Session 5 was an interesting one, because today I was a passenger in the car as an observer took me for an advanced drive. This was to show me and remind me what I am aiming to achieve. He also told me what the examiner would be looking for and reminded me that I should go along to the extra evening session when I could meet him. This will give me the opportunity to ask him questions about the test.

On this demonstration drive, Steve, my observer, whizzed through the safety checks before we set off. Once he was satisfied that the car was safe to drive, and we had our seat belts on, we set off.

He reminded me about always checking road signs, knowing what they all mean, keeping eyes peeled with keen observation and always looking well ahead – much further ahead than I was used to doing, I must say! He explained that when we anticipate a problem, for example a pedestrian looking like they’re going to step off the pavement, we will react much more quickly than if we only notice it at the last minute.

Once again he mentioned signaling when it will benefit another road user – not automatically. Many of us signal all the time, but this shows we are not really thinking about why we are doing so.

He talked about the ABS braking system which many of us have in our cars. We must keep depressing the brake pedal when we feel the ABS working. It’s tempting to lift your foot off the brake but that it is the last thing you should do.

I’m meeting lots of new people and find that the Bolton Group is one big happy family. They hold social evenings and events, and everyone is made welcome. Perhaps this is partly why they won a prize in 2008 for being one of the top three most successful groups in the country. As that’s out of over 200 groups it ain’t half bad!

The next few sessions will be for me to practise what I have learned and at Session 8 my driving will be assessed. An observer will decide whether I am ready for test, and if so, a test date will be arranged. However, if I’m not quite up to test standard by then, I can continue training and will be reassessed a few weeks later. Watch this space!