Tony bought three driving lessons for his neighbour, Harry.
The instructor asked what Harry found difficult.
Tony said he drove perfectly well forwards.
Could you spend the whole time on reversing? he asked.
The instructor wanted to know where Harry hoped to go….
Harry was a careful driver. He checked his mirrors, kept to the speed limit and never went anywhere without a packet of peppermints.
His difficulty was coming back out.
He lived beside Tony, whose narrow drive had room for two cars, one behind the other. When Harry’s own drive was being repaired, Tony offered him the front space for a week.
Just move yours when I need to get out, Tony said.
Of course. Any time.
On Monday, Tony knocked at nine.
Harry fetched his keys, put on his coat and walked round the car twice.
Anything behind me?
My car, Tony said.
Yes. That’s what worries me.
Tony stood beside the gate and guided him backwards. Harry moved six inches, stopped and opened his window.
How much room now?
Six inches more than before.
They got him out in twelve minutes.
On Tuesday, Harry said it would be easier when his wife came home. She knew the signals he liked.
When’s she coming?
Thursday.
Tony took the bus.
On Wednesday, Harry’s daughter visited. She suggested a few refresher lessons. Harry said he was too old for people to be telling him how to drive.
His daughter said that had not stopped him asking three pedestrians to do it yesterday.
Tony heard this over the fence.
By lunchtime, he had rung a driving school and paid for three lessons.
His wife said that was unusually generous.
Tony said good neighbours helped one another.
She looked at his bus ticket and said nothing.
The instructor, Mel, arrived on Friday. Harry showed her his licence and explained that he had driven for forty years without an accident.
Tony said he had also been stationary for a good part of this week.
Mel asked Harry what he wanted to practise.
Confidence, Harry said.
Reverse gear, Tony added.
We usually begin with a short drive to see where we are, Mel said.
I can tell you where he is, Tony said. He’s directly in front of me.
Harry gave him a look.
Mel suggested a quiet car park with plenty of space. Tony asked whether they could use a rather narrow space with a gate at one end.
Let’s build up to that, she said.
How quickly?
It depends on Harry.
Tony asked about an extra lesson.
Mel said the first three might be enough. She had a patient manner and was used to people wanting to visit family or take a holiday once they felt more confident.
She smiled at Tony.
It’s kind of you to pay. Is there somewhere special you’re hoping he’ll drive?
Tony held up the keys to his own car.
Out of my driveway.
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