DRIVEN by determination to prove people wrong, a man with Asperger Syndrome has passed his driving test. Jeffrey March, of New Inn Road, Hinxworth, was fuelled by a desire to get his driving licence after he was told that his syndrome meant he would never

DRIVEN by determination to prove people wrong, a man with Asperger Syndrome has passed his driving test.

Jeffrey March, of New Inn Road, Hinxworth, was fuelled by a desire to get his driving licence after he was told that his syndrome meant he would never be able to drive.

The 29-year-old took his third attempt at the test on January 4 and passed with flying colours thanks to the support of his instructor Gary Langham.

BSM Instructor Gary, of Sanderling Road, Letchworth GC, said: "We developed new concepts and visual solutions for Jeffrey, such as referring to a set of three mini-roundabouts as the three little pigs or imagining the steering wheel as a spirit level to overcome fears or problems."

Due to his syndrome Jeffrey faced hurdles from a young age. Psychologists informed him he would never be able to drive and traits of the syndrome include low concentration levels and dislike of change.

However, his mum Julia, 57, said: "Jeffrey is the sort of person that is determined and won't give up."

Jeffrey recently achieved a 2:1 for his graphic design degree and is currently on a Prospect course to find work in the industry.

However, he was turned down by a number of driving schools and private instructors as they believed he would be unable to concentrate during the 40-minute test.

One instructor even informed his parents that, with all his experience in the teaching industry, he was certain that Jeffrey would never be able to drive and they were wasting their money.

But Gary Langham agreed that although Jeffrey would need more lessons than most he would take him on and assess him on the first lesson.

Julia said: "Gary didn't put too much pressure on Jeffrey; he was really relaxed which helped. As his instructor, and as someone who had got to know the family, he was over the moon when he passed!"

Although he has spent more time learning than many, Jeffrey is still no car fanatic, choosing to travel by train and bus rather than buy a vehicle. He said: "I'm not intending to get a car yet, I was just pleased to get the test out of the way!