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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want to learn to drive...at my age?

43 replies

PamelaFlitton31 · 08/08/2017 21:38

I'm 47.
I live in a big city & don't need to drive. But if I want to ever leave the city, permanently or for a holiday, it might be handy!

But at my age, how many lessons might I need? I'm not rolling in money, so wouldn't want lessons to drag on forever (I'm sure nobody does).

OP posts:
missiondecision · 08/08/2017 21:43

It's never to late.
Get a provisional license
Book a lesson
While waiting for license to arrive, look at theory test practise on line. Loads of free ones.
Don't delay, you may change your mind.
Complete beginner will need about 40 hours, roughly speaking.
2 hours a week, you could be driving in 6 months.
Good luck.

Tiredtomybones · 08/08/2017 21:47

YANBU. Have you got any driving experience at all? Number of lessons will depend on your starting point - if you are a complete novice you will need more than if you had a few lessons 20 years ago and could refresh the skills from then. Also have you got access to a car you could practise in? That would reduce the number of lessons you need.

Original poster
PamelaFlitton31 · 08/08/2017 21:48

Thanks miss Helpful advice. I've already done a practice theory test - I got 44/50 😊

OP posts:
AnUtterIdiot · 08/08/2017 21:48

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FreyaJade · 08/08/2017 21:50

My mum passed at 38.. it's never too late to learn

lidoshuffle · 08/08/2017 21:51

I think as a rule of thumb it's a lesson for every year of your age. Good luck, do it!

EnidNextDoor · 08/08/2017 21:52

My mum passed in her mid 40s. Do it!

Original poster
PamelaFlitton31 · 08/08/2017 21:53

Thanks Tired, I had about 10 lessons when I was 17! I can probably remember some stuff.
I'm not great on the Highway Code etc. And I remember being terrified by roundabouts.

I thought about asking my (relatively new) chap to help me practice but I'd quite like it to be a surprise. And slightly concerned it would lead to arguments

OP posts:
Original poster
PamelaFlitton31 · 08/08/2017 21:54

Thanks everyone 😀 Very encouraging.
It would be a big achievement for me.

OP posts:
ZippyCameBack · 08/08/2017 21:54

I'm 44 and about to start learning. What pushed me into it was realising that my oldest son will be able to drive in 2 years and I still can't.

KurriKurri · 08/08/2017 21:59

I'm learning and I'm 57 - I have had quite a few lessons, but I'm learning on lessons alone, no one to practice with, I've got my test coming up in a month (took one last week which I failed - but didn't fail really badly - just a couple of nervy mistakes). Go for it - it is totally doable. I would do lots of practice for the hazard perception part of the theory test as that IMO is the hardest part, and there is a definite knack to it which you can learn with practice.

Phoenix76 · 08/08/2017 22:01

Speaking as an ex driving instructor (only ex due to reasons unrelated!), it mattered not the age/gender of the pupil, everyone is individual and has individual learning skills, all reached the same goal. I say go for it, it's worth the effort, I witnessed many tears of joy shed!

AdoraBell · 08/08/2017 22:01

Go for it, don't think about your age.

MrsHarveySpecterV · 08/08/2017 22:01

My nana learnt in her 50s and drove herself round for the rest of her life. She lived in a big city but it gave her so much independence. Go for it!

FreudianSlurp · 08/08/2017 22:02

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lovemybabies3 · 08/08/2017 22:03

never too old! i passed at 30! best thing i ever did, gives you so much more freedom! if you get the right instructor then hopefully you wont need too many!

Littlepleasures · 08/08/2017 22:04

I was 45, took 2 years of twice weekly lessons and 4 tests but it totally changed my life. It's never too late. My friend's gran did it in her late 60s. Go for it!,

Almostfifty · 08/08/2017 22:05

I know someone who passed at 60. Just do it.

MidlifeZzzzz · 08/08/2017 22:09

Do it, don't even hesitate. I passed first time in November age 40, I'd spent years faffing about with lessons, on and off without much commitment. May last year I found an amazing instructor, told him to turn up even if I made a excuse to cancel and to push me not to quit! Four months later my test was booked.
Honestly Op, balls to what anyone else thinks and just dive in headfirst!

OneWildNightWithJBJ · 08/08/2017 22:12

Absolutely do it. I learnt at 35, which is younger, I know, but never, ever thought I would. Lived in London, never really needed to, plus the thought of it terrified me. Turned out that I really enjoy driving and now I'm so glad I can. It helped that my dad said to me I didn't have to drive afterwards, just take some lessons. He thought it was important I knew how to actually move a car. Not having that pressure made learning easier and more enjoyable I guess.

Original poster
PamelaFlitton31 · 08/08/2017 22:13

Thanks everyone. I feel inspired. I have applied for my provisional licence online.
I will update with my progress & take you all out for a spin when I pass 😂

OP posts:
FreudianSlurp · 08/08/2017 22:14

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

justdontevenfuckingstart · 08/08/2017 22:15

Good luck Pamela glad you're doing it.

FreudianSlurp · 08/08/2017 22:15

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DonaldStott · 08/08/2017 22:15

I passed in my 30s. My mum passed in her 50s. She had to learn as my dad passed away and he used to do all the driving for shopping and also it just opened up so many opportunities job wise.

I am a bit of a nervous driver and I don't really drive far, but it just makes life so much easier.

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