Plot

Newly seventeen-year-old Wally's anticipation of getting his driver's license is dampened by mom June's worry that he's still too young and know-it-all classmate Shirley's back seat driving.

It's Wally's seventeenth birthday, and he's hoping that his parents will keep to their promise made a few years back that they'll sign his driver's license application. Wally's concerns about them possibly not signing are founded as June believes Wally is still too young. But never having gone back on a promise made to either of their sons, they agree to sign, especially after they hear that Wally will be going through the driving program offered through the school, it being the only class taught by Mr. Barnsdall. Beyond the general nerves associated with learning how to drive, Wally faces a few extra pressures. One is the overly cautious advice June is always providing. And two is Shirley Fletcher, a girl who is taking the practical part of the lessons with Wally. Driving seems to come naturally to Shirley. As Shirley does everything in the driving lesson first, she can't help but continually comment to Wally on how easy everything is. As the exam day arrives, Shirley's results add an extra layer of pressure. Regardless of Wally passing or failing, June just hopes that the thought of Wally being behind the wheel will become easier for her over time.—Huggo