Driving test examiners could start wearing body cameras following a spate of attacks by failed pupils, a good move according to a Burton driving school instructor and owner.

According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), there were 240 recorded incidents of physical or verbal abuse reported in 2016, compared to 180 the year before.

Around two-thirds of attacks were targeted towards examiners, with the rest aimed at vehicle testers and roadside enforcement staff.

In March, one major incident saw a student drive recklessly across a dual carriageway after being asked to stop due to him making numerous driving errors.

The driving student then swore and acted violently towards the examiner, who used his dual controls to forcibly stop the vehicle.

The culprit was then disqualified from sitting future practical exams at a test centre in west Yorkshire and will be under supervision during any future tests elsewhere.

The DVSA stated that they would refer all incidents of threats and physical assault to the police.

The body camera trial will be tested on the DVSA roadside workers and if they prove successful, they will be rolled out to include driving tests examiners.

Cameras are already used by many police forces to record their officers’ interaction with the public.

Ashfaq Ahmed, a driving instructor and owner of A & A Driving School in Burton, believes body cameras would be a good way to protect instructors.

He said: “Personally I think it would be a good idea because sometimes you do get people who have failed their driving test and they get upset and emotional and people think it’s the examiner's fault.

“Although people are very nervous on the day, unfortunately they do have to test you but some people don’t realise that. I think body cameras would be a good thing.”