Paddy Hopkirk proves age is nothing but a number
Rally legend, Paddy Hopkirk, has taken and passed his IAM RoadSmart advanced driver course for the second time – 27 years after he took it for the first time.
Hopkirk, who became a household name after winning the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally and the 1967 Acropolis Rally in a mini, is one of few UK drivers to have won at a world level.
Hopkirk was appointed IAM RoadSmart’s mature driver ambassador earlier this year and has been promoting the charity up and down the UK, part of which saw the former champion racer have his driving assessed twice by IAM recently.
Partaking in IAM RoadSmart’s Mature Driver Assessment, which is used to give older drivers the assurance they need to maintain their driving careers, Hopkirk also decided to participate in the organisation’s Advanced Driving course and passed. After he got the results, Hopkirk said: “I took the test again as an encouragement to older drivers. Anyone can benefit from a little extra advice, as a way of becoming a safer and more confident driver on today’s roads.”
Paddy also went on to talk about what he learnt this time round taking the Advanced Driver Course, saying: “Having taken the course I think about my driving more, rather than it being automatic.
“For instance, I really learnt a lot about the useful information conveyed by road signs and painted lines on the road. They really do make life easier!”
How would you do if you had to take your driving test again? Is this a good idea for older drivers? Let us know.
