Car Torque .... with comedian and author Helen Lederer

Her novel ‘Losing It’ is the story of Millie, agony aunt for ‘The Good Woman Magazine’. In debt, divorced and desperate, she’s about to lose her house. Worse, she has no money, a best friend with a better sex life than her, a daughter in Papua New Guinea and too much weight in places she really doesn’t want. It is published by Pan Macmillan.

For more on Helen visit www.helenlederer.co.uk or follow her on Twitter @HelenLederer

What was your first car?

My first car was a third-hand red Hillman Imp. I was a student and gave everyone lifts into college and kept old mugs of tea and coffee in the glove compartment. The most uncool thing about it was a cartoon of a duck on the driver’s side door, but it got me from A to B, mostly, except on cold mornings.

How many times did it take to pass your test?

I passed on my second go. I was chucked by a boyfriend on the day I failed my first time. I learned in my mum’s Triumph Herald - no open roof alas - and whatever car the driving instructor used. I was so nervous I never took any notice.

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

Ghandi would be very interesting as a passenger and quite quiet in traffic jams. I’d choose an open top Triumph Herald and go off to Camber Sands in Sussex.

What is your dream car?

A car that is not flash or claustrophobic or small or shaped badly with a roof that goes down.

How would you describe your driving style?

Confident and decisive.

Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?

I was with a boyfriend - famous comic ha ha - and we were snogging in my red Renault Four and the gearstick that came out of the dashboard got knocked and we rolled into a parked posh car – in reverse. I had to get another rear door. In blue as that was the only one I could afford.

What are you listening to?

Snogging noises?

What do you drive now?

A Ford Fiesta. Efficient, unfussy and easy to park.