Learner driver Dawn Forster took a big sigh of relief when she finally passed her driving test - after almost a decade, more than a thousand lessons and one "L" of a lot of money.

The 32-year-old hairdresser endured 10 practical tests, four theory tests and spent nine years and more than £7,000 on exams and tuition behind the wheel.

Her unswerving determination paid off when she at last heard the words "I'm pleased to say you've passed."

Dawn, of Middlesbrough, said: "I was so used to them saying, `You've failed', I had to look twice and I kept pinching myself. It's a wonderful feeling."

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

A series of defeats, including several narrow failures, tested her resilience - but there would be no U-turn this time for the tenacious student.

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.

"There were times where I wanted to give up. I felt like I was climbing up this big hill and I was never going to get there.

"I've had people joking, saying I'd better give up. But the more they'd say it, the more I wouldn't want to 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 be able run her son Jordan, 12, to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary for annual check-ups. He was successfully treated for kidney cancer nine years ago.

She added: "That gave me the incentive. Now I can finally take him rather than going on trains.

"I've always wanted to drive. I thought it would change my life for ever, I wouldn't be restricted in any area. I like travelling."

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."

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