Hazlemere learner beats odds after clean sweeping test (From Bucks Free Press)

Hazlemere learner beats odds after clean sweeping test

11:10am Saturday 8th November 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(8)

LEARNER driver Josh Hare beat odds of one in 15,000 to pass his test first time without making a single mistake – after only 11 hours of lessons.

The teen from Hazlemere impressed his instructor so much he was presented with a bottle of champagne after he came back from his test yesterday with a clean sheet.

Josh, 17, from Park Lane, said passing without any minor errors was “unbelievable”. Learners can make 15 minor mistakes and still pass.

Josh said: “I was expecting a pass but not that well. I was just over the moon, I couldn't believe it.”

According to the Driving Standards Agency, the average learner passes a test after 45 hours of lessons and 22 hours of private practice.

But Josh broke the mould after just 11 hours worth of lessons and a handful of practice sessions with his dad.

The sixth form student at Holmer Green Senior School said he was not too nervous when he took his test at the Wycombe driving centre in Cressex Industrial Estate.

He said: “I stayed pretty calm and was just talking to the instructor as I went round.”

His instructor Dave Fullerton, from Wycombe Driving School, added: “It’s a good job they’re not all like that or we’d never make any money!”

Josh was also full of praise for his instructor.

He said: “He’s a quality bloke.”

Josh was out on the roads in his Peugeot 106 soon after he passed, and said his weekend would probably be spent behind the wheel.

Speaking to the BFP this morning he added: “I've been out in it today already and was out yesterday. I think I'll probably be driving my mates round everywhere this weekend.”

This is not the first time a student from Wycombe Driving School has made the news.

In June, Gareth Purslow from Widmer End appeared on the front page of the BFP's sister paper, the Star, after he passed with a clean sheet – despite being involved in a crash during his test, see link above right.

The examiner did not think it was the 20-year-old's fault after he was hit when a driver pulled out of a side road. Since then an insurance claim has been settled.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(8)