Most people remember passing their driving test as a stressful experience, but there's another driving licence available which could be just as useful and a good deal less painful to obtain!

The European Computer Driving Licence was launched to recognise the importance of personal computer skills for anyone working or living in Europe.

The pan-European Union qualification is aimed at those who want to gain a basic qualification in computing to help them with their current job, to help them grow their skills and enhance career prospects or just for general interest.

There are seven modules to the qualification:

• Basic concepts of IT
  
• Management of files
  
• Word-processing
  
• Spreadsheets
  
• Database filing systems
  
• Presentation and drawing
  
• Information network services

The syllabus can be downloaded for free from the site.

Those working towards the 'licence' must buy a log book (£25), into which the results of test for each module are added. Each test will have to be conducted by an accredited Test Centre - recruitment company Kelly Services is offering the tests at £15 each.

Training may or may not be needed before the tests are taken, and some people will be able to gain exemption from part of the syllabus. The British Computer Society is responsible for qualification in the UK and can provide further details for those who are interested.

The qualification should give those who consider themselves 'learner' computer users confidence in their skills and the chance to brush up on some rusty areas as well.