Learning to drive later in life in an automatic... any positive stories?

[Hamsternautss]

After not needing to drive and living in London I had about 30 hours worth of manual lessons when I hit 30 years old but still felt extremely out of my depth and found driving very stressful especially on roundabouts and trying to figure out right of way in the not obvious situations.

I stopped lessons when I was very pregnant with my 2nd daughter and just didn't get around to picking it back up again.

Im 35 now and we have moved out to Surrey and I really need lessons to ferry my kids about when they start at Junior School etc. Im due to start lessons in an automatic instead of manual in a few weeks in a hope that it's a bit easier than automatic and I can focus solely on the road itself rather than if I'm gonna fuck up changing gears and stall etc.

Does anyone have any positive stories of driving later on in life? I feel like it's the last chance saloon now. I never imagined I would be an adult with kids and not know how to drive.

You’ll find an automatic so much easier - good luck.
Might add that my Dm was the most nervous learner imaginable, but still eventually passed - on a manual - in her 40s, and was still driving until she became more nervous again at 80.
But if she could do it - in a manual - I’m sure you won’t have much trouble with an automatic.

Update:

I've been learning automatic now since August 2022, i've done around 60 hours of lessons and it's taken me a very long time to feel comfortable and confident.

Today I did my first ever driving test and failed 🙃 2 serious faults and 1 driver fault. I've never been so nervous my entire life and ultimately nerves got the better of me and I missed 2 signs which caused the serious faults. I'd feel so much better if I could book another test but the shortage of tests is an absolute nightmare.

Meh, feeling rubbish and flat but I won't give up.

My grandmother learned in her mid sixties.

Amazing, well done OP! With plenty of hours until your belt it sounds very achievable from where you are. Keep going! It's really normal not to pass first time especially as a less confident person.

I learnt at 32. Not a natural driver. however once you pass and drive every day yo become one. 12 years on my job involves a lot of driving.

I was 47 when I started taking lessons again after a 30 year break passed the theory and automatic test within 3 months, that's almost two years ago now, & wow my life is revolutionised, I was incredibly nervous about driving at the start of my lessons but it was so worth it. Find an experienced, relaxed instructor that you get on with, and you'll have your freedom no time. Good luck!

I passed in an automatic. Did around 60 hours of lessons in a manual which was a total waste of time, it ruined my confidence with hill starts in particular and I detested thinking about changing gear all of the time. Automatic is so much easier, honestly have no idea why we’re still stuck with manual cars in this country.

DS couldn't get the hang of a manual and learnt on an automatic. Found it a piece of cake.

I have a manual licence but haven't driven a manual car in over 30 years.

Automatics are a doddle.

You'll get there, OP!

I learned to drive at 57. Lived in Melbourne all my life so never needed to (and Melbourne is a shithole to drive in). Had to learn when I moved to a small town. Took maybe eighteen months - I only had one lesson a week and had never been behind the wheel before, and found it nerve-wracking. But I had a good instructor, luckily. The car was an automatic - they are far more commonly used than manuals here.

I just squeaked through on my first test (those were the assessor's words). I'm now just one month past my full license (P plates are mandatory for three years here).

Keep going, you'll do it, and it does get easier. I never thought I'd enjoy driving, but I do.

That reminds me of what my instructor said once - he joked "you're becoming the thing you hate" (lifelong pedestrian who disliked drivers and cars. I think I'd commented on some idiot crossing the road where they shouldn't have). 😄

Not having to do clutch control on a hill and faff with gears is a reason to drive an automatic! I switched last year from manual to automatic and wish I had sooner

Dont give up OP, most people have to take more than 1 test, well done on doing it when you feel so nervous. It was one of the worst experiences of my life! I was also very anxious but I passed in the end (but it took me 5 attempts) Keep going and good luck for booking a test, I know they are a nightmare to book at the moment.

I learned in my early thirties, automatic. I'd had a few attempts in a manual and hated it. Go go it!

Well done @Hamsternautss so pleased to hear that you're becoming more confident, that's great. It's a shame you didn't pass but you've got some more learning and experience under your belt now too. As you said, nerves got the better of you. Good luck on your next test.

Obviously no clue how big your test area is, but I just drove and drove the roads on our routes to really help me know the speed limits/junctions/quirky bits etc. The familiarity really helped when I was nervous. I've gone from super anxious to feeling pretty confident driving around. It's taken a number of years and also loads of driving.

My MIL - who is possibly the most hopeless individual ever - basically we have always funded her, she's never helped us or DH and DH had a shite childhood - learnt to drive at 60!
if she can, anyone can.

Do it!

I learned to drive in an automatic in my 30s for similar reasons. Always lived in London and didn’t need to drive, but suddenly found myself with two kids and absolutely sick of trekking on the bus to activities or relying on the kindness of others for lifts. I’d tried lessons in a manual but I found it so stressful and think I’m possibly dyspraxia or have some sort of issue with coordination, as I found it almost impossible.

It was expensive and hard for me even on an automatic. Driving did not come easily. I’d say it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, actually, and I needed a LOT of lessons to feel anywhere near confident. But I persisted, passed on my third attempt and 15 years later I’m so glad I did.

The confidence and freedom it gave me, especially when my kids were young, was worth every penny and all the stress. I actually don’t drive often anymore, but knowing I can jump in the car to pick up one of my teens late at night or take my Mum to the hospital or go and pick something up from the supermarket with ease whenever I want to makes me feel free and like a proper grown up .

I was 35 and terrified I left it too late. I've been passed nearly 5 years now and I love it. I drive everywhere and anywhere, all over the cou try. It's been a game changer for me.

You can do it OP!!

I also failed my first test OP, I passed on my 2nd 6 weeks later!!

I learned to drive in an automatic at 28. Never really wanted to drive but for the sake of the kids I did.
If you've already taken lessons in a manual I doubt it'll take long to pass in an automatic.
You're only focussing on the road around you, no need to worry about stalling and those sort of horrors.
Good luck!

I’ve driven a manual for over thirty years. I drove an automatic for the first time last week. It’s just SO much easier! I passed my test at 30 for the same reasons you need to. You’ll do it!

My neighbour learned to drive when she was in her 60s. She also went for an automatic as it would be easier and she found an instructor that was more experiences with older learners. I dont recall how many leassns she had before going for her test but she passed the test first time. She must have been driving for around 10 years now and has never had an accident although she remains a cautious driver. She wont drive in the dark or heavy rain for example and will take a taxi instead.

Bear in mind that if you pass your test in an automatic you won’t be qualified to ever drive a manual car without taking another driving test, but if you learn to drive in a manual car and get a manual driving licence, you’re free to drive either.
This can be really beneficial if you ever need to get a hire car, or you find you want to be added to the insurance of another family member to be able to drive their car, having a manual driving licence is going to make this a lot easier - as not everyone has an automatic car for you to drive or hire.
You'll need to stick to owning an automatic which are always more expensive not only to buy but to insure & repair. You are also less in control should something begin to go wrong with it. With a manual you can often nurse it along to a place of safety eg exit a motorway rather than be stuck on the hard shoulder.

Took me three times to pass my test, don't give up!