To ask you to please help me learn how to drive?

My adult niece was so worried about having driving lessons because she struggled with manual. She started driving my automatic and couldn't believe how much easier it was.

She passed her test and is now on the road in her own automatic.

Can your husband drive? Do you go out places with you in the passenger seat? You will probably know a lot of the signs just from that

but, as practical help would your husband be patient enough for you to play guess the sign?

I think driving manual is a skill but for your confidence & how easy driving an automatic is, I would say go for that.

even though it was a hell of a long time ago, I used to think about the stupidest people I knew & how they had passed their test and so there was no reason why I couldn’t.

i know thats not very nice thinking of people as stupid but it helped, just don’t say it out loud

I wasn’t bought up around cars at all so when I decided to learn in my 20s - I had to understand how a car works before I could feel ok pressing random pedals ! So I wanted to know about the engine and which pedal did what !
maybe that will help you too ?

Just get started with lessons. I won't comment on the auto/manual thing except to say I went with manual learning at about your age thinking it would be much harder than it was but wanting to try, and it was absolutely fine. Because I can drive a manual, I can drive any car. If you pass in an auto you'll be restricted to those. That may or may not matter to you.

If you can't get a recommendation from someone as to instructors, I'd go with one of the big providers as you can ask for a change of instructor (or transmission type) if necessary. Have a least two (two hour) lessons a week if you can, so there's less time to forget things and you build muscle memory. It will take as long as it takes, but you might really surprise yourself.

Basically, get your licence and get started. It may not be as bad as you think.

100% automatic. Or even an electric with one pedal driving, if you can afford it. It's like driving a go kart.

Take pps advice about the online tests. When I took my theory I used a CD ROM 😂 so there must be an app equivalent these days!!!

With the right instruction and your strong motivation, you will get there. Be kind to yourself while you are learning, no point in stressing about it you will get there. Good luck.

Watching with interest as I’m in exactly the same situation as OP! (No kids, but elderly parent who is getting nervous about driving herself)

I think intensive courses are good, but you will need to know your theory well before going down that route as you won't have the time to pick it up as you go along.

You do need to know the theory well to be a good driver. Road signs and markings are there for a reason.

Another one saying Auto - I passed first time aged 46 (16 lessons) .12 years on and I dont know why I didn't do it sooner

DH and I have both gone onto automatic cars in the last 10 years and I'd never drive a manual again, what an unnecessary faff. The main thing is finding an instructor you feel ok being in a confined space with. And like PP's have said, do a 2 hour lesson as you won't forget everything like you will with hourly ones.

Unless you are on such a low income that you will only ever be able to afford the cheapest cars I woukd strongly recommend getting an Automatic-Only licence. There are a few disadvantages to Automatic-Only but I don't think they are very significant to your particular situation.

Do whatever you need to do to ensure you can have your initial lessons in relatively quiet conditions - this may require getting a bus or tube out even further from Central areas and taking time off work to be available when there are fewer cars around.

The right instructor, with patience and support, will be all you need to slowly build confidence. Don't be afraid to switch instructors if an instructor isn't helping you feel good about your learning. Don't sign up for a big block of lessons until you have had a couple of taster lessons to see whether they fit your needs.

No one reads the while Highway Code before starting lessons. Familiarity with major road sign meanings, and understanding the basics for right-of-way is all you need to start learning - obviously you need to work through the rest of the knowledge before you take your theory test but a lot will make more sense as you gain experience.

Get recommendations for an instructor who's good with nervous drivers and teaches automatic. Don't bother with manual.

Don't read the highway code. Just download an app that teaches you the theory part and does mock theory tests.

You'll be fine, honestly. It's terrifying at first but the instructor will have dial controls so nothing can go wrong. You will come away from your first lesson feeling proud of yourself!

i learnt in a manual at 17. In my mid 40s when I needed to start to do a lot of driving, I got an automatic. I honestly cannot believe I didn’t all
that time driving a manual! We are very strange about it in this country, even though all hybrids and electric cars are auto - so manuals will die off very soon.

Download a driving app so you can do practice theory tests. You have to pass your theory before you can apply for a driving test.

You can take as many theory tests as you need to, they are not easy. I would recommend doing one early on, they cost about £25. Do it knowing you will probably fail, but it will give you an idea of what to expect and the types of questions etc. So when you feel ready to take it for real, you will have got some of the anxiety out of they way as it will be familiar.

Take a few lessons with an instructor and then be advised by them as to the rest of your questions.

As per pp - 100% Automatic

Also try meet the instructor or at least talk to them before booking a session.
If you dont get a good vibe (ie kranky old man / generally angry or critical ... dont bother... keep looking)

Do 2 hr lessons not 1hr... you learn faster that way...

Also try and find one who can give you regular slots (thats a nice to have not umst have)

Oh god, just go auto. I learnt manual but have driven auto for 19 years. I’ll never drive manual again. There’s a weird sort of snobbishness about manual in the uk.

Automatic is miles easier and all new cars will be automatic in a few years…

Automatic is so much easier. I could NEVER get the hang of gears it took so much brain space. Auto cars just go, you don’t have the think. I’d honestly rather get the bus than drive a manual again.

Also watch YouTube videos on maneuvrrs