A Test Of Nerves

Josh knew exactly what had to be done if he was to get Alison sorted – if only he could find a way to pull it off!

- Sue McVerry

I can’t believe it, that’s three times! I was so hoping it might be third time lucky.’ Alison shook her head sadly, as she handed the car keys back to Josh. ‘Those L-plates will be on a bit longer.’

Her patient young driving instructor was almost as disappointed as she was.

‘You’re a really competent driver. You do so well in your lessons, but, come the day of the test, you seem to go to pieces,’ he said sadly.

‘I just get so nervous I can’t think straight,’ she replied. ‘Today when the assessor told me to turn right, I indicated left! I’d have taken us the wrong way down a one-way street if he hadn’t slammed on the brakes. I felt such an idiot.’

‘Shall I book you in for your usual lesson next week?’ Josh asked Alison.

‘Yes, I’ll give myself one more go at passing and then I think I shall have to call it a day. A couple more lessons, maybe even a practice test, and one more go at the real thing. If I don’t make it next time, I don’t think I’m meant to be a driver.’

Josh wrote her name in his appointment book and drove off, looking thoughtful. He had been working as a driving instructor for years and was well aware of the part nerves played. He had come across anxious pupils before, of course, but none quite like Alison. She drove so confidently in lessons but, on the day of the test, the nerves kicked in and her competence just evaporated.

Josh thought back to her first couple of lessons. She had been scared of going over about 15 miles an hour and grew flustered if other drivers became impatient.