“We’ll have the music off.”
I think I’m supposed to indicate for 3 seconds before I turn. Right? Right. I’m definitely supposed to turn right here.
The instructor is silent, his eyes skimming over my hands.
Ten to three, keeps hands at ten to three. Check mirrors. One, two, three. Make obvious head movements, don’t just move your eyes. Make sure seat belt is on. Oh my god, did I put my seatbelt on? I can’t look down, my eyes are supposed to be on the road! Okay, I’ll just exhale. Yep, tightness around my abdomen, seatbelt is on. Don’t drive to close to the car behind you. Pass a sign and count, this will tell you how close you are. Wait was it one-one thousand-two-one thousand-three-one thousand or one-mississipi-two-mississipi-three-mississipi?
Oh sweet Jesus, remember to breathe.
Three point turn? I got this. Okay back right is reverse. Wait, shit. Do I lose marks if I forget which gear is which? He didn’t smile when I smiled at him just then. Does that mean I failed? Will he tell me or do I have to keep driving and find out at the end? Ha, that was reverse. Nailed it.
Orange light. There’s no way I’m going through that. Brake aaaand clutch in. Was that too fast? Surely that’s not clutch riding. Oh god, double roundabout. Indicate now? Yeah, now. I think. Wait he’s supposed to give way! Indicate out, yup.
Slow down and park. In front of all those people? No pressure. Geez. It’s almost done, reverse and straighten up. Wait he’s taken his seatbelt off already! Do I lose marks because I straightened up and he wasn’t wearing his seatbelt? Is that even my fault? Did I even remember to bring my license?
He gets out and I follow him inside. Check phone. Switch off silent. No Mum, don't call me now!