ADVANCED motoring examiner Bob Chambers was introduced to me as 'the smoothest driver ever', writes Kate Hughes.

Bob gives Streetwise Assessments, on behalf of West Mercia police, for drivers who feel they could use a bit of expert advice.

A member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists and an ex-policeman, Bob is passionate about improving drivers' skills and gives many hour-long driving assessments each week.

And, as if I wasn't nervous enough, he told me he would be looking for recurrent faults in my driving.

Sergeant John Roberts, of traffic operations - who has been co-ordinating the assessments, said: "Since the free scheme started in March we have given about one hundred people the assessments. Some are young drivers wanting to build confidence, some are older people wanting to brush up their skills and some are divorcees who are finding, after twenty years of their partners driving, their skills are a bit rusty."

Having only passed my driving test in January, I am what you might call an 'inexperienced driver'. These are two words I get used to hearing over the next hour.

I turned the key in the ignition of the Rover 25, kindly donated by MG Rover, and the last driver had left the gear stick in first. The car jumped forward and my anxiety levels jumped with it.

But Bob was very reassuring. He kept telling me to smile and enjoy the drive, and gradually I settled into it.

After about half an hour Bob pulled me over and gave me some feedback on my driving. Apparently even just being a qualified driver for seven months is enough time to acquire bad habits.

Crossing my hands as I turn the steering wheel, resting one hand on the gear stick and sneaking over 70 miles per hour on the motorway all gave cause for concern.

In his friendly manner Bob helpfully suggested some tips on awareness and how to make the most of visibility using road positioning.

He said he could tell I was inexperienced but assured me that the only way to gain confidence is to get behind the wheel.

As I relaxed I started chatting to Bob but he quickly tells me holding a conversation can affect your concentration.

"It's not like talking while driving should be banned but people should be aware that if you are concentrating on a conversation, you are not entirely concentrating on driving.

"That goes for everything, having the stereo too loud, eating or drinking and of course, the ubiquitous mobile phone."

He added: "If you stood in Bromsgrove High Street with a loaded gun, you wouldn't just wave it around. You would concentrate and be careful not to let it off. It is the same with driving."

The second part of the session - where I put what I have learnt into practice - went a bit more smoothly, and my confidence started to grow.

Bob told me I had improved already and, feeling smug, I pulled into the West Mercia headquarters' car park. As I did, I crossed my hands over the steering wheel again. Oh well, perhaps not an advanced motorist just yet.

For more information on the free streetwise assessments call Sergeant Roberts on 01905 331659.