I've passed my advanced driving test!

I took the test on the quiet, making sure none of my colleagues knew I was doing it, and sneakedly did it in my week off.

Having played a lot of football I’m a great believer in psychological preparation and thought if everybody knew I was taking it I would probably flunk it.

Unfortunately, I had arranged to meet my examiner opposite the office at Hereford Leisure Centre carpark. My undercover mission was made all the more difficult because the test was set to start at the exact time some of the reporters make their way over there for lunch.

Luckily, I went unspotted and met my examiner (who does not wish to be named!) before making my way into the city.

I got off to a good start after negotiating the difficult right hand turn out of the Leisure Centre and soon hit my stride.

My examiner told me he would talk to me as I made my way round the course. The understandable logic being that most journeys are undertaken in company and I needed to demonstrate that I could drive to a high standard at the same time as holding a conversation.

What impressed me most about the test was the way it took rural conditions into account. We did some city and B-road driving but also spent time on country lanes.

Being comfortable with the sorts of hazards you find on these often bendy and challenging roads is vital if you drive in Herefordshire.

The test went relatively quickly and my ability to react to all kinds of different situations was thoroughly examined. Having said that, I enjoyed it and also learned a few things along the way.

I’d like to thank Ian Law my observer from the Herefordshire Institute of Advanced Motorists for his patience. Ian volunteered to give up his time to help me improve my driving - dealing with someone as unpractical as me must have been a thankless task!