I'D spent three hours desperately trying to go around a corner backwards so my instructor's patience was near breaking point.
"Linda I could teach an effing monkey better than you," he barked.
He'd spent the last hour yelling expletives at me as I hit the kerb, went wide or stalled the engine, time after painful time.
My palms were sweating, the adrenaline was surging and my heart was pounding.
I wanted to cry.
Little did I know my tormentor was set to quit his job as a driving instructor just 24 hours later and would be venting his anger at the local nick instead as a trainee prison officer.
I got my own back - he didn't know that my best mate's dad was one of the jail bosses.
With this as the stand out memory of a 12-year journey to passing my driving test, (including four attempts, one bashed-into test centre wall and lots of swearing) I never imagined any future lay in motoring writing.
Save a fun-filled but totally unexpected press trip to report on fly-drive opportunities in Northern Spain, more than a decade ago, I was right.
But a couple of weeks back, I was invited to The Frankfurt Motor Show. Ford wanted a representative from www.havealovelytime.com to join other "motoring and environmental" bloggers.
My friend and colleague Paul has gone in my place. He was last heard of hitting the bar, I think.
Tomorrow is a busy day of meeting top bods from Ford to report on how they are responding to the needs of family motorists, in particular with cost, safety and the environment in mind.
Paul will seek answers to questions submitted by readers. His reports will mark the launch of further motoring features.
Thank you to those who have been in touch via British Mummy Bloggers, Facebook and Twitter to pass on their questions.
Most said: "I'm no expert but..."
I wouldn't worry, neither am I and neither is Paul. Not in motoring, anyway. In worrying about children on journeys though, I think we could qualify.
And so could all who asked the questions.
So this is a pretty unique opportunity. Watch this space for Paul's exclusive reports!
(And I don't think anyone will dare call him an "effing monkey.")
See also: Keeping kids safe, keeping kids happy on journeys, tips for driving abroad.
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