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Driving lessons at 39

14 replies

ChipButty · 26/09/2009 12:14

Hi! I'm 39 and passed my driving test first time at 18. For a variety of reasons I have never driven since. I had my first refresher lesson yesterday and couldn't believe how much I had forgotten. I really want to be able to drive but I lack in self-confidence. Has anyone been through the same thing and can give me a bit of a kick up the backside, please? TIA.

OP posts:

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MitchyInge · 26/09/2009 12:29

sorry, not remotely, but didn't want your message to slide down the board unanswered

is your instructor nice?

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rubymoon · 26/09/2009 19:49

Hi, I am 41 and i started driving lessons at 39 with a now or never attitude! Finally passed test at 40 after two tests and many many lessons.

The support and encouragement of my DH and insane driving instructor (I parked his mini on a roundabout once and really thought he would cancel the next lesson but he was determined I WOULD pass). Maybe just imagine you are starting from scratch and dont be in a hurry - best of luck and good on you!!!!

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ChipButty · 27/09/2009 13:14

Thank you for the replies. Yes, the instructor seems nice but I get the impression he thought I would be better than I am! Next lesson is on Friday, so we'll see how it goes.

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cheesesarnie · 27/09/2009 13:21

well done for doing it again!
im 31 and failed 3 times when i was younger,then gave up.im now just over a week away from my test(sssh) and dreading it!im alot more confident than i was(which was reason for failing each time)i think because i have to be,im practising with dc in car so cant be nervous and have to be safe.also theres now a reason to drive,when i was 18 it was just because everyone was taking lessons.now im stuck with 3 dc and relying on cornwalls non existant public transport or lifts!

goodluck!

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TanteRose · 27/09/2009 13:31

my grandmother began taking driving lessons when she was 70, and they kept failing her (obviously thinking she was too old to start at her age!). She eventually passed on her 7 or 8th go...and drove her mustard coloured Mini until she was in her late 80's (and did start to get a bit dangerous on the roads!).
So you are a young 'un! Good luck!

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Deeeja · 27/09/2009 16:29

I passed in June and am 42.
I used to take lessons when I was much younger, then managed with public transport. Only recently with three ds's with autism, one with adhd as well, that I forced myself to learn. I passed on my 4th attempt. Am so pleased to be driving now, it has made a huge difference to my life with my boys.
Also, I was rubbish while I was learning. Even when I took my first test I drove like an idiot. I am much better now, thankfully.
If I can do it, anyone can.
Just continue, eventually things will click into place and you will be so glad you persevered.

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nickytwotimes · 27/09/2009 16:32

Hi. I am 35 and just started lessons again for the first time since I was 21.
Am more confident/less worried about tossers on road! and very motivated now.
Have you seen some the the eejits who can drive? If they can do ti, anyone can.

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cheesesarnie · 27/09/2009 21:37

thats what i keep thinking nicky!im not that bad.

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streakybacon · 28/09/2009 09:02

I passed two years ago at 47, had never sat behind the wheel before. It was something I had to do for lots of reasons so I kept reminding myself of that and got on with it. I was nervous at first but took every opportunity I could to drive between lessons and my confidence soon increased.

You CAN do it, and you will. It's not as bad as you think. Tell yourself you've done it before and can do it again, and it'll happen.

Good luck!

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moosemama · 28/09/2009 09:24

Sorry for the hijack, but I'm in the same position and really don't know what to do..

I am 39 too, had a car for a year and took my test when I was 21 but failed and never took it again.

I now have 3 dcs and its making my life really difficult that I don't drive. I used to use public transport a lot with my dss but since having my dd 8 months ago I've found that I get a lot of negativity off the - ahem - retired generation around here whenever I try to take the pushchair on the bus (despite there being a pushchair only area) and this has knocked my confidence so much that I barely go out unless I can get a lift.

I am currently having quite a lot of medical appointments and I'm struggling as often I can't get a lift and I have to rush and panic on the way back in case I'm late to pick the boys up from school.

I really need to take my test again, but am far too nervous to even book the lessons and am worried that even if I do pass I will worry about driving with the dcs in the car.

Actually, I think I am just over anxious in general at the moment and therefore its probably not a good time to start again.

What does everyone think. Is the best way to do it, book an intensive block of lessons followed by one a week and practice with dh with the meantime or just take it steady at one lesson a week until I feel more confident and then start increasing how often I drive?

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PortAndLemon · 28/09/2009 09:24

If you passed easily at 18 you clearly do have the aptitude for it and I bet it will come back after a few more lessons. If those of us who were deeply terrible drivers at 18 and wouldn't have stood a snowball's chance in hell of passing first time, or at all, at that age can learn later in life and become competent drivers then you can certainly get your skills and confidence back.

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LadyMetroland · 28/09/2009 09:36

I learnt late and would definitely recommend doing an intensive course with a test at the end of it. I found that I remembered things a lot more if I didn't have a week in between lessons. The first few lessons were hard, but I got the hang of it, and the instructor made sure we drove the three test routes in our area over and over again until I knew them by heart - meant that when I took the test I knew exactly what I was doing and passed first time.

I'd originally started having weekly lessons and found I spent far more money that way as it takes longer to learn and it was easy to put a lesson off for a couple of weeks, then you'd spend the next lesson going over stuff you'd done two weeks earlier. Doing it all intensively means you don't have time to forget.

Good luck!

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PortAndLemon · 28/09/2009 10:48

Even if you aren't doing an intensive course, doing two hour lessons twice a week is a good option, for the same reasons.

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ChipButty · 29/09/2009 12:54

Thank you all so much for your replies. It's really kind of you to take time out to send a message. x