THREE young drivers are celebrating after passing their advanced test in Bolton.

The teenagers enrolled on an advanced course within a few months of passing their basic driving test.

The youngest of the three, Tom Pearson, aged 17, enrolled for the course when his instructor suggested he would be an ideal candidate after he passed his basic driving test.

He said that he loved cars and driving and wanted to develop his skills to become the best driver he could be.

As a result, he achieved a first class pass, the highest award given by the examining body, IAM RoadSmart.

Tom said: “I really enjoyed the course – I didn’t feel like I was having lessons, more that I was going out on a drive with a friend. And the test was the same – an enjoyable drive. I still love cars but now I enjoy the driving more!”

Cameron Jones, 18, was encouraged to sign on the course by his employer. Cameron is a trainee electrical engineer and travels extensively across the country as part of his job.

He said: “I found that the training helped me to look further ahead and I am now much more observant than I was before. This is really useful when I am driving on unfamiliar roads. I don’t miss important direction signs.

“I think the basic driving lessons teach you to drive ‘that car’ but not enough about road sense and how to drive well.”

Cameron Gallagher, 18, was enrolled by his father, who decided that they should do the course together.

Cameron said: “I was taught to look much further ahead than I used to do, to anticipate hazards and plan my actions.

"I notice that when some of mates are driving they react to problems and I hear them saying that suddenly something had happened – they didn’t see it coming.”

Cameron and his father have developed a friendly rivalry and are now taking this to an even higher level by taking the Bolton Advanced Motorists’ Diploma Course.

Roy Sammons, chairman of Bolton Advanced Motorists, who prepared the three for their advanced test, said: “We’re very keen to enrol young drivers on our courses as they are often inexperienced and over-confident.

"We know from road safety statistics that this can lead them into difficulties."

If anyone is interested in joining a course or enrolling a young member of their family they could contact Lynn Jordan on 07766 651418 or access the website, iamroadsmart.com/groups/boltonam.

The next course begins on Thursday, February 1, at 7pm at the Lostock Parish Centre, Tempest Road, Lostock, Bolton, BL6 4EL.