AN ANGRY woman driver has taken driving test centre bosses to court after she was failed for the fourth time.

Mable Trotter, 39, of Garnett Road, Clitheroe, believes she was unfairly dealt with when she did not pass her UK test at Skipton Test Centre on November 29.

The administrative assistant, who used to drive buses in her native Malawi, has vowed to pursue her case "as far as necessary".

Today, the Driving Standards Agency revealed that the case was one of only a handful to go to court following the 1.3million tests completed last year.

However, Mable will not get her test result overturned -- magistrates can only order that she retake it for free.

Court action is the final option after complainants have passed through the DSA's call centre, chief executive and MPs.

Mable, whose daughter Cheswa Nkata, 21, lives in Burnley, met her husband David, 49, in a pub while visiting friends in the town in August 2000.

She moved to Clitheroe with her 13-year-old son, Aubrey, from America, where she lived for 12 months.

The couple married the following January at Clitheroe Register Office.

Since then she has failed her test twice at Nelson and twice at the Skipton Test Centre.

Mable, who passed her test first time in Malawi, where they also drive on the left and where she also held a PSV licence, said: "I didn't complain the first three times I failed but I couldn't accept the fourth occasion, it just wasn't proper. I was not satisfied with the reasons he gave for failing me.

"The examiner said I was driving too close to vehicles in front and didn't execute the reverse properly.

"I have been driving for 14 years and I am a good driver. I have never had an accident.

"I feel very strongly that I should have passed my test the last time and I will be explaining exactly why when the case comes back to court.

"I love it in England. I have met the man of my dreams. I have had to fight for everything, to get my son into Ribblesdale High School, to get my residency, now I am having to fight to get my driving test."

Mable is allowed to drive in England on her American licence, but that year's probation runs out soon.

"She is an excellent driver," added husband Dave.

A spokesperson for the DSA said: "Last year we did 1.3 million tests and less than a handful reach the stage of magistrates.

"But it is so rare we don't keep statistics. They cannot change the decision, the magistrates can just order a re-test at no cost to the candidate. There are various stages to go through in making a complaint.

"First you would speak to our customer services, then you can write to the chief executive. We then advise speaking to an MP and say you could also go to the magistrates."

Mrs Trotter has appealed against the decision of the examiner and brought proceedings under Section 90 of the Road Traffic Act against Skipton Driving Test Centre as part of the Driving Standards Agency.

The case has been adjourned for a full hearing.