A GRAYS teenager has shown he's a class act behind the wheel with a double driving test success two months after his 17th birthday.

Not content on passing his driving theory test the day after his 17th birthday and his driving test just two months later, 17 year-old Jamie Rodwell from Grays - an IT student at South Essex College of Further & Higher Education - has now passed the IAM RoadSmart's Advanced driving test with flying colours and in doing so achieved a 'First' - the highest rating achievable which means he demonstrated no faults in his driving in any area.

"I heard about the course from my dad who is a member of the North East London & Essex IAM Group and I was really up for the challenge." said Jamie.

"I thought the course would help me in my career aspirations and keep the cost of insurance down. After six runs with NELE Group's Senior Observer Paul Heasmer, my driving was independently assessed as "excellent." 

"This gave me the confidence to proceed to take the test." 

Jamie went on to take the gruelling 90-minute test under the watchful eye of IAM Examiner Colin Underwood.

He added: "Through better driving, I am now getting 60 miles to the gallon – up from 45. I have also learnt to be more observant; I plan my drive and control the car better.

"Right from the outset, everyone at the IAM and the NELE Group have been so welcoming. I've met some of the kindest, most passionate, and most enthusiastic people ever. I cannot thank them enough."

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After passing his test, Jamie had another piece of good news when NELE Group refunded him 50% of the cost of the course – something that NELE does for all under 26-year-olds when they pass their test.

"The course, course materials and test came to £175 in total, so - when compared with the high cost of driving lessons - I felt it was a no brainer. It was a bonus to receive the refund."

Mr Heasmer said; "A standard advanced driving test pass is a superb achievement, but it is exceptional for a driver to demonstrate driving ability worthy of a 'Firts' at such a young age.

"We believe he is also the youngest driver to demonstrate such skills that the NELE Group Advanced Motorists has had in the 60 years of its existence. He is an inspirational young man."

IAM RoadSmart is the UK's largest road safety charity. It has a vision of a society where all road users can safely and sustainably use the public highways together. It does this through a range of means including delivering the advanced driving and riding tests.

IAM RoadSmart formed in March 1956 and has over 77,000 members who support its campaigns on road safety. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart's courses. NELE Group Advanced Motorists formed the following year.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart visit: www.iamroadsmart.com