CAROL Decker is the lead singer of British rock group TPau. The band became one of the biggest names in the charts in the 1980s with hits such as China in Your Hand, which spent five weeks at number one, Heart and Soul and Valentine. The album Bridge of Spies went quadruple platinum. This year saw Carol embark on a 25th Anniversary tour. The bands first gig in London for 15 years takes place at the Islington Assembly Hall on November 25. For more details visit www.tpau.co.uk 

What was your first car?

The Northern Echo: Mazda MX5

My first car was a bit fancy as I passed my test late when I had a bit of 'dosh' I bought a brand new silver Mazda MX5 .It was one of the first in the country and was a real head-turner back then. I had it delivered to Rockfield Studios in Monmouth where i was working on our third album, The Promise. I still think the MX5 is such a great little car. Mazda worked really hard on modeling the gears and engine sounds on Italian race cars, you get a lot of bang for your buck and it drives fabulously.

How many times did it take to pass your test?

I actually passed my test late at 33. Prior to that I did not have any money and then when T'pau broke I was picked up all the time in limos darling or was in tour buses endlessly .When I finally got some time in 1990 I took lessons and passed my test first go. I started lessons in Shrewsbury in about 1988, but then did not have time to carry on as T'pau got really busy. I had a teacher called Mr France who taught me to do really good hill starts. He used to say 'make progress Carol!' if I was going too slowly out of nerves. I finished off in Barnet north London. I can't remember who with as it was a bit faceless. But I do remember the examiner saying I should brush up on my Highway Code a little, but he was gong to pass me as I was a good driver with good instincts.

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

The Northern Echo: Brad Pitt pictured in the film Mr & Mrs Smith

Brad Pitt and straight to a motel!

What is your dream car?

I don't really have one dream car as such but I do like old cars , especially old American cars from the 1940s or a British Zephyr 6 .I love that the old cars were all different in shape. They had distinct individual designs. Most cars look boringly similar now.

How would you describe your driving style?

Well, I do have an itchy right foot and the speed camera points to go with it. I love to put my foot down if it is safe so to do so.They spoil all our fun. Grrrrr! I am a decisive driver and I am confident at speed. I have very fast reactions. I like driving and am happy to drive for long distances .We often drive through Europe on holiday and I do the bulk of the driving. I do get a bit aggressive though and can turn the air blue if I'm annoyed.

Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?

Not my finest hour, but years ago i was driving in France and wearing stupid big blue platform shoes. Silly thing to do I know, but I was young and fashion conscious. As I approached the toll on the autoroute my shoe got stuck and it pushed the accelerator instead of the brake. I shot forward into the back of a farmers van. The police were called and I was carted off to a provincial French police station. I was missing my documents. I did have fully comprehensive insurance, but I was not carrying any proof .In my panic I forgot most of my usually reasonable French. I also just blanked on the name of my insurer. This was the early 1990s so no internet or smart phones. After about an hour I calmed down and remembered their name and number and they faxed everything through. I had my first cigarette in six years as I was so scared of the tough armed French police! They eventually let me go.

What is playing on your in car iPod or CD player at the moment?

The Northern Echo: Franz Ferdinand in full swing

We have a lot of homemade playlists that are very eclectic. We have Muse for Scarlett who is 15, because that is all she listens to! The Ramones for Dylan who is 11. He's been going through his Dad's punk CD's . Foo fighters, Green Day, Franz Ferdinand, above, for Richard and I because it's been festival time and lots of 80's tunes!

What do you drive now?

The Northern Echo: Land Rover Discovery

Right now we have a Land Rover Discovery Series 3. We find it invaluable to have a Land Rover out here in Oxfordshire. We have had a lot of deep in snow most winters. It's a workhorse of a car. We get the dog, the kids, the bags inside, the kayaks or the ski's on top. We like to drive to the Alps. We also have chickens and ducks so need to pick up feed and of course I am frequently carting musicians and equipment around. It also can look quite smart if you wash it to go up to London. I also have a ten-year-old Saab as a little run-a-round. It is rather scruffy looking, but the engine is bulletproof and I love the old shape. It still goes really fast!