Masterton's Vicky Lewis got her restricted licence last month on her first attempt.
The 22-year-old passed her learner test about four years ago and went for about eight driving lessons before ending them. Then, after being given a car earlier this year, she decided it was time to take the test.
"Once I got my car, I was ready to put my time and effort into it," Miss Lewis said.
She attended a driving course at Wairarapa REAP, which involved a refresher on the road rules, before a drive along the test route with an instructor, who pointed out things many drivers miss, such as checking the blind spots.
"It gave me the confidence to go and sit it because I knew what to expect and I did it," she said. "It wasn't as hard as I thought I would be."