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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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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:

BobbinThreadbare123 · 08/08/2017 22:15

Good for you! Driving is great. My gran didn't learn till she was nearly 60 and she got about 15 years out of driving. She was a decent driver too.

delilahbucket · 08/08/2017 22:16

I started to learn to drive when I was 19 and really struggled to get to grips with it. I had about seven lessons and quit. I started again at 30 and found it so much easier. I passed my test within two months having a two hour lesson a week plus a bit of driving my dp's car (this was tricky as I was learning manual but his was automatic but it gave me road experience).

Longdistance · 08/08/2017 22:16

Omg! Just do it.

My mum is 76, and her biggest regret is not driving. Now my df has passed she relies on us a lot.

OhMrBadger · 08/08/2017 22:36

I passed earlier this year. I'm 42.

Good luck!

Revenant · 08/08/2017 22:55

Sure you can do it! I passed age 43 with 20 2 hour lessons. My examiner's oldest student was in her 70s - moved from abroad and decided she needed to get around. She passed too.

IrritatedUser1960 · 08/08/2017 22:56

I got my motorbike license at 45 go for it.

dubdurbs · 09/08/2017 00:01

I know of a 91 year old who passed their driving test for the first time. Go for it, OP!!!

NeverTwerkNaked · 09/08/2017 00:02

Do it! I didn't learn till I was 30 and now can't believe I put it off so long. It has given me so many more choices.

BackforGood · 09/08/2017 00:04

Do it!
It gives you so many more options in life.
My advice would be to save your money up first and then do longer lessons, and at least twice a week if you can. You forget too much in between a one hour lesson x once a week. Overall you will spend much less on lessons if you can do 2 (or even 3?) x 2 hour lessons a week.

AnnieAnoniMouse · 09/08/2017 00:08

My Aunty learnt in her mid 70's when my Uncle died. She's nearly 90 now and still a very good driver.

You can do it!

AnnieAnoniMouse · 09/08/2017 00:11

I don't know how many lessons she had, but it wasn't many. Once or twice a week and she had her licence in less that 6 months (it was a few years ago though, I think the written part is a bit harder now).

After she passed she paid for two more lessons to gain some confidence on motorways.

PickAChew · 09/08/2017 00:14

My mum is 76, and her biggest regret is not driving. Now my df has passed she relies on us a lot.

In contrast, my late 70s MIL has driven for years but now has problems with her legs swelling and tiring along with it and has pretty much given up driving.

craftsy · 09/08/2017 00:27

I started last year at 37 and passed my test a couple of months ago at 38. It took me a year to go from theory test to full licence but in Ireland you have to have a Learner's Permit for 6 months before you can apply for a test and then there is a 21+ week waiting list in my area. But I went from literally not having the first clue about what a clutch even does, to a confident driver on all kinds of roads from motorways to twisty, windy, narrow lanes. I drive all over and easily do hours of driving in a day if a trip requires it.

I'm really glad I've learned and love the extra possibilities it gives me. But I'm also not sorry that I waited to learn. I had to get over a lot of mental blocks to learn how to drive but they ultimately made me a better, more conscientious driver than I might have been as a younger woman. And also, running a car is a pretty expensive lifestyle choice, so I'm glad I waited until I was very financially secure before embarking on that kind of monetary commitment.

Loveache · 09/08/2017 00:36

34- moved city at 18 and have had no need for a car since. But I'd really like the skill and to be able not to be so helpless re lifts to country weddings etc. Driving lessons are my personal project this year too :)

My art teacher learned at 55 because he didn't want a dull retirement. :)

Maverick66 · 09/08/2017 00:49

My cousin passed her test at the ripe old age of 68!

DopeyDazy · 09/08/2017 05:50

Consider learning in an auto takes lots of pressure off at junctions knowing you will just go and not hop down the road or stall. Once youve passed your test you could always upgrade but ive had an auto for 18 years and love it. Good luck

user1473069303 · 09/08/2017 07:42

Go for it! I'm currently learning at the age of 39. I'd say go with an instructor who offers both automatic and manual instruction just in case you start with manual and then decide you want to switch. Once you start lessons, try to keep having regular lessons so as not to disrupt your progress. Someone to practice with would be helpful, even if it's just for specific things like manoeuvres.

grannycake · 09/08/2017 07:44

Go for it! I passed at 54 and have now been driving for 6 years

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