WRITER and broadcaster Sue Cook is perhaps best known for presenting the groundbreaking BBC series Crimewatch UK. She also presented Children In Need and Holiday and has been heard on the radio since the 1970s. A successful writer and public speaker, she is currently writing her third novel, her previous two, On Dangerous Ground and Force Of Nature, are available on Amazon.

For more details visit www.suecook.com or follow her on Twitter @SueC00k

What was your first car?

I bought my first car shortly after I passed my driving test in 1972. I think I paid £100 for it. It was a white Mini with a fibreglass bonnet which clipped into place with some rubber strap thingies. Being new to driving in London traffic, I early on acquired some stripes down the bodywork that weren’t designed to be there. It got damp in its distributor and ground to a halt whenever it rained. I traded it in after about six months for a brown Mini Cooper with a racing steering wheel and tinted windows. A girl racer was born.

How many times did it take to pass your test?

I learned to drive in Croydon. I was living near Brixton at the time. Mr Clarke who taught me smoked continuously. He made me drive so smoothly that the upended matchbox he placed on the dashboard didn’t topple over.

I passed my test second time. I failed on two counts the first time – driving over a zebra crossing on a dual carriageway when someone had stepped on to it across the other side and I didn’t know what the sign depicting a car with a motorbike above it meant. My answer ‘Beware of low flying motorbikes?’ didn’t go down well. I still don’t know what it means.

Who would be your ideal fantasy passenger and where would you go?

My ideal fantasy passenger - apart from my husband of course! - would be someone who likes my favourite rock music playing loud on the sound system and can sing along in key as we drive through sunny French roads with the wind in our hair.

What is your dream car?

The Northern Echo:

This is difficult. I love my classic Saab 900T Ruby with its leather upholstery and comfy seats and brilliant engine. I’ve had it from new and lavished love on it for 20 years. I can’t bring myself to change it. It’s too much of a hard act to follow. I’m prepared to be persuaded to something else though. Any offers?

How would you describe your driving style?

Positive. Erring on the fast side, but safe.

Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?

I was stopped by police driving through Hampstead late one night, heading for home in North London.

“I’ve been following you for the last mile-and-a-half, young lady,” said the officer. “And you have been driving down the middle of the road the whole time. You’re supposed to keep to the left.”

“Obviously,” I replied. “But there’s no traffic about and I’m just making full use of the road.” He was stunned into silence and let me go on my way.

What are you listening to?

The Northern Echo:

My latest purchases are Pink Floyd’s new ‘Endless River’ album and the soundtrack to the film ‘Boyhood’ – because I like them!

What do you drive now?

My Saab Ruby turbo 900. It was a limited edition – one of only 200 made just before General Motors took the company over, and Saabs were never quite the same again.