Driving again after years not driving

[Cleverestclog]

I was wondering if anyone had successfully managed to take up driving again after years not doing so?
I passed my test when I was much younger but haven't driven for years (decades!) As I get older I'm worried that DH and I will become more and more cut off from things if I can't drive (DH can't drive for medical reasons). Parents are getting older and might need to be reached in an emergency, plus I'd just like to be more flexible about where we can travel to and public transport does not always offer that freedom.
However the thought of taking up driving again makes me feel horribly panicky, especially motorways and busy junctions.
I was just looking for positive experiences and tips from anyone who has managed this.

I have!

I passed aged 18, didn't drive again until I took refresher lessons aged 33. It took a lot of balls to get back on the road but ultimately it was worth it.

I had a friend who managed it 20 years ago.
Given that the future of cars is supposed to be electric, I would say just drive an automatic car from now on. It will be much easier for you. Maybe also have a couple of driving lessons in your new car when you have bought one.

Get an automatic car - so much easier to drive!

I have too. Passed test at 22 back in 1969, but didn’t go back to driving until I was 48! I had a few refresher lessons until my instructor felt I was competent to be let loose on my own again. I’m now 74, and although I don’t drive on motorways, I’m a confident driver.
Do bite the bullet and get driving again, it’s really good to be independent, and not having to rely on public transport.

I did! I passed my test at 17 when I was living in a rural area, drove a few times afterwards but then moved to East London a few months later as I was working in the City, didn’t need a car there as public transport was excellent. Then I started working for an IT company that meant I was travelling all over the world almost constantly. It wasn’t until I got pregnant with my first DD, and moved back to the country, that I need to start driving again lest we be totally isolated. That was when I was 31. So fourteen years after I’d last driven I just got in and started again. I agree that getting an automatic probably made it easier though. I think the fact that I had to drive for the sake of my children made the difference and meant I just got on with it.

I did... passed at 17 and drove a fair amount for a year then left home and didn't drive for 30 years. Had two refresher lessons and the instructor said I was a safe driver, so then I drove locally including on A road. It was nerve racking but got through it. Unfortunately I don't really need to drive so I've now not driven for a year again and will need to start again... but I know I can do it.

You can do it! I passed at 18 but spent my 20s in London where I never needed to drive, and became terribly rusty (and nervous!) Am now nearly 34 and I'm doing refresher lessons - making steady progress and building confidence again :-) I was terrified when I started, and while I wouldn't say I'm enjoying driving yet, it's definitely becoming less and less daunting. Sending you courage and best wishes - you can definitely do it.

I didn't drive for 15 years after passing my test. In that time I took 2 lots of refresher lessons but still didn't end up driving. Eventually realised I needed to drive and we got an automatic. It was the best thing I ever did. I would seriously consider an automatic.

You can do it! I passed my test at 18 and drove regularly for about 4 or 5 years, then didn't drive again at all for about 15 years (not being able to afford a car, being a full-time student, living in big cities so not really needing one). I got a car again in October last year because I didn't want to spend so much time on public transport anymore.

I felt anxious at the thought of getting back on the road too and I'm not sure I would have managed it without refresher lessons. If it's feasible for you, I definitely recommend booking some! The instructor I had took me right back to the basics of remembering where all the pedals are, the indicators, everything, before I drove an inch. It really helped. We even drove on the motorway in the last lesson, which I was nervous about, but him telling me that he wouldn't have suggested it if he didn't think I was completely able to do it really boosted my confidence. Hopefully you can find an instructor like that if you go for lessons!

Not me but my mum. Passed at 17, didn’t drive again until she was 38. She’s a very capable and confident driver now almost 30 years later, but I know it took a lot of guts to get behind the wheel again. But the only way you get over it is by doing it. Good luck.

Yes I did too, and as soon as I started driving again it was like muscle memory-I could just do it. I never understand why people say driving an automatic is easier though. I find it really tricky compared to a manual! The gears never seem to change soon enough, and they seem to struggle accelerating up hills!

Thank you so much everyone for all your supportive comments! I'm actually starting to feel a positive glow, like I could actually do this.

DH is very supportive, but he hasn't experienced the specific 'driving anxiety' feeling because he's never learnt. So it's really reassuring to know that you all understand the nervousness.

When I took my lessons and passed my test at 17 (!) I don't remember feeling nervous at all. I wish I still had that attitude now, it was the confidence of youth!

It's interesting what some of you say about automatics, I will definitely consider that option (although I wouldn't want it to struggle up hills because we have quite a few of them in Yorkshire!)

I'm probably going about things the wrong way because aren't we supposed to be giving up cars now? Especially petrol cars? But the basic fact is that a lot of the UK is difficult to get around on public transport. I've lived in various northern European countries where it was so much easier to get around without a car than here.

Anyway, thank you so much for responding, you have all given me the boost I need

I did. Failed 4 tests from age 17-18, then went to University and didn't have more lessons until I was about 25.

Didn't really progress with that instructor, and then he retired, so I found another, much better one. I passed with her aged about 27, then barely drove, as I lived in London and didn't own a car. My boyfriend at the time let me drive his car, but I hated it and so ended up barely driving.

I didn't drive at all for about 15 years, until I really needed to transport a DD to places so I had refresher lessons. A lot of lessons. It was almost like learning from scratch again, but without having to have a test, thank god . My instructor was brilliant, and a few years on I happily drive around. I'm never going to love it, but at least I'm mobile.