has anyone started driving after a really long break?

[Grace212]

hi all
just wondered about this

I had a driving licence from about 20 but because of always commuting into London, I stopped driving about 25.

I was okay driving, quite enjoyed it when I actually got to do it, but that was rare.

I'm now 42 (!) and thinking of starting again due to changes in living situation. I'm obviously aware that driving has changed massively and I would def get refresher lessons.

however, I just wondered if anyone had any experience in a similar way. Also some people have said to me that I'd be insured as a new driver and it would cost a huge amount - this is off putting because it wouldn't be much driving I'd need to do at all, just taking mum out in her local area. If it's crazy expensive, we might be better off with local cabs once a week - plus a cab can actually drop you off without having to park miles away.

all thoughts welcome, thanks.

You won't have any no claims. But, as a 42 year old, your insurance will still be significantly lower than a 25 year old.

I got my licence and didn't drive again until I had kids 15 years later. My insurance first year was about £700 (now £300-400 7 years on). I had refresher lessons, but felt quite nervous for awhile. I'm ok now, but avoid motorway driving! Try and get a recommendation for a good teacher - there are lots about who are pretty blah (ime).

Me! I hadn't driven for about 15 years. I had 10 refresher lessons and I'm getting my new car next week! I'm bricking it about driving around on my own but I'll cope.

Thanks
I'm hoping I will pick it up - I did like it, but tbh it seems like it was easier back then - fewer cyclists, no blinding LED lights at night!

ooh KindergartenKop we cross posted

how did you find the refresher lessons?

I didn't drive for 10 years and had a 3hr refresher lesson when we lived in London. It was good to get out and have someone with me for the refresher lesson. Going forward DH would sit with me when I drove, give me helpful pointers without being inpatient, honestly he's an excellent passenger for nervous drivers. If you can find someone similar, it was very helpful to just have an extra pair of eyes.

Now I drive loads of places. I'm only nervous about parking!

Insurance was a bit more expensive to start off with (I was 27) but quickly dropped.

It was fine, it cane back really quickly. I still need to practice more on my own though.

I passed my test at 17, drove for a few months, but stopped when I went to university. I was always a very very nervous (terrified!) driver, so not very motivated to start again. 16 years later I had DCs and not being able to drive was really impractical, so I had CBT and refresher lessons and never looked back. As you say, things have changed (there was no such thing as cycle lanes when I passed my test!) so buy an up to date highway code. If you're the sort of person who likes to be equipped with the theory first, before you actually start, you can get books like this: www.amazon.co.uk/official-guide-learning-Driving-Skills/dp/0115535500/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ref=plSrch&keywords=how+to+drive+a+car&dpPl=1&dpID=51XKolXAaGL&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1542752303&sr=8-2

Good luck!