By JANE TOMEK

Their minds are crammed with thoughts of rules and signs as they walk tensely down the sidewalk to find last night's prayers unanswered. The tires aren't flat.

They watch in nervous amazement as the driving teacher smiles calmly and invites them in. He then singles out one victim.

"You'll drive first." The words have a hammer‑like effect. The car is suddenly a vicious mechanical monster waiting for its prey: the privileged beginner.

For the first time in his life the beginner willingly fastens his seatbelt. He feebly fumbles with the keys, trying to find the ignition. He'd like to get his hands on whoever told him learning how to drive was fun and easy; instead he finds them gripping the steering wheel.

"Accelerate!" The beginner freezes. Did he actually hear the forbidden word? The word echoed. He pushed his trembling foot hard against the pedal, sending the car speeding down the street. At least he thought he was speeding.

"You can accelerate to five miles, now. Accelerate!" The beginner wonders if that is the only word the teacher knows. Maybe it's a nightmare. If only he could get out of the car. He would do anything, even go to church.

"Turn right ahead." He was afraid the teacher would say that. Cautiously the beginner attempts to turn. The steering wheel is hard to turn. His arms become entwined in it.

"You're turning down a one-way street. I said right, not left!" Luckily, the driving teacher used the horn and had brakes on his side and the truck driver was alert.

"Watch out for the pedestrians!" The beginner sees them running away, pointing and laughing at him. Just wait until they're old enough to drive.

"Stop ahead at the stop sign. Stop. Stop!" The beginner stares down at his foot, waiting for it to press the brake, but it won't move.

The driving teacher pacifies the beginner's shattered ego with "If you do that on your license test, you'll flunk." And, finally, the eternally awaited words, "You've driven long enough for today." Smiling, the teacher turns to the student in the back seat and says, "You're next."

The car door slowly opens. A weary hand rests on the handle. A wobbly foot hits the pavement. The beginner is suffering from driver's after effects.

His eyes are dilating and blinded by perspiration. His heart is palpitating. A slight grin of relief appears on his face. The school never looked so appealing.