Translators may be banned from sitting in on learner drivers’ theory tests after it emerged some drivers had had their licences revoked over the past two years for apparently being “coached” during their exams.

Currently, interpreters may sit in to translate to students sitting their theory tests in any of the 19 languages approved by the Driving Standards Agency.

But an investigation by the agency found nearly 800 drivers had had their licences revoked for test fraud.

Each case is believed to cost more than £10,000, and nine translators have been struck off the approved list.

Junior Transport Minister Mike Penning said: “This practice is wrong on many levels, and we are going to end it.

“It is very hard to fathom the logic of why it was ever allowed in the first place. Road safety should be our priority, not political correctness.

“It cannot be right to be handing British driving licences to people who are unable to read warning signs flashed up on motorway gantries.”