Much like any reasonable person, the word “exam” tends to send me into a state of nervous panic - my stomach cramps up and my vision becomes blurred.

Yet, here I was, allowing myself to be tested on one thing I thought I knew well.

My fear was alive and palpable.

The Blue Flag theory exam is usually taken by taxi drivers who want to certify themselves as official Island tour guides.

After pouring over an assortment of facts and figures for weeks, drivers put their knowledge of their home to the ultimate test.

With a pass rate of 80 per cent, it isn't an easy exam.

But what was I worrying about? This was a unique journalistic opportunity to place myself in the shoes of one of our Island ambassadors - the taxi drivers who form the front flank of our tourism product.

It didn't matter if I hadn't studied. It'd only been nine years since my biology teacher shouted at me for forgetting the names of Bermuda's endemic plant-life.

I was shown into an empty room with a table and chair.

On it was a fat folder full of brochures and a thick exam script. Despite my internal turmoil, outside I remained calm. The journalist's defence mechanism kicked in. Or maybe I was just in denial.

The pile of pamphlets that I hadn't read looked unnervingly high.

Was I really going to do this without even the customary five minute cramming session?

After an hour of scribbling I handed the paper over. At that point, I was resigned to not having done well.

As it turned out, I failed. But only just.

An infuriating mark of 79 percent doesn't seem that bad. It just so happens that it isn't good enough.

But my exam invigilator Jonelle Christopher wasn't displeased. “That's actually pretty good,” she said. “You did amazingly well considering that you didn't do any studying.”

Nevertheless, my knowledge seemed to be seriously lacking as far as Bermuda's flora and fauna went, and also in the category of sports and activities.

And my grade wouldn't have been nearly as high if it hadn't been for the bonus questions, at which I made desperate stabbing guesses.

Certainly, it was a learning experience. I had no idea what the City of Hamilton's motto was before yesterday.

And now I can understand just what it takes to become a quintessentially friendly and knowledgeable ambassador for Bermuda. It's no Sunday drive.

For the taxi driver, however, it doesn't end with the theory exam.

After finishing that they then have to undergo practical examinations in which they take part in tour guide role plays.

“A typical scenario is them having to imagine a couple in their car who would like a tour of, say, the west side of Hamilton. They're animal lovers and naturists and they're very active. The driver has to act out the tour that he would give them.”

Courteousness and cleanliness of the vehicle is also a factor.

Given the rigour of the exam, it seems the average pass rate of six out of no more than ten applicants is impressive. I salute any taxi driver who makes the attempt. Let's just hope you do a bit better than me.