The 17-year-old prince leapt out of the car and punched the air in delight when the instructor gave him the good news, according to The Sun newspaper.

William took the test in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, near the Prince of Wales's home at Highgrove, on Tuesday, the day after he drove to a photocall in front of the world's media.

Prince William's good looks have won him a legion of female fans

The Sun quotes a lorry driver who was parked in a disused airfield when he saw the silver car pull in and witnessed William's delighted reaction.

He realised what he had seen when the L-plates were removed from the car and new green plates for a recently qualified driver put on in their place.

"I knew then he had passed his test. It was fantastic to witness the moment," said the man.

Advanced driving

William sat and passed the standard written test that accompanies the driving test on 22 June, the day after his 17th birthday.

Although he has passed his test, his driving lessons are set to continue with instructor Sergeant Chris Gilbert of the Metropolitan Police Driving School, says The Daily Telegraph.

He is still learning advanced skills under the Pass Plus scheme, in which drivers are also taught motorway and night driving.

The Prince is also expected to learn specialist skills in avoiding hijack and threats from terrorists, usually taught to royal chauffeurs.

VW Golf

Prince William has been driving on private roads for several years.

At the age of 13 he beat Damon Hill's track record at a London go-karting centre.