The desire to own a driving licence to enable her to get around independently compelled a 73-year-old grandmother to go through all the trouble to obtain it.

Fatimah Hassan, who was met by Bernama while sitting for the test at a driving centre here today, said she was not only learning the driving techniques but also needed to be extra alert to some situations due to her age.

Teases from her close friends and grandchildren did not dampen her spirits as she took them as jokes as well as a challenge.

"The desire to own a driving licence started when I faced difficulty to go for my monthly treatment at the clinic for diabetes and high blood pressure.

"As my children live far away, having a driving licence will make it easier for me to go to the clinic and mosque," said Fatimah who had been driving since 1977 but stopped in 2009 with her licence expired in 2010.

During the test today, Fatimah passed the road test, however, she failed the site tests and decided to re-sit the test next week. -- Bernama