Woman takes 58 years to get driving licence

London, April 24 (IANS) A 16-year-old British girl thought of hitting the road with a licence within a few months of learning to drive. But little did she think that she was actually destined to get it after 58 years!

The 74-year-old Valerie Christie, from Carlisle county, has finally passed her driving test for which she first attempted in 1954, the Daily Mail reported.

She was first taught how to drive by her then mechanic boyfriend back in 1954. But after their relationship ended, she gave up driving and never took the test.

When her friend Thomas Noble fell ill, she decided to finally get her licence - in a bid to help him get to hospital appointments - passing her theory exam with flying colours.

And despite failing two previous tests - one early last year and another a month ago - she got her full licence this week after a test

"I was really nervous before the test...But the examiner was really nice. I felt comfortable with him and relaxed, and thought to myself, 'yes, I'm going to do this'," she said.

"I drove really well and passed with only four minor faults."

Christie now plans to splash out and buy an iconic Morris Traveller to help her disabled friend Thomas Noble get about town.

"It was my friend Thomas who inspired me to do it. He had a stroke some time ago and we have to get him to so many appointments. And now if we want to go out for a meal, we can drive there, she said, adding "But it also shows that you're never too old to learn a new skill."