Thirteen proved to be a lucky number for a pharmacist who passed her driving test on the 13th attempt.

Sittingbourne resident Blessing Adeyemi spent 10 years learning and thousands of pounds on tests, petrol and insurance before finally succeeding.

The 48-year-old mum of three is now able to drive to work at Newton Place Pharmacy in Faversham for 7am instead of having to rely on public transport and can pick up her 12-year-old son from school.

She said: “It was mainly silly things that made me fail. For about half of the tests I was really nervous but then I got over the nerves.

“Once I failed because I was being too cautious.”

As soon as she passed her test, Mrs Adeyemi’s 22-year-old daughter and 21-year-old son both signed up for lessons with the same company their mum learnt with, Gillingham-based Pass Code Driving School.

Mrs Adeyemi added: “I had fantastic support from friends, patients and colleagues.

“They kept me motivated and constantly asked how I was progressing. I had customers who told me: ‘You helped me quit smoking, I’m going to help you get on the road’.

“Also, I’d ploughed so much money into it I didn’t want to give up.

“Everything will be made easier now I have my licence.

“I wouldn’t say I enjoy driving yet but it has made my life a lot easier and I’m looking forward to building my confidence behind the wheel.”