Phil's the perfect driver!

Phil, 35, of Egerton Road not only passed his driving test at his first attempt last Wednesday, he did so with the rare result "no faults recorded."

Passing at the first attempt is in itself a good result. Allan says the national average for first-time passes is about 23 per cent.

"To achieve a 'clean sheet' pass with no minor errors recorded is like a 'hole in one' at golf. It happens so rarely, it's the Holy Grail of driving instructors."

Allan's last pupil to achieve no recorded faults did so in 1999.

Allan says: "The driving test has changed quite dramatically over the last few years. It is now considerably longer, more manoeuvres have been added. Candidates on test are now required to open the bonnet and answer technical questions. A candidate can fail on an accumulation of minor errors and a much higher standard of driving is necessary to hope with today's crowded roads.

"Candidates now also have to take a theory test and a moving image hazard perception test before applying for the practical test."