PUTTING her skills to the test – and the pedal to the metal – a Hereford driving instructor spent a day leading blind drivers round one of the UK’s fastest racetracks earlier this month.

Christine Moore took part in a charity day at Donnington Park, swapping Yazor Road for Foggy’s Bend, as she gave 12 blind people the unique opportunity to feel what it’s like to be behind the wheel.

Some of the drivers had previously held driving licences but had lost them due to deteriorating conditions, while others had never been allowed to drive.

“There were some hairy moments,” said Mrs Moore.

“You get tongue-tied and end up saying ‘right, right, right’, ‘left, left, left’.

“We went pretty close to the barriers a few times and spent some time on the grass.”

The day raised more than £11,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blinds, but may have had a bigger impact still on those involved.

“It was a very emotional thing for many of the drivers – it was hardest for those who were no longer able to drive.

“There were blokes in tears at the end of it.”

The role of the instructor was to talk their driver round the track, describing the bends and aiding with their dual-control pedals.

For any drivers who were not completely blind, blindfolds could be provided to enhance the experience.

And Mrs Moore didn’t miss the chance to have a go herself.

“I didn’t find it that scary – you put your trust in another driving instructor.

“I wanted to go around blindfolded before I took anyone out, so I knew what the experience was like for them.”

The route used on the day involved the drivers using part of the famous Donnington Park track in Leicestershire, which has hosted World Superbikes and Formula One races in the past.

To find out more about Guide Dogs for the Blind, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/ .