Learning to Drive, is it too late for me?

hazyjo

LandyAndy wrote: »

Good advice but a little late I fear.;)

Ooops lol. Thought I saw 'ex' the first time so re-read it twice and still missed it.

Well, anyone then... every time you're in a car, get the driver (not cabbies lol!) to give you a running commentary of what they're doing, looking at, things they notice, hazards, signs.

Jx

seven-day-weekend

I was in my forties when I learned and I'm so glad I did.

I agree with having the professional lessons. The dual controls gave me a load of confidence.

It will give you a new lease of life and much more choice.

One thing I did , after I had passed my test, was to get up really early on a Sunday morning and drive myself around. I would practise manoeuvers and lane discipline. This gave me confidence as I was able to practise these things when there was no traffic, so that when I was in traffic I would not feel anxious, and also gave me confidence of being in the car on my own.

jackyann

I too had a friend who learned in her 60s.
I am posting as she found a residential course the best way to learn (not cheap, but by the time you take everything into account, not bad value at all)
I'd agree about not being taught by anyone close to you; but I found that practice was the thing that made the difference to me. So once you are reasonably competent, getting someone to accompany you whilst you get in practice hours can be helpful.

gravitytolls

It's never too late. My mum passed her test in her fifties. It took four times, but she belted herself in and signed up again until she passed.

She had previously tried and failed with lessons, leaving far too many years in between goes. Then she decided it was now or never, and just kept on with the lessons, tests and nerves until she got there.

She's now a perfectly competent driver, true she doesn't travel more than twenty miles or so, but she's more than capable of it if she were to choose to do so.

LandyAndy

hazyjo wrote: »

Ooops lol. Thought I saw 'ex' the first time so re-read it twice and still missed it.

Well, anyone then... every time you're in a car, get the driver (not cabbies lol!) to give you a running commentary of what they're doing, looking at, things they notice, hazards, signs.

Jx

My sons' driving instructor asked me to do that for them when they were learning.

It's interesting to do as the driver too. I quite surprised them (and myself ) at all the stuff I was noting and thinking about.

seven-day-weekend

LandyAndy wrote: »

My sons' driving instructor asked me to do that for them when they were learning.

It's interesting to do as the driver too. I quite surprised them (and myself ) at all the stuff I was noting and thinking about.

I do think that it would be a little overwhelming for absolutely new drivers, it would be a case of 'too much information'. Once they have had half-a-dozen lessons and were more confident in physically controlling the car, then I think it is a good idea.

I agree it is interesting to do as a driver.

LandyAndy

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

I do think that it would be a little overwhelming for absolutely new drivers, it would be a case of 'too much information'. Once they have had half-a-dozen lessons and were more confident in physically controlling the car, then I think it is a good idea.

I agree it is interesting to do as a driver.

Oh, yes, I agree. The learner has to have a grasp of the subject first.

chelseablue

No way are you too old!

My Nan is still driving and she's in her early 80's so hopefully you'll have many years of drivining ahead of you

Go for it and let us know how you get on

fozziebeartoo

Thanks for posting OP!!


I am 54 and this thread has made me think maybe I am not too old to learn......


***insert smilie here......except new laptop wont let me***

hazyjo

I'm just amazed that people in their 50s think of themselves as old

Spring chooks, the lot of you! Go do whatever you want! You'll look back at 90 and wonder what you were thinking...

Jx