A YOUNG woman killed in a car crash as she left a motorway had only had two driving lessons, it has been revealed.

And it remains a mystery why she jumped behind the wheel of her car and drove off when her husband got out.

Cassandra Jobes, 19, of Poplar Street, South Moor, Stanley, died of her injuries after her car left the A1 motorway at Chester-le-Street at 9.25pm on Monday.

She was thrown clear of her husband's dark blue Vauxhall Vectra as it overturned several times at Blind Lane Interchange at Junction 63.

Mrs Jobes was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, but later died of her injuries. The road was closed for four hours while emergency services recovered the vehicle.

A police spokesman said Mrs Jobes had been married for just over a year to 57-year-old Derek Jobes. She had just had her second driving lesson that day.

He said: "The couple had been out together for the evening in South Shields.

"They were coming home on the A194 when Mr Jobes, who was driving, pulled to the side of the road and got out of the vehicle to relieve himself.

"For a reason we have yet to establish, Mrs Jobes jumped into the driver's seat and drove off.

"There were several reports of her driving erratically across the carriageway of the A1.

"A taxi driver phoned the police to warn them of the danger she was posing to other road users."

Before she could be stopped she collided with the roundabout.

The spokesman said there were other vehicles on the motorway at the time and appealed to anyone who saw the car that night to contact police on (0191) 375 2159.