THE Magic Round-about, that terrifying testament to the skill and sadism of Swindon planners, is a lot easier to tackle at 3am, when there aren't any other cars about.

That's at least part of the thinking behind a dusk-til-dawn service offered by Safeway driving school.

Boss Phil Brown came up with the idea after realising some of his learners' lives were so hectic it was becoming a challenge to schedule regular lessons for them.

Phil is also hoping shift workers with busy home-life commitments will take to the idea of learning to drive in the middle of the night.

"We are becoming more of a 24-hour Britain and driving lessons should be a choice for even time-constrained customers," said Phil.

"Many workers who finish working in manufacturing, supermarkets or the hospital during the early hours may prefer to take their lessons then.

"And some learners may prefer the roads when they are quieter with little pressure from traffic."

Others might want additional lessons to enable them to take their test sooner, but do not have the free time during the day.

Safeway, based at Wood Hall Park, is offering lessons from 10pm until 8am, from Sunday night through to Thursday morning, at a slightly higher rate than it charges for daytime lessons.

Customers can choose to start the lesson at work and end at home, or vice versa.

The night school is something of an experiment for Safeway, which is trying the scheme for six months to see if it takes off.

Initial signs have been positive: since it began offering overnight lessons last month, many of its existing daytime customers have expressed an interest.

"If anywhere's going to take it up then Swindon's the place," said Phil. "There's a lot of new people and it's a fast-paced town. We are tremendously busy and we thought night time lessons might help those who are in a hurry to pass their test."

One learner who has given it a go is 17-year-old Liz Haynes, of Sevenhampton, near Highworth.

Liz, who works at Wrag Barn Golf Club until 11.30pm in the evenings, took a night time lesson from midnight until 2am.

"It was really good," she said. "There was less traffic about so I didn't feel so nervous.

"We went to the magic roundabout and drove across it from every direction. I found it quite scary in the day but it's easy now I know where I'm going.

Liz, who had had about 15 daytime lessons and was hoping to take her test in a few weeks, said it was strange driving in the dark at first, and it required a bit more concentration.

"Using the car lights is something extra to think about, and it can be hard to see where you are going for the turnings.

"You have to look at the signs more.

Liz said she would probably take further night-time lessons, while carrying on learning during daytime hours as well.

"It's a really good idea and it gives you more confidence for driving in the day too."

In planning its night-time service Safeway has drawn up several guidelines for instructors.

These include taking care not to cause any disturbance in residential areas by stopping the car near housing with the engine running or carrying out slow movement tasks.

Instructors will also be using illuminated roof signs indicating that night-time driving lessons are in progress.

To make learners feel at ease a family member or friend will be welcome in the car for the duration of the lesson.

And Safeway has stipulated that drivers must have some experience of daytime driving before taking a lesson at night.

For more information call 01793 706764.

By Andy Tate