A learner driver from Ellesmere Port has passed her test at last - after 12 attempts.

Cath Leask, 24, failed her test seven times and had four cancellations but was determined to throw away her L-plates.

Being able to drive to and from work in Wrexham has knocked almost four hours off her daily commute to the Tenpin bowling outlet at Eagles Meadow retail centre, which involved two buses each way every day.

It is also saving her a fortune in taxi fares when she works evening shifts.

Cath said: “It really was hard not being able to drive. I have been with Tenpin since 2008 but was working at Cheshire Oaks , Ellesmere Port. I was offered promotion and the role of deputy manager here at Eagles Meadow, Wrexham.

“I jumped at the chance thinking I would soon pass my driving test. That was in April of last year but everything seemed to go wrong so far as my driving tests were concerned.

“I took the test a total of seven times and had four tests cancelled and kept making a few minor, or the odd serious, error on the tests I actually did.

“I was really angry with myself as the test I had just before Christmas the examiner told me I’d actually passed until we arrived back at the test centre and I managed to bump into the wall.

“There was no damage but, quite rightly, I suppose, he had to fail me.”

Joking

She added: “When I took the test again at the start of January I couldn’t believe it when the examiner told me I’d passed. I thought he was joking to be honest.”

Cath's commute to work included a bus from home into Chester then another bus to Wrexham.

“It meant I was spending up to two hours or more just getting to and from work. It often meant two hours each way which is a lot to add to your working day,” she said.

“It was more difficult when I had to work evenings as there weren’t any buses and I had to get a taxi. It cost nearly £30 and put a big dent in my finances.”

She added: “I was determined to see it through and now it only takes me a little over half-an-hour or maybe 40 minutes to get to work.

“It means I have so much more time to do the things I want to do and it’s a big saving on taxi fares too.

“Its money I can save and put toward buying our own property.”

Eagles Meadow manager, Kevin Critchley, said: “Passing your driving test is a big thing and gives people a lot more independence.

“I’m just delighted for her and pleased she can now get to and from work so much quicker and she no longer has to fork out so much of her own money getting home after a late shift when there are no buses running.”

How many times did you fail your test before passing. Let us know in the comments below: