Learning to drive at 44

[Frankfurt2017]

AIBU to think I’ve left it too late and will never build up the confidence needing to survive against trucks on the motorway!

[bgmama]

Come on, my mother was older than you when she learned to drive. She passed her exam first time :)

[FourFriedChickensDryWhiteToast]

I passed mine at 45 if that helps..:)
Motorway driving was scary initially, it is a skill that you don't really cover in the lessons.
The first time was hair raising, but i chose a short bit of motorway, the one that partly goes from London to Brighton.
After a while you realise that in many ways motorway driving is easier.
Just stay in the 'slow lane' and do not attempt to overtake any foreign plated trucks.

[TossDaily]

My mum passed at 58. Go for it.

[rememberthetime]

I got my license 2 years ago at 42. I got my first car 1 year ago. On Monday I drove into London (one hour from my home) parked in a central underground car park and drove home at midnight.

I never ever thought I would be able to do any of these things, but once I got my car everything changed.

I still stay in the left hand Lane on the motorway and choose my moments to pass other cars and trucks carefully (ie no one else behind me!). but I am a good driver and it has improved my life hugely.

I suffered with huge anxiety every time I had to drive for the first few months, but every time I did something new, it improved and now I think nothing of it.

[CecilyP]

My auntie passed her driving test at 56! After which she drove all over including motorways, and including taking her car on the ferry and coming to visit me in the Scotland (which was abroad to her). The last time she came over she was 77!

[Stephisaur]

I think it's a great thing!

I did Pass Plus after I took my driving test, which was additional lessons to deal with things like motorways.

You can do it in the instructors car or in your own if you have one (I chose my own) and it really built my confidence. It also brings down your car Insurance :)

[Idrinkandiknowstuff]

I passed at 13 years ago at 38, too scared to go o a motorway until 3 years ago. Nw I drive it everyday for work. As others have said, just stay on the inside lane until you build up confidence, most of the time there’s no need to overtake anyway, just drive at whatever speed the inside lane is going.

Plus new rules are going to allow learners at a certain level onto motorways soon, so that will help.

[GhoulWithADragonTattoo]

My MIL learned to drive (and to swim!) in her early forties and changed her life.

[KittyKlaws]

I'm only a smidge younger than you (a teeny smidge) and I have just come back from my driving lesson. It is more difficult being older and it takes a little more time but I feel it is worth it.

I am also quite enjoying it so @Frankfurt2017 go for it - I'll even be your old-person-driving-buddy (the old is tongue in cheek - we aren't ancient yet) you can write to me about what may be bothering you. FTR as a passenger I flinch at lorries passing me (yes, embarrassing) but driving although it freaked me a little initially - I think it has made me much better. Do it, you have nothing to lose (except all that money - they, rightfully, aren't cheap lessons).

I do recommend shopping around for an instructor though. I knew a woman would be far better for me and I looked at reviews. Avoid any shouty ones.

[tidiot]

I'm learning at 27 (younger, granted), a few of my female relatives also didn't learn until their late 30s. I tried manual a couple of years ago and couldn't grasp it so left it, but due to work commitments I now need to drive and started learning in an auto - if you're worried about road confidence (as I am), I would 100% recommend learning in automatic.

[SisyphusHadItEasy]

Do it!!!

My life changed when I finally put myself on my own to-do list. Started driving, returned to Uni (I am currently writing this while waiting to write a final examination).

Age is far less of a barrier than attitude.

[echt]

You need to hurry up you old fart. Other threads have had posters propose driver re-testing for the elderly (60):o

[SeeKnievelHitThe17thBus]

DH' aunt learnt to drive in London in her 50s - you'll be fine. Maybe start in an automatic if you're not sure how confident you feel in learning.

[Halfling]

I passed my driving test at 37 years old. My top tips

• go for an automatic car
• eat a banana (that was the advice given on by MN on my thread before the test. I passed on my first attempt )

[HippityHoppityWho]

YABU. It will change your life. This is from someone who did on/off lessons for 10 years and was a nervous wreck UNTIL I passed and now I love driving.

[DramaAlpaca]

My DM passed first time at 65.

OP, you are but a youngster

[DramaAlpaca]

MollyAA what has your survey got to do with this thread about driving lessons?

You need to contact MNHQ for permission to post surveys, not plonk them randomly on other people's threads.

[AwfulSomething]

I'm the same age and am learning, overcoming nerves and a total hatred of cars. Test is booked. I can't actually afford a car should I pass but I am determined to see it through. You can do it, best of luck!

[mynameismrbloom]

Go for it. And if you don't like motorway driving, just go the long way!

[GabsAlot]

i was 32 trying again for the 4th time after tests at 17

i passed and it was the best thing i ever did-keep going!

[ErrolTheDragon]

Both of my parents learned to drive in their 50s.

[BonnieF]

Of course it’s not too late! 44 is no age at all.

Motorways are some of the easiest roads to drive on. Trucks are limited to 56mph, so just indicate, check your mirrors and over your right shoulder and when it’s safe to do so put your foot down, and overtake them.

Good luck!

[InterstellarSleepingElla]

I say go for it! I am late 30s and just learning - I am finding getting the sequencing of actions tricky but I think that's because I have dyspraxia - but I am determined to do it - think of the freedom we will have when we pass our tests (and we will!)

[VelvetSpoon]

I was 44 when I passed my test.

It's one of the best achievements of my life. I wish I'd done it sooner.

I haven't needed to drive on motorways really, I have done the A2 many times though which is at least as bad as a motorway.

Thing is when you've passed that's it, done. You can drive as often or seldom as you want, from Lands End to John O Groats, or just stick to where you live. But honestly learn to drive. You're not too old and you definitely won't regret it!