A “dangerous” manoeuvre that is prohibited under the Highway Code is to be included in the new driving test despite opposition from instructors, it has emerged.

Under changes being introduced to the new ‘L’ test, which comes into force in December, learner drivers will be required to perform a series of new manoeuvres.

But one element of the revamped assessment has been with opposition among driving instructors, who claim that it is a “dangerous exercise” which may imperil inexperienced drivers.

The manoeuvre responsible for the uproar requires learners to to pull up on the opposite side of the road, reverse two car lengths, and then rejoin traffic.

Introduced by the DVSA as one of three reversing manoeuvres - which include parallel parking and driving into a parking bay - it will replace former requirements such as a three-point turn and reversing around a corner.

In response, driving instructor Antony Cove has launched a petition online demanding that it be removed from the test.

The petition, which had gained 2,500 signatures by 7pm last night, claims that the manoeuvre contradicts rule 239 in the Highway Code, which states that: “If you have to stop on the roadside: Do not park facing against the traffic flow.”