If asked, "How competent is your driving?", I'll wager that most of you have an self-regard that errs more towards Lewis Hamilton than the ever-memorable Maureen from Driving School. I, however, have pole-position confidence in my own abilities. My licensed talents hover somewhere between proficient and bloody marvellous. At least, that's my humble opinion.

In justification of this belief I can provide 25 years of almost incident-free driving and just one recent conviction for adding flexibility to a speed limit. Consider the fact my job insists that I drive everything with four wheels to all four corners of the Earth and back, and the case for the defence is incontrovertible. I'm not cocksure, but I am confident. I do know my cars.

It was perfectly logical then, that an invitation to a one-day driver-assessment required a special automobile to demonstrate my prowess. I decided a Ferrari F430 Spider F1 Convertible would do the job perfectly. Surely my instructor for the occasion would take one look at the car, cast aside my impeccable CV and realise he was dealing with a motoring demigod who could do no wrong; pass me, top of the class, and genuflect in my exhaust fumes on his way out...

You've guessed already, haven't you, that this was not to be?

The event was staged by mac, one of the country's leading companies involved in road risk-management, and driver training and development. The illustrious venue for scrutiny of my driving was Amberley Castle and the surrounding West Sussex countryside. Beaming with buoyant self-assurance, I rolled up looking Ferrari-cool, flipped my shades, leaned back and listened attentively as Steve Morely, an ex-police driving instructor, gave a briefing on the day's agenda.

We were to drive twice, once in the morning for a quick once-over of my capabilities and then again after lunch, with the benefit of whatever token nuggets of advice were deemed necessary to improve my engagement with lesser mortals on the road. Technicalities such as limit points, steering and vehicle positioning were demonstrated and Steve explained that he would be appraising every aspect of the drive, from my in-car attitude to external-hazard management.

On our first outing in the F430, Morely made a couple of notes on his clipboard. Initially I figured his reticence to comment on my self-delusional driving expertise was the result of raw admiration. This Ferrari, apart from being offensively beautiful, is also one of the most disciplined supercars to leave the Maranello factory. It is not only exquisite in appearance, but also has, self-indulgently crammed into the back, under a glass panel for the entire world to drool over, 4.3-litres of V8 Italian pride. The starter button prompts a burbling symphony of harmonious excellence that would leave Simon Cowell begging for a pen and five-album deal. Even if Steve wasn't immediately impressed with my driving, the Ferrari was goading, nay, taunting him with its superiority. How could he fail to be stunned by its omnipotence? A top speed of 193mph and 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds demands the utmost respect.

In fact, Steve's only comments during the first drive iterated a systematic approach to oncoming dangers. In retrospect, this was a very diplomatic way of saying, "Cobbs, the car may be nigh on perfect, but the driver still has room for improvement."

This wasn't a test of driving skill at all. It was all about developing a defensive, self-preservative attitude to driving, and anticipating the actions of other road-users. As the miles notched up and as his constructive criticism became more subtly specific, my confidence waned. For all my bragging beforehand, it was rapidly becoming obvious that I knew relatively little. And then, something happened.

After just a few hours of gentle guidance, a transformation in me occurred. I understood that overtaking should be a calculated manoeuvre, not a game of chance. Suddenly, corners were executed with informed, balanced control and the winding twisted West Sussex roads smoothed. Corners rounded and curves became parabolas. This was a phenomenal improvement on my first, amateur attempts to impress and, as the afternoon's tutorial drew to a close, a stark truth dawned. I had learnt a lot.

Falling into a false sense of security – and capability – is too easy. Despite my bravado, I had known there was room for improvement, but this was the first time someone had made a critique of me at the wheel, rather than given me a set of wheels to critique.

Did the day enhance my driving? Undoubtedly. How much? Well, tutor-pupil reports remain a highly confidential affair, but if I'm reading between the lines of Steve's appraisal, then young Hamilton won't be having any sleepless nights.

Specifications

Model: Ferrari F430 Spider F1 Convertible

Engine: 4.3-litre V8

Capacity: 4,308cc

Power: 483bhp @ 8,500rpm

Torque: 343lb ft @ 5,250rpm

Fuel: 15.4mpg (combined)

0 to 60mph: 4.1 sec

Top speed: 193mph

Price: £133,200