LEARNER driver Dawn Forster took a big sigh of relief when she finally passed her driving test - after nearly ten years and more than 1,000 lessons.

The 32-year-old hairdresser endured ten practical tests, four theory tests and spent nine years and more than £7,000 on exams and tuition behind the wheel.

She has been taught by five instructors and took, on average, three lessons a week for the past nine years.

A series of defeats, including several near-misses, did not deter the tenacious student, from Middlesbrough.

She said: "It's been a hard nine years. Every time, I'd be in tears. It's a kick in the teeth. You feel like a failure.

"People joked I'd be better giving up, but the more they said it, the more I couldn't give up. I wasn't going to let it beat me. My friends can't believe it. They say it's about time."

Her ambition to drive came from wanting more freedom, and to run her son, Jordan, 12, to hospital in Newcastle for annual check-ups. He was successfully treated for cancer of the kidney nine years ago.

She now intends to buy her first car and urges fellow test flunkers: "Don't give up."

Her instructor Barry Yale said: "She should have stayed in the car while the examiner finished his paperwork, but she got out jumping and crying.

"She put her arms around him. I was delighted for her. It meant a lot to get her through it and I'm thrilled."