Anyone over 35 recently learned to drive?

[Fudgeytastic]

I'm 40 next year and never even had a lesson. But encouraged by a friend the other day I have applied for my provisional licence.

I'm not gonna lie, I am a big ball of anxiety when it comes to even thinking of driving a car. I don't take anything in as a passenger and I'm worried I'm just not alert enough to be a good driver. Also, my DH previously told me I'd be a rubbish driver so that put me off. My parents never drove and I grew up in an area where we just didn't need a car to get to where we needed to go. I never felt the need to drive in my 20's but now I feel the need for freedom. I've been happy using public transport but with COVID going on that's made me rethink a few things.

So has anyone been in a similar situation to me and had a positive outcome? Or was it too much? I can't decided whether it's the right thing for me or not.

Its not really the same but I'm forcing my 30 year old DH to learn as we live rurally and it's really needed and I'm fed up of being the taxi.

He is struggling more than I did at 19 but he says he thinks it's because hes more aware of accidents etc and their impacts.

He's doing fine though just lacks confidence.

I started learning at 37, just had a baby and needed to drive for work. I'd had some lessons when I was 18 but given up.

This time I found an instructor who knew how to teach and explain things and everything just clicked. I passed within my 9 months may leave.

You should definitely go for it!

Mat leave

Not in my 40’s but I took my test for the first time at 31 and passed with no minors! I was a complete ball of anxiety as well. I’ve always been on public transport so I’ve got VERY little sense of direction, so while I do get lost every now and again, I do it safely!

Give it a try, you’ve nothing to lose.

My H is about to take his test at age 34. He's generally nervous about driving and is certainly more aware of risks than I was at 17, but has done really well. People learn at all ages, and I think the older you learn the better driver you end up being tbh

I was 33. Got my provisional licence when I was 23. But never had any lessons. Then life got in the way.

I didn't want to have to renew my photocard so my stinginess gave me the motivation to pass before I did that.

Passed first time with 1 minor. Still hated driving. Took a year or so before I actually started enjoying driving. Definitely recommend bananas before lesson!

This is the first time I've even got as far as applying for my provisional so I'm one step along the way! I'm hoping I'll be driving before my 40th with any luck. I appreciate the encouragement, thank you.

I was over 40 and very nervous. My co-ordination isn't great so i found an automatic great for my confidence. Got my test first time.

Meant to say, my mum was over 60 when she learned.

I passed first time at 38. I was similar to you, big city, no real need to drive.

Good luck! My only bit of advice would be if you don't think your instructor is a good fit for you don't be worried about changing. I stayed with my first for too long hating lessons, then I finally changed and everything seemed so much easier and just clicked.

I started driving lessons in an automatic at 46 and passed on the second go at 47. I'd had driving lessons in a manual in my early twenties but gave up as I could barely afford them and really struggled with the manual gearbox.

I was inspired by my sister who has a similar driving history to me and passed first go in an automatic at 63.

DH passed his test last year when he was 37 I passed when I was 23. Both had lessons at 17 but didn't stick at it as we live in an area with great transport links.

It's important to find an instructor you're comfortable with a with and just to keep at it. Good luck you can do it.

I passed last year when I was 41. I'd had lessons on and off since I was 17 but to be honest it would've been just as easy to start from scratch as I had a few bad habits! It's the best thing I've ever done (apart from the kids obviously!) and I'm so glad I did it. I'm loving driving around everywhere and doing lots with the kids. I had massive anxiety with it which I'd never had before, probably due to the fact I was not long out of an abusive relationship and I had to learn to drive as I'd moved too far from the kids school to walk. I have zero spatial awareness and sense of direction so I tell everyone, if I can do it so can you!! Go for it!!! You'll do it! Don't give up either. Xxxx

I started to learn to drive when I was 35 . I really needed to do it as I was due to start training as a nurse and would have to get to placements all over our area and public transport wouldn't cover many of these areas. It took me 3 tries but I did it and I'm still independent now at 67 . I'd encourage you to go for it . Good luck

Also agree with previous posters about the instructor. I went through three this time before I found someone I clicked with. The second increased my anxiety and I stayed with him far to long.

Yes. I too would agree about your instructor . I had two different ones. The first was nice but I gave up for a few months . My next was awful . I had the lessons with him for a while but he gave me the creeps. Once I stalled the car and he said ' if you do that again I'll blow in your ear' . I already had my next test booked so I stopped lessons with him and took my test in my own car .
The examiner asked me if I'd had a driving instructor previously so I told him about him. He said he was happy to say I'd passed and then rushed back inside the test centre to relay the gossip

Wow some really encouraging responses! I think I'll keep it quiet from most friends and family for the time being to ease the pressure on myself.

Watching with interest OP. I'm 36 and am two lessons into learning to drive.
Good luck with your driving!