A regional daily reporter who discarded her L-plates eight long years ago has ‘failed’ her driving test after trying out the new-style assessment brought in this month.

Laura Stuart-Cook, from the Grimsby Telegraph, got behind the wheel with driving instructor Mark Camburn, pictured left, to ‘retake’ her driving test to see if she would still pass.

The test has changed to bring in a new independent driving assessment where learners have to follow a route themselves – memorising a series of directions from the examiner then following road signs.

And while Laura passed this part of the test, she had one serious fault which she would have failed on, had it been a real exam.

She writes: “Eight years after I passed my driving test, I’m more than aware that I’ve picked up a few habits behind the wheel that would make most examiners and instructors cringe.

“From using one hand to steer, to – occasionally – creeping above the speed limit, I’m the first to admit I’m no longer ‘mirror, signal, manoeuvre’ perfect.

“So with the introduction of a new part of the test – which experts claim will turn test priorities to ‘mirror, signal, memorise’ – my bosses decided it would be the perfect time for me to resit my test.”

Laura managed to successfully follow the instructions which form the independent part of the test, but thought it could be confusing for those coping with the pressure of a real test.

And she was informed by Mark she would have failed her overall test after gaining seven minor and one serious fault – for driving past a school at 30mph instead of 20mph, which she wrongly assumed was an advisory limit.

She adds: “All in all it was an eye-opening experience and has made me determined to pay more attention behind the wheel.

“However, I do believe that passing the test as it currently stands doesn’t necessarily make you a good driver.

“In my opinion, the new independent driving section is over-complicated and will only add to the test-day nerves.”