Proposals to change the driving test will unfairly penalise learners who are ‘nervous in test situations’, according to a survey of young drivers.

The idea of requesting a deposit, which is returned to drivers only if they pass, is designed to stop novices from putting in for their test before they are really ready. But 69 per cent of drivers aged 17 to 25 think this would put extra pressure on those people who are already stressed about the test.

The survey of 450 young drivers by specialist insurer Marmalade revealed a split over the deposits idea, with 49pc liking it and 40pc being totally against. More than half (56pc) said the fear of losing a deposit would make them more nervous about taking the test, while 36pc said it would be no issue.

Elsewhere in the survey, a proposed move to fixed appointment times was popular. Almost nine out of 10 people see this as a good way to reduce waiting times, but there was concern over the spread of times and days of the week.

Driving on a dark evening or a quiet Sunday could make it harder or easier to pass the driving test, it is being claimed.

The young drivers in the Marmalade study also flagged concerns with the current driving test, which is a mere 40 minutes. Many of the respondents wanted to see drivers evaluated over a longer period of time or in several separate stints behind the wheel.

Crispin Moger, CEO of Marmalade, said: “Everyone learns in different ways and some people need to experience the test in order to help them relax second time round. It’s great that driving tests are being looked at, there are obviously issues that need addressing.”