WHEN teenager Alex Hagan passed his driving test his mum booked him straight onto an advanced driving course — to make sure her young son would be safe on the roads.

But little did she expect that once the 17-year-old qualified as an advanced driver — he would urge his mum to take the course too.

After sailing through the 10-week course with Bolton & District Advanced Motorists the young motorist started to pass comment on his mum's driving style and sheepishly suggested she might want to take a few more lessons herself.

Alex said: “What I found was that I became much more aware of what was going on around me.

"I particularly noticed that my driving on country roads, around corners and bends, was much improved.

"I learned about the importance of correct positioning on entering the bend and choosing the best gear, in all situations, which gives me better speed control while keeping up a good pace.

"I’ve also noticed that I leave more room between me and other vehicles on the motorway – and, I have to say, I enjoy my driving even more.”

Alex passed his advanced test with flying colours and then explained to his mum that taking the advanced test would not affect her existing driving licence.

Mrs Hagan said: "As I was worried I might not be good enough, Alex told me the course wouldn’t affect my existing licence.

"So I decided to have a go and was delighted to pass the advanced test too. I’m very glad I did because when I was driving over Belmont the other night a deer ran out in front of my car.

"Because I, too, am now much more aware of what’s going on around, I saw it early and could brake in time. If I hadn’t had the extra training, I’m afraid I would have hit the deer and maybe even killed it, possibly hurting myself in the process.”

Roy Sammons, chairman of Bolton & District Advanced Motorists, says young drivers are more likely to be involved in collisions than older drivers.

He added: “Lynne and Alex have both enjoyed their courses and are very happy to have passed the test.

"I think Alex was very wise to enrol. However capable young drivers are, they lack vital experience, because they are new to driving, and we should seriously consider giving them extra tuition to help keep them safe.

"Many other countries have laws restricting new drivers, such as no night driving and no young passengers, who may egg them on to drive inappropriately.

"The UK lags behind, and until our country introduces safety measures for these young people we, as parents, need to give them all the help we can to keep them safe. Also, it’s worth knowing that the Advanced Course is inexpensive.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about advanced driving courses should visit boltoniam.org.uk or call Annette Gamble on 01706 825405.