A REMARKABLE family have set a record after four of them enrolled on to an advanced driving course.

Rafik Adam, his wife Rizwana, their son Aamir and Rizwana's sister, Shamim Isap, all signed up with the charity Bolton & District Advanced Motorists.

All four had different reasons for seeking to improve their driving and have benefited from the course in different ways.

Mr Adam investigated the group because his sister-in-law Ms Isap did not feel confident when driving alone.

She used to ask her sister Mrs Adam to sit beside her and accompany her on car journeys because she felt unhappy when driving on motorways and in poor weather.

The two sisters decided to enrol on the course, although Mrs Adam thought she was just going along for moral support.

Mrs Adam said: "I thought I was a good driver and didn't feel I needed to do the course, but wanted to help Shamim. So we went along together."

Mrs Isap said: "I was so nervous driving I could hardly get myself to the first session but now I have so much confidence I can drive myself anywhere. And I get cheaper insurance from IAM Surety!"

Both women finished the course and passed the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Test and feel proud of their achievements.

Mr Adam then decided to enrol on the course himself whilst also persuaded his 19-year-old son Aamir to sign up.

Mr Adam said: "I drive thousands of miles a year as part of my business and I found driving boring and a necessary evil. I didn’t enjoy it at all!

"The course made a huge difference to my observation about what was going on around me when driving."

Mr Adam was awarded a F1RST pass making him one of the safest drivers in the whole country.

He added: "I am so proud of my achievement and realised how worthwhile the course is. It crystallised my view that my son, Aamir, should do the course and it has given me back my enjoyment of driving."

Aamir is still awaiting his test and said that he did not realise that he had not been taught to drive skilfully on corners and bends.

He said: "After the basic test, you have to learn a lot more by yourself and, actually, teach yourself.

"I am so glad my Dad put me in for the course as I don’t think I’d have done it myself otherwise.”

Roy Sammons, Chairman of the Bolton Group said: "This family is remarkable. Four people, each with a different motive for looking at an advanced driving course and each one getting something different out of it.

"And congratulations to Rafik for becoming one of the most skilful drivers in the country and getting top marks in the Advanced Driver Test. The group is very proud of the commitment shown by this family."

The first session of the next IAM RoadSmart advanced course will start at 7pm on Thursday November 3 at Lostock Parish Centre in Tempest Road.

A 10 per cent reduction is offered to those who enrol before October 30 using the code group60.

Full details are available from Lynn Jordan on 0161 264 0586 or boltoniam@gmail.com