Rookie driver passes his test just 14 HOURS after turning 17 thanks to help from driving instructor dad
A DRIVING prodigy stunned assessors by passing his driving test just 14 HOURS after turning 17.
Hot-shot Charlie Barrs became the first youngster in a decade to achieve the impressive feat - thanks to help from his driving instructor dad.
Proud Steve Barrs gave his lad 40 to 50 hours practice on roads around a private aerodrome so the youngster could start learning at 16.
It meant keen Charlie was able to take his theory test at 11am ON his birthday.
He then jumped into a test cancellation slot three hours later the same day, sailing through the 2pm practical exam with flying colours.
Steve, of Northampton, said: “I am unbelievably proud of Charlie and what he’s done.
“It’s been in the pipeline for a long time and I’ve been telling people for years that this was the plan.
“He had a really good test but I’m planning on continuing to be in the car alongside him for a while longer to make sure I can help him whilst he is getting used to life on the roads.”
Charlie drove in his dad’s white Citroen C3 and passed his test in his hometown with just four ‘minor’ driver faults.
'MILITARY OPERATION'
Steve said it was a ‘military operation’ ensuring Charlie was able to do his theory and practical test on the same day.
Normally drivers cannot book their practical test until after they have passed their theory test, meaning it’s very unlikely that people take the two elements on the same day.
But forward-thinking Steve booked a test for another learner - which he then cancelled once Charlie passed his theory exam - before instantly re-booking his son into the vacant slot.
Charlie even went out for a midnight practice drive as a learner with his dad as soon as he turned 17 and did a couple more hours in the morning on his provisional licence before his tests.
Dad-of-three Steve, married to Phillippa, 39, added: “Charlie was so well drilled. He knew all the areas of the town and what to watch out for.”
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Charlie’s achievement echoed that of Huddersfield teen Daniel Lloyd who passed his test on his 17th birthday back in 2009.
The talented kart racer had just 90 minutes tuition ahead of his exam.
His efforts trumped six-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton who is reported to have taken six hours of lessons before he passed his driving test.
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