A 89-YEAR-OLD man is celebrating after passing his advanced driving test with flying colours.
John Martin, known as Barry, is thought to be one of the area’s oldest residents to pass the test.
Barry passed his Advanced Driver Course run by Bristol Advanced Motorists at the BAWA Healthcare & Leisure Centre in Filton in June.
He recently received his official certificate at a ceremony, with organisers stating that his success demonstrates "that it is never too late to learn a new skill."
A spokesperson for Bristol Advanced Motorists said: “You may think that there is nothing particularly remarkable about this.
“But Barry is 89 years old and must be a contender for the title of most senior associate to pass the advanced test with the Bristol group.
“His success shows that it is never too late to acquire a new skill.
“Recognising that the majority of collisions are caused by driver error, the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver course and test was introduced to significantly improve driving standards using the principles of advanced driving pioneered and applied with unparalleled success by the Metropolitan Police.”
The test is conducted by a serving or retired Police Class 1 Qualified Examiner independent of the Bristol group.
Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust provides funding for Bristol Advanced Motorists to give a full refund of the course fee when they pass the test to drivers aged 60 and over who live in the Avon and Somerset Police area.
For more information visit - www.iam-bristol.org.uk
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