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AIBU?

Am I BU to want to take driving lessons at 57?

30 replies

sallyandherarmy · 20/02/2018 20:05

Back story - I first took driving lessons when I was 25. Split up with the now ex and couldn't afford to carry on.

Started taking the again when I was 32, as a single mother with 2 kids with one small income. Took my test - failed. Couldn't afford to carry on the lessons.

I am now 57 and I want to try again.

DH says he will back me, but at the same time is not confident. He says I have NO patience and I am a terrible 'front seat driver'.

BUT, I really want to try again.

Did you do this?

Your opinions, and experience, will be very much appreciated.

OP posts:

Report

Rosiie · 20/02/2018 21:53

Why would you be too old to learn how to drive? People drive in their 80s, sometimes 90s.

Samewitches · 20/02/2018 21:34

Do it! But do not, ever, practise in your own car. Take lessons and pass then either get your own car or share with DH but get a bit of lone driving under your belt before you take him or any other passengers who drive and will comment on your driving. I passed at 21 and DH (then bf) massively dented my confidence both before and after I passed my test with his little gasps and comments about late braking/ nearly clipping kerbs/ roundabouts etc. I've driven for 10 years now and never had an accident but he's a very very bad passenger because he thinks I'm a 'backseat driver'. We've been on the brink of divorce over me driving! (Semi lighthearted!)

FinallyHere · 20/02/2018 21:20

Oh yes, do you have a really lovely instructor? Makes all the difference. All the best.

KurriKurri · 20/02/2018 21:17

I passed last October at age 57, - it has made such a difference to my life - go for it. If I can do it anyone can (I am dyspraxic, and struggle with right and left and sequencing, but with the help of a patient instructor I managed)

FinallyHere · 20/02/2018 21:17

Agree with everyone else, it's worth a try ( or six)

My first test was a cancellation which came through after I had been away on holiday with no chance to practice, so I wasn't surprised that I stalled with a few minutes of pulling out of the car park. Having led the examiner to the wrong car ..., he knew it was the wrong car (no L plates) while i kept trying to get the key to work the lock. It wasn't the right car. Four stalls later We were back at the test centre and I had to ask him to repeat what he had said. And then asked 'are you really sure' when he seemed to think I had passed...

Really, what have you got to loose? All the best.

eggncress · 20/02/2018 21:12

Definately go for it and enjoy some new- found independence.
Not too old.A neighbour passed at age 65 recently and he and his wife go off on day trips, generally enjoying not having to rely on buses which are not very reliable where I live.

chocolatewine · 20/02/2018 21:05

Do it!! You'll pass and the freedom it brings is very worthwhile! good luck!!

JoeyMaynardssolidlump · 20/02/2018 20:54

Bloody go for it love

HoneyDragon · 20/02/2018 20:47

Another non natural driver here, passed my test 3 weeks ago at 39. I wanted to be driving before I was 40.

My Dh was hugely supportive and left me to it with my instructor; he didn’t want to take me out in between lessons which was the right decision as things have moved on since he passed his test and he would have got frustrated

morningsex · 20/02/2018 20:43

Do it it gives you such freedom - another one here who is not a natural driver but I actually love it now and would never go back . Passed at 23 didn't start driving until 37 - am v annoyed I didn't do it sooner.

zara020 · 20/02/2018 20:42

Op I have recently started again after failing 3 times about ten years ago, I'm absolutely determined this time as now I have children and the need to get around alot more!

Don't know if you have trouble with learning in manuals because it certainly was my biggest problem, so now I'm learning in an automatic and it's the best decision I've ever made - I feel like I've got a fighting chance!

Definitely give if a good, what have you got to lose!

RitaMills · 20/02/2018 20:39

Go for it, my mum passed her test last year at the age of 55 after my dad had to stop driving, its given her so much freedom and confidence.

Yawnyprawn · 20/02/2018 20:38

Do it! What have you got to lose? If your DH doesn't fill you with confidence in your driving skills maybe keep him out of it until you've passed. You need encouragement and positive vibes only!

luelle · 20/02/2018 20:35

Go for it!

Don't give up (If money allows you to continue) - this is coming from someone who failed FIVE TIMES! Took me 5 years and a lot of work on my anxiety & panic attacks to finally pass but I did it and it's the best feeling ever x

sallyandherarmy · 20/02/2018 20:32

Thank you everyone!

I have shown DH all your replies, and he has smiled, in a nice way :)

I will be booking lessons asap.

Liberation here I come!

:) :) xx

OP posts:

BigGapMum · 20/02/2018 20:32

One my neighbours learnt to drive and passed her test in her eighties, after her husband had to stop driving. She was a feisty lady and I was surprised she had never learnt before.

Pollypudding · 20/02/2018 20:30

Go for it- the freedom and independence it gives you is amazing. Tell your DH your front seat driving means you have a good awareness of the rules of the road but for goodness sake do not go driving with him if he is not confident in your abilities- get lessons from a qualified instructor. Hope all goes well for you.

RunRabbitRunRabbit · 20/02/2018 20:29

Do it. Show your DH that you are a terrible front seat driver because you actually know the right thing to do.

TossDaily · 20/02/2018 20:23

My mum passed at 58 - she's been driving for twenty years now.

Go for it!

happy2bhomely · 20/02/2018 20:20

I learned at 32. One of the best things I ever did. I was not a natural driver at all. I had over 50 hours of lessons and it cost a small fortune. I've been driving 2 years now and it has changed my life.

I didn't learn when I was younger because I was a young teen mum and there was always something more important to spend the money on.

The first time I drove my DC to a zoo I cried when I got there. I was so proud of myself.

I now drive on the M25, A406 and M11 on a regular basis and still get a buzz!

Go for it OP! Good luck.

Mumoftwoyoungkids · 20/02/2018 20:17

Better to do it at 57 than at 58!

GabsAlot · 20/02/2018 20:13

do it i gave up trying for 15 years i bitterly regret that gave me a whole new lease on life

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omBreROSE · 20/02/2018 20:12

My Gran passed at 57!
She needed a license as they were retiring to remote location.
Pootling about... down the country lanes, you’d think she’d been driving forever. She died st 83 - so l’d day that was well worth it!
Good luck 🌸

bonzo77 · 20/02/2018 20:12

My gran did at a similar age to you. She drove for about 15-20 years till my DGF died and she moved back to London (previously in coastal town) where the traffic scared her and the public transport was so easy that she didn’t feel the need to drive.

HisBetterHalf · 20/02/2018 20:09

Opens up a whole new world, go for it

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