A GRANDAD and grandson are celebrating success on the road.

The pair have passed tests with Bolton and District Advanced Motorists.

Matthew McGuinness passed the IAM RoadSmart (formerly the Institute of Advanced Motorists) advanced driving test and was awarded the highest grade anyone can be given, a first. Meanwhile his grandad Dave Seed gained a distinction in the more advanced IAM Masters test.

Dave is a former HGV driver who has always wanted to perfect his driving. He took the advanced test in his private car, then in an HGV and finally the IAM Masters.

He also helps train other drivers up to advanced standard with the Bolton and District Group, a local charity.

Dave said “When Matt passed his basic driving test, I thought he would enjoy an advanced driving course.

"And I also know that young men, with little experience, are more likely than other drivers to have crashes. I wanted Matt to gain the extra experience from an advanced course and to make sure he would be safer on the roads.

"Bolton & District Advanced Motorists were offering drivers under 30 a full refund of the course fee when they pass the advanced test. This was too good to miss.”

When Matt, 19, was offered enrolment on the course by his grandad, he jumped at the chance. He had always enjoyed driving and looked forward to the new things he would learn.

He said “When I started the course, I realised how much I had failed to see before, although I had thought I was very observant. I also remembered that I’d had no advice during my basic driving lessons about how to negotiate corners and bends on country roads.

"I feel that this probably was the most important skill I learned on the advanced course.”

He joked: “I am waiting to see if Grandad will give me the refund as a reward for my success!”

Roy Sammons, chairman of Bolton & District Advanced Motorists, said “The group is very pleased to see more and more younger drivers on our courses.

"They haven’t much experience to fall back on if they get themselves into trouble on the roads and this is why we are continuing the 100 per cent refund when they pass the advanced test.

"They haven’t had time to develop too many ingrained bad habits and most learn the advanced driving method very quickly."

Anyone wanting further information about advanced driving should contact Lynn Jordan by telephoning 07766 651418 or by emailing boltoniam@gmail.com.

Any driver can, without obligation, attend the Introductory Evening for the group’s next course. It will take place at the Lostock Parish Centre, Lostock, Bolton, BL6 4EL on Thursday, January 31, starting at 7pm.