ENCOURAGING words from Mrs Manning during this morning's journey to work: "your driving' is really improving".

Not that I am dangerous behind the wheel – far from it – 'cautious' may as well be my middle name, but it's proof that the course of observed Skill For Life drives I am taking with Wirral Advanced Motorists is working after three stints on the road.

The aim of Skill for Life is to make drivers more observant and aware of how other people drive.

During the hour's drive around Prenton, Birkenhead and along the M53 from Clatterbridge to Eastham my focus was on reading signs and ensuring I keep to the speed limit.

Basic stuff, but when out and about on roads each day, bad habits can form and stay with you. The aim of the drives is to brush up on your skills.

I take a fairly laid-back approach to most things, including driving; favouring a leisurely pace to racing along the road.

But over the last three weeks, taking on board comments made by my designated observer Phil Corker, I have toughened up a little behind the wheel and become even more confident.

I passed my driving test on January 26, 2005.

But, as with everything there is always room to polish up your skills. My time to brush up on road skills was now.

So, I decided to enrol on an advanced driving course with Wirral Advanced Motorists.

During the course I am being observed by Phil Corker, a member of Wirral IAM, who has been in the business of helping people improve their skills behind the wheel.

I was marked 'A' for things such as knowledge of speed limits, observation of other traffic, use of mirrors and anticipation of potential road hazards.

Areas needing improvement are my deportment at the wheel, mind you being more than six feet tall doesn’t leave much space to play when cramming myself into a Ford Ka. However, I’m sure that by adjusting the seat I can sort that problem out.

But this was only the third observed drive. There are nine to go.

Observed drive four is next Wednesday. So I will update you on my progress up to my test day.

The IAM says drivers of all ages, from 17 upwards, can take the advanced driving test.

Full details on the course are from www.wirraliam.co.uk