatty' examiner

Driving test candidates should be asked if they would like their examiner to be "chatty" or "formal" to boost female pass rates, a report commissioned by a Government agency has suggested.

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Transport research group TRL, which proposed the measure, said it would avoid examiners creating "potential anxiety".

AA Driving School told the PA news agency that learners do not want to be examined by "a sergeant major nor a comedian".

Records dating back to 2007 show males are more likely to pass the test than females.

The annual pass rate for males has ranged from 47-55% in that time, while for females it is 41-48 per cent.