George is an advanced driver in every sense (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

George is an advanced driver in every sense

George Stone with his advanced driver's certificate. 22/6/5WHEN George Stone obtained his first driving licence new cars cost £128, there were no speed limits and glass windscreens had just been made compulsory.

Now, 67 years later, the 84-year-old has become one of the oldest people in the country to pass a second gruelling driving test - making him an advanced motorist in more ways than one.

Mr Stone, of St Mark's Avenue, Salisbury, signed up for a new series of driving lessons after hearing about the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

"It was a bit of a challenge," he said.

"I saw a few news reports about older people not being safe to drive so I thought I'd give it a go.

"Lots of people seem to think that we are doddering old fools on the road who ought to be at home sitting in a chair but I wanted to prove I could pass the advanced test."

An observer from the Salisbury Plain branch of the institute took the great-grandfather for some refresher driving lessons.

"Everyone gets into bad habits," he said.

"The observer teaches you to look further ahead for potential hazards and sharpens your driving up."

After four lessons Mr Stone, who is a retired pilot, was ready to take the 90 minute advanced test which includes vehicle manoeuvres, parking and driving on a variety of roads.

"It wasn't nerve wracking like my first test," he said.

"But I was very pleased to pass.

"I think some people are worried about taking it in case they fail but it doesn't have anything to do with your driving licence and you don't have to stop driving if you don't pass."

Mr Stone took his first test in 1938 at the age of 17.

"It was in a Riley sports car. It was very special because it had four gears.

"They didn't have speed limits in those days - none of the cars went fast enough for them to worry about."

These days Mr Stone drives around 8,000 miles a year and says he and his family are happier now he has passed the advanced test.

"I might be one of the oldest but at least I am safe," he said. "I've passed both my tests first time, they were just 67 years apart."