Iabu,right?

[Cathycomehome]

I need you people to give me a pep talk! I am 35. I can't drive. I've always managed and live very close to my work. However, new son's childcare arrangement means it will be a logistical nightmare for partner to get him to childminder and himself to work on time. Me driving solves this pressing problem as well as some less pressing ones that are just annoyances we've lived with.

I have a lesson. Tomorrow. I also have the fear! Iwbu to cancel it and fool myself that I can still manage (we could, but it makes my partner's long commute and early start very difficult, plus meaning baby will have to be in childcare a whole hour earlier, from 7 am!)

Have the lesson! You might enjoy it!

Woman, take to the streets. You will be awesome. YABU to allow the menfolk to have all the fun. I love driving and DD now plays in the front seat of the car, "broom, broom, Mummy". She knows that is a woman's natural throne. And, so on.

I won't . I've half heartedly tried before, but it's never been urgent.

Ah, thanks, this is what I need to start repeating like a mantra!

Have the lesson. Tbf, you probably won't enjoy the first one, but once you get used to driving and then pass your test you will love it! It will also make your life a whole lot easier and more expensive.

Didn't learn till I was 28, didn't 'take' to it till I got an automatic car, but do it! Honestly, you'll be fine and you'll be able to do so much more - we now live out in the country which we couldn't have done if I wasn't able to drive.

It may take you longer than a 17 yo to learn and if you're not comfortable with your instructor don't persevere - change. (And if you're buying a car, honestly, don't fanny around with gears, just learn automatic and buy an automatic.) But don't cancel!!!

Frankly driving is one of those things you just have to get done for he freedom it gives you.

Yes, it's a drag. But it's also bloody easy - much easier than riding a bike, a million times easier than swimming and you can probably do those.

Do it, you ninny.

It's the fear. I'm not too bad at actually driving the thing.

I did it at 32, passed first time. Cannot imagine why I was nervous, now (though tbf, I live in a small town, I'd be bricking it in London).

Dooooo iiiiiittttttt. It'll be worth it.

YABU

Don't cancel it. Take a deep breath and enjoy it. Your instructor isn't going to take you out on the M25. In fact, IIRC, the first lesson is very calm, slow and will be on a back-street road somewhere - and you'll probably do very little 'real' driving.

One step at a time. What's that saying? From small steps are great leaps taken (or something like that anyway)!

OP I have just started driving at the grand old age of 38 and it is great

Do the lesson.

She who dares

Yeah, my partner did also point out that our older son can apply for a licence in just 5 years, which is a bit embarrassing too!

My first lesson a child on a bike went past me and yelled "can you go any slower?"

Do it, it gets easier, and when you pass it's a new lease of life!

Learn!

I will be stern if you don't!

I didn't start learning till I was 30. Best thing I ever did.

DH has taught a 64 year old lady to drive. She passed first time.

Thanks all for positive reinforcement! Small one shouting, so I have to disappear for a bit and not think about it too much

Strikeout fail

I'm 34 and in a similar position. I was nervous before my first lesson but I love it. I actually enjoy the lessons. I think you need to feel comfortable with the instructor though.

I'll be elated when I finally get my licence as I feel a bit of a wally for leaving it so long!

Good luck and enjoy!

You will be fine I promise. First few lessons you will need new pants, but it does get a lot easier after that. Remember learning to ride a bike? It's the same, scary as hell at first, but second nature in no time at all. Your instructor will drive you to the arse end of nowhere in an estate most likely where there are very few obstacles. You will then swap over and stall the car a couple of times, before proceeding down a quiet road at about 10mph, attempt a couple of left and right turns at junctions and stall a few more times. You can go as slow as you like, no one will mind, and if they do they are twats.

I'm back, thanks for requested pep talk, all! Same instructor as last half hearted attempt, he's really nice. I rang up and said I was thinking about it, and he said "Bite the bullet girl! I'll see you tomorrow, shall I?", which was fine, but followed slightly alarmingly by, "I love a challenge..."

My DH can't drive. IT PISSES ME RIGHT OFF. Perhaps you would like to learn?

Yes, well I wouldn't LIKE to, but I am about to!