Great Finance Stories

"how much do driving lessons cost?" asked Graham, he intended on learning to drive after his 17th birthday, but was worried about how much they cost.

"it depends on the instructor" replied his mother. "i'll look into it for you"

for days graham paced up and down, impatiently waiting for the day he turned 17 and could get behind the wheel. But there was an added problem. How would he afford the insurance? even if he was insured on his mother's car which wasn't exactly a classic car. a 1.1 Corsa was scarcely reason to get excited, but it would do for him and he would love it.

finally, the day came. June 12th, Graham sped downstairs at the usual time of about 3PM after waking up just minutes before.

"mum, mum... did you find out how much driving lessons cost?"

"yes Graham, and we're bought you 10 to get you started"

"great when do i start?"

"the instructor is here already"

before he could even blink Graham sped out the front door, and leaped into the car waiting outside and set off on his journey.

On his return he was so excited he rang up all his friends to tell them how it went.

"how much did your driving lessons cost?" asked Paul his best friend of 12 years.

"i don't really know my mum got 'em for me" replied Graham.

Graham desperately wanted to know how much they cost so he could buy himself some more if he didn't pass the first time. He would need to save up from his pitiful earnings working for the local village bakery. That's where he spent his Saturday afternoons, not out with his friends like normal lads. No, not Graham, he sat in a boiling hot room, waiting for some bread to rise.

Graham could hardly wait to start driving. He knew that if he could just pass his test then he would have the freedom to go wherever he liked and that's a thought that appealed to him greatly. No longer would he have to beg for a lift from his mother.

Speaking of his mother, Graham kept asking her how much they cost, but grew slightly suspicious after she constantly made some excuse for not telling him. No sooner had he asked her when she darted out of the room and started cooking dinner, or brought the washing in from the line. Graham was curious to know why she wouldn't tell him.

After weeks of driving around under the guidance of his instructor, and still not knowing the cost, he decided to ask his instructor.

"how much did these driving lessons cost?" asked Graham intently

"They're free mate, I'm sleeping with your mother"