As well as death and rape threats, and trashing of vehicles, there are physical attacks. Threats at gunpoint are not rare

Transport official Jean-Francois Verdier

The examiners' furious colleagues staged a strike, demanding the nationwide adoption of a results-by-post system.

In another incident, in Nievre, an angry learner fired a shot at an examiner after being failed.

Now, officials say it could become a nationwide policy to delay decisions.

The idea has already been tried in 10 French administrative areas, or departments, for nearly a year, and is being extended to two more.

Jean-Claude Gayssot: Attacks are unacceptable

Instead of the traditional moment of truth inside the car, candidates are sent a letter within 24 hours telling them the outcome.

National statistics for 2000 showed a total of nearly 100 incidents, most of them threats, against driving examiners.

After the introduction of the experimental scheme, the national level fell in 2001 to 79.

So far this year, 14 incidents have been registered.

"Statistically, most of the attacks are taking place in heavily populated urban areas where there is already a problem of violence," senior driving test official Jean-Francois Verdier told Reuters news agency.

Election issue

"As well as death and rape threats, and trashing of vehicles, there are physical attacks. Threats at gunpoint are not rare."

Some even involve their friends - especially those who had repeatedly failed the test, he added.

The rising level of crime in France has proved one of the key issues in the presidential election campaign under way.

It is thought the drivers may have seized the opportunity to press home their fears while they have guaranteed media exposure for their problems.

Transport Minister Jean-Claude Gayssot has condemned what he called the "unacceptable" attacks on public officials.

A decision is expected in September on whether to extend the postal decision scheme across the whole of France.

Around 3.5 million French learners a year take the test, and more than two-thirds of them fail.