THE Durham Group of Advanced Motorists is inviting drivers to put their skills to the test.

The group, which has a membersship of about 100, is holding an open day in the south car park at County Hall, Aykley Heads, Durham, on Sunday between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

During the event, drivers will be able to have their proficiency behind the wheel assessed by observers from the the motoring group.

Membership secretary Dorothy Stewart said: "People can take a short drive in their own car.

"It is all informal and relaxed and everything is free. Our aim is to improve driving.

"Once a year, we try to do this to interest members of the public and make them realise we can help them to become better drivers."

During the day, observers from the group will go on a short drive with participants and talk to members of the public about what happened and pass on driving tips.

Mrs Stewart added that, as well as being safer drivers, people who passed the advanced driving test were offered cheaper insurance by some firms.