Driving test ban for Toyota

Learner drivers turning up for driving tests in recalled Toyotas are being turned away. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has issued a statement to all UK test centres warning examiners not to conduct tests in recalled models, fearing faulty cars could cause accidents.

As well as Toyotas, affected Citroen C1s and Peugeot 107s are included in the ban. In a statement issued on its website offering advice to drivers of recalled cars, the DSA has advised that of those affected, only cars with dual controls or a certificate proving remedial work will be used in a test. All cars not fixed are banned. At m & m driving schools surrey we use VW Golfs so the recall will not affect your redhill driving lessons.

But it hasn't stopped some learner drivers from being turned away. Student Emma Harris, 19, was stopped from taking the test in her parents' Toyota Aygo because the examiner mistakenly thought it was subject to a recall. After checking and discovering her car wasn't affected (only automatic versions were involved, but hers was a manual) the DSA apologised.

A DSA spokesperson said: “We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to the candidate in this case and will be providing her with a new driving test date free of charge. We will also be contacting Toyota to see how we can avoid situations such as this.”

Candidates should visit the DSA website, www.dsa.gov.uk, to see a full list of cars excluded from the test before attempting to take it.