case study

LIBBY RICHARDSON passed her driving test on her first attempt. She was just 17 when she gained her licence after taking the exam in the Highland seaside village of Golspie in October.

She puts her success down to her driving instructor dad Stuart, who runs Stuart’s Driving School in nearby Dornoch.

On Thursday her brother Harry, 20, passed his test in Alness, about 30 miles away, having learned to drive in one summer with his dad.

Hotel worker Libby said: “I first got behind the wheel in April and passed six months later. It felt a lot easier to learn with my dad as I feel comfortable with

him.

People think taking the test in a small place like Golspie is easier than in a big city, but you are still a novice driver in control of a car.

“A small town has different kinds of challenges – you can be stuck behind a horse, lorry or tractor. There can be cars parked down both sides of a small street and negotiating them is tight. And then the junctions are all different, not as uniform as in big towns. The test was tough and passing first time felt amazing!”

Stuart said: “All my pupils get the best possible tuition and I try to give them as wide an experience as possible. It is a slightly different experience teaching your own kids.

“My youngest, George, is 17 next May so hopefully he’ll pass first time too.”

“Seeing one of your pupils drive by you on the road is a great feeling. Passing the test changes their lives and gives them a sense of freedom.”