A COMPETITIVE couple who passed their driving tests without a single error just a week apart have been touted Swindon’s safest duo on the road.

Tom Law, 17, picked up his licence following a stellar examination last week, catapulting him into the 0.8 per cent of the population to receive a zero-fault score.

He was joined on Tuesday by his girlfriend of one year, Grace Wright, among the select few to achieve such a feat.

While Tom followed a relatively obstacle-free route through Purton, the 17-year-old had to navigate her way through a series of roundabouts across West Swindon.

But this did little to unnerve Grace, of Broome Manor, who was determined to match his prowess.

“I’m absolutely thrilled,” said the Ridgeway School student.

“It was definitely a shock but I’m very happy.

“We are a very competitive couple. When he passed I said ‘The pressure is on now and I won’t be happy until I get no minors too.’ “I didn’t really expect it. I was just hoping for the best.

“I just messaged him when I finished to tell him the good news.”

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

Unlike her boyfriend, who despite his natural ability was never fond of driving, the sixth former loves to get behind the wheel.

“I love driving; I really do,” she added. “It’s unbelievable that only 0.8 per cent of people make no minors. I didn’t realise the chances were so slim.

“Tom was very supportive and helped me. We tested each other in the questions for the theory.”

On Tom’s advice and after practising with her parents, she began taking lessons with his own instructor, Martin Neil of The Manor School of Motoring.

Tom, of East Wichel, had every confidence the able driver would pass with flying colours.

“I’m very pleased for her actually,” said the sports student at Swindon College. “It shows we are as good as each other. But I was not really surprised. I had been in the back seat of the car when she learned to drive and I knew her capabilities. I told her that at the worst she would pass with a few minors. I tried to relax her before the test.

“It shows that we can both drive well and safely.

“I don’t really feel special but I’m sure she does at the moment. I think it’s a great achievement and something to be proud of.”

Tom has decided to take the Pass Plus course with his instructor.