Crossword Genius

Panic involving learner driver getting fail (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flunk

'fail' is the definition.
('flunk' can be a synonym of 'fail')

'panic involving learner driver' is the wordplay.
'panic' becomes 'funk' (I've seen this before).
'involving' is an insertion indicator.
'learner driver' becomes 'l' (I've seen this in other clues).
'funk' placed around 'l' is 'FLUNK'.

'getting' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for flunk that I've seen before include "Fail an exam (in the US)" , "Fail (an exam, say)" , "Fail to get a passing grade" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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