A RELUCTANT driver ironically born with a natural gift behind the wheel has joined the select few to have passed their test without a single error.

Tom Law, 17, is now one of just 0.8 per cent of learners in the country to have received their licence with a perfect score after taking the dreaded practical test, which has unnerved the most able of young drivers for generations.

Although pleased with his achievement, the sports student at Swindon College confessed that despite his innate talent, he was never fond of driving.

Tom, of East Wichel, said: “Beforehand I was not a big fan of travelling in a car. I’m still not a fan but I don’t mind it now. For me, driving is just a way of getting around.

“I’m confident in the car and I’ve had a lot of experience because I have been driving in my own car.”

Tom took his very first lesson on his 17th birthday on August 14. After just eight sessions with instructor Martin Neil of The Manor School of Motoring, he began taking to the road in his own 1.2 Fiesta under his parents’ supervision.

During the short test on Tuesday, he was taken along one of the examination routes through Purton and West Swindon.

Learners are allowed 15 minor mistakes, beyond which they automatically fail. On average drivers who pass make between five and six minor faults.

“I just found driving quite easy,” said Tom, a keen golf player who is hoping to make a name for himself in the competitive sport.

“My instructor was confident I would pass and expected no minors.

“During the test I did what I normally do. When I finished I knew I had done well but it was a bit of a surprise.

“I didn’t realise there was such a low number of people who have done that. My dad was pleased. He said he was more nervous than me.”

His outstanding zero-fault pass has brought relief to his parents who now have every confidence their son will be safe on the road.

“It makes us feel safer,” said his dad Richard. “He passed his theory test the first time as well. We are extremely proud.

“His driving instructor said he was an excellent driver. A zero-fault pass is very rare. This puts Tom in the top 0.8 per cent of people in the country who have achieved this.

“With all the bad press that young drivers get, it is refreshing to have good news.”