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Original poster

Learning to drive later in life

19 replies

BelulahBlanca · 08/05/2019 11:43

I’ve recently moved back to my home town and am desperate to learn how to drive- I’ve failed my theory twice and have never had a practical test.
Can anyone share success stories of learning in later life.

OP posts:
Damntheman · 08/05/2019 11:52

That depends on how late you're considering late :) I was 31 when I finally got my license (in Norway). I made sure I had a really supportive teacher and it took me 6 months of weekly lessons with a lot of practicing with my husband and toddler in tow. The theory I passed by sitting up the two nights before and answering test questions online until it sunk in

It went well! But I'd say the biggest contributing factor to success is your teacher. Don't be afraid to change teachers until you find one that works for you.

Original poster
BelulahBlanca · 08/05/2019 12:01

My last teacher was super supportive but then I had to move. I’ve never had the opportunity to practice out of lessons which I think holds me back. I’m not currently having lessons but revising for theory

OP posts:
Reddedder · 08/05/2019 12:04

I was 39 and passed first time

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Nesssie · 08/05/2019 12:05

My Nan learnt to drive at 50years old. Now that my Grandad is in ill health and in and out of hospital it has been absolutely necessary that she is able to drive herself around.

I took about 8months before taking my test - there is no hurry, you have a year from passing your theory. Find a teacher you are comfortable with, and just keep up regular lessons.

Damntheman · 08/05/2019 12:12

I agree with taking your time! Is there nobody you can practice with OP?

My teacher told me that older students are his favourite, we are more mature and it's a lot easier to explain road safety to as we're in general much more aware and considerate of consequence. That's something to bear in mind :)

Original poster
BelulahBlanca · 08/05/2019 12:43

I’m going to purchase a car so I can practise- I have plenty of people who will take me now I’m back home but Im wanting to do automatic as I can’t deal with gears and all my family drive manual.

OP posts:
Gatekeeper · 08/05/2019 12:49

Me!

I'd been trying in manuals since I was 18 but always gave up as I couldn't crack gears. Took 8 months of lessons in an automatic with a BRILLIANT teacher and passed last year aged 54 on my 2nd attempt

Original poster
BelulahBlanca · 08/05/2019 12:55

Thank you everyone you are giving me so much hope!

OP posts:
ErrolTheDragon · 08/05/2019 13:09

My parents were both late 40s/early 50s when they learned - both of my older DBs had passed their tests before the parents. They had a lot of lessons, and the younger bro took them out for practice.Grin

DM didn't drive much but was glad she could when DF had an eye problem.

ScabbyHorse · 08/05/2019 15:47

I'm learning at the moment. I tried when 17 but failed a few times. I was going to do an intensive course but decided it was better to do weekly lessons!

ScabbyHorse · 08/05/2019 15:47

Meant to say- I'm 38!

canveyisland · 08/05/2019 17:03

Are you being pressured to get a driving licence?

Driving is not for everyone, and sometimes it might be better not to do it. You should not feel ashamed or made to feel bad if you struggle with lessons. As a learner it's common to feel more anxious and nervous with age.

Btw, automatic transmission vehicles still have gears, some of which change themselves whilst moving, what they don't have is a clutch.

outvoid · 08/05/2019 17:07

Finding a good instructor is part of the battle. I was lucky to find a kind and supportive one first time but I know a few people who have had to switch a fair few times because they don’t gel for one reason or another. Some instructors can be unnecessarily harsh which just doesn’t help.

I paid £4.99 for a theory test app when I did mine and it was great, passed first time after using the app for around a month.

GeneandFred · 08/05/2019 17:15

I learnt at 33. Passed first time.

I took to driving well and had 6 months of driving lessons. Ive now been driving for 3 years, clean licence and love every second.

Good luck!

gerbo · 08/05/2019 18:58

I passed age 37 or 38. (Five years ish ago.) Never learned as a teenager...I think I took lessons for around 12-18 months, one a week.

I couldn't practice as we had two small children, and no family around to have them so my dh couldn't help me practice. I just got on with the lessons and that was fine, although they were 2 hour lessons as my tutor said one hour wasn't enough to get much done, and looking back, I think he was right- it was more intense learning, I suppose.

I now can drive myself and my 2 dc around and it's fantastic. I confess, I was nervous in lessons and although I'm fine around town and the local area, I haven't driven on the motorway yet! I'll get there, I'm sure.

Seriously, go for it! Find a kind but firm teacher and jump in. If I can do it (a nervy overthinker!!) you can!

SnowsInWater · 09/05/2019 00:15

I thought I had better learn when I was pregnant with DS1 (I was 30). I had a few months of lessons, passed my test when I was eight months pregnant (the guy doing the test was not happy and I did my emergency stop at around 5km an hour 😂)

My mum was in her 50s, also passed first time. She said that being able to do things like go and meet friends in the evening without worrying about buses changed her life.

DramaAlpaca · 09/05/2019 00:19

My mum was in her late 60s. She learned in an automatic as she couldn't get to grips with gears and she passed first time.

jessicawessica · 09/05/2019 00:27

I passed my test when I was 20 but I had to have a refresher course when I wad 31 because in between I was too scared to drive.
I literally cried during my refresh lesson then forced myself to go out driving at night with less traffic on the road....it was awful, I was so scared.
Now I drive so confidently I scare myself.

Sagradafamiliar · 09/05/2019 00:47

I'm 31 and looking to start automatic lessons. I feel like I can't do it but I MUST

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