IT would seem a sure-fire way to guarantee failing your driving test – having a crash during the course of the examination.

But that is exactly what 32 people have done over the past two years, getting involved in prangs whilst carrying out their three-point turns, starting on a hill or reversing around a corner.

According to figures from the Road Safety Authority, 22 people crashed during their driving test in the first nine months of the year. That compares with a total of 10 for all of 2007. The figures do not make clear whether it was the learner who was at fault or the other car.

A spokeswoman for the Road Safety Authority said: "Note that the number of driving tests conducted increased significantly in 2008, which would make direct comparison of the figures involved inaccurate. Figures for previous years are not available."

A handbook for driver testers advises that in the event of a crash an "accident report form" should be filled out, giving details of what happened and whether the test was abandoned or not. "The test is 'abandoned' where damage or injury occurs, and no decision is given. In a minor collision where there is no apparent injury or damage, the test should continue," it says.

On dealing with failed drivers who "may become aggressive, or emotionally upset," they are told not to offer any feedback.

The RSA said the main factor in the steep rise in the number of learner drivers crashing was an increase in the number of tests being carried out.