Lisa Riley catches up with the local news after passing her test in Bolton

TV star Lisa Riley is planning to drive her career forward -- by getting behind the steering wheel.

The 24-year-old actress, from Tottington, has taken the first step by passing the driving theory test in Bolton with flying colours.

After her test Lisa revealed to the BEN that she is working on a major new project with ITV -- but kept mum about exactly what it entailed.

Lisa has just quit her role as Mandy Kirk in the hit soap, Emmerdale.

Her character has been written out of the soap after a love tangle which saw her leave her screen husband Paddy, watched by millions of viewers.

Speaking after she passed her test at Capitol House in Churchgate Lisa said: "When I was in Emmerdale I was driven around and looked after.

"But now that's all over I'm more independent. After all I'm 24 and I should be able to drive myself to the shops to get a pint of milk."

As soon as she passed -- with a score of 32 out of 35 -- Lisa phoned her mum on her mobile phone to tell her the good news.

Then a relieved Lisa settled down on the steps outside the test centre and had a chat with the BEN.

She said: "Most people think the number 13 is unlucky, but I'm not so sure. I was in booth 13 in there and I've passed. I'm delighted!"

She added: "I've never been very good at exams at school -- apart from drama of course -- and I was very nervous before I went in.

"I had been swotting up using a CD Rom produced by the AA. If anyone is due to take their theory test I'd thoroughly recommend it."

Former St Gabriel's High School pupil Lisa is currently on our screens every Saturday with the ITV camcorder clips show, You've Been Framed.

She added: "I'm still enjoying that and I've got other things in the pipeline. I'll be on ITV again soon but I'm not allowed to say any more than that."

Before that Lisa is focusing attention on her driving ambitions.

She added: "I'm planning to take my test before Christmas, but I don't want to tell anybody when it is in case I fail!"

She is also getting ready to start rehearsals for the pantomime season.

Lisa is due to play the fairy in Dick Whittington at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.