Twins pass test on same day

It could have been a case of double trouble for a Black Country driving instructor faced with teaching twin sisters who sat their test on the same day.

But Leslie Webster had no need to worry as Marika and Tanika McCurdy passed first time - within an hour of each other.

The 18-year-olds also sat side-by-side at the same theory test exam, notched the same number of minor faults and made the same mistake on their pre-test lesson.

Tanika is two minutes older but it was Marika who passed her test first.

"After I passed I was nervous for my sister," said Marika.

"I told the examiner my sister had her test next, but I didn't know it would be the same examiner."

Marika said the twins could not believe it when they found out both had passed with five minor faults.

But she added they would not have to share the driving duties after passing their test on Thursday. "We will have to get a car each, we can't share," said Marika.

Tanika added: "We aren't having typical cars. We are having really vibrant cars."

She said it was good the duo, of Redcotts Close, Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, could help each other when they hit the open road in February.

Instructor Leslie Webster said he had never taught twins before in his 17-year career - and admitted he still got the pair confused.

"They have been very exciting to teach. They both make the same mistakes," he said. In my 17-year career as an instructor I have never seen it. I don't think it will happen again."

Mr Webster said it was uncanny how the twins copied each other during driving lessons.

"In the lesson before the test they both got the same wrong gear," he said.

Mr Webster will continue teaching the girls when they drive to London as part of the Pass Plus scheme.

By Stuart Pollitt