Dave's pal, Brendan Maude, 21, of Ling Royd Avenue, Halifax, had passed his test in just four weeks after turning 17.

And he ribbed Dave that he'd never match his achievement.

But a mere three weeks after his 17th birthday – and with only 11 hours of driving lessons under his belt – Dave sailed through his test this week to become one of the youngest drivers on Calderdale's roads.

And he was more than happy to thank his best friend for providing the inspiration.

The trainee garage mechanic, of Woodbrook Place, Mixenden, Halifax, said: "I was given the money for lessons for my birthday.

"It was Brendan's boasting that made me really go for it.

"I just wanted to see his face when I beat him.

"I rang in, booked the test and just had a go. It feels ace to have got it out the way."

He added he had parked cars regularly at the garage and owned a scooter but had never driven a car on the road before he turned 17.

His instructor, Dom Robinson, of Streetwise, said: "I'd never met anyone so committed. The teasing obviously did him some good."

The Driving Standards Agency said Dave had joined the rare group of people who pass inside a month. A spokesman said: "It is not unheard of for someone to pass so soon – although it is unusual. We pass on our congratulations to the young man."