Learning to drive in your late 60's

immy1

Is it possible to learn to drive at 67 years old?  My partner has taken ill and will not be able to drive for some time. Somehow I will have to get him to appointments. The thing is I have never had lessons and I am not a very practical person. Would be at all feasible anyone?  Thanks

Krakkkers

You could learn in an automatic or electric car to make it a little easier but yes it is certainly possible.

Krakkkers

Also if your partner has a full licence then technically you could drive him about with a provisional licence i believe?

immy1

Thanks for the replies. I would be starting as a total beginner. I have seen other comments elsewhere from people in their late 60's who learned but most of them had some lessons when they were younger. I, on the other hand, wouldn't know where to start.

diystarter7

Hi OP

A good work mat of mine years ago - she was a lot, lot older than me about 60 but younger than you - her hubby became ill like yours. She took lessons and failed in manual cars and i told her to take an automatic test she passed.

Ideally, go for an automatic car when you pass buy an auto car, a small one but one that is higher than the average saloon as easier to see over cars/walls when turning - then when you passed have hubby in the car for support and put on your P LATES.

All sensible drivers like me will give you extra time and wider berth and soon you will not think twice before you get behind the wheel.

(Btw, before you buy your car check insurance rates/etc)

Good luck and best wishes for the future.

SergeantBaker

diystarter7 said:

Hi OP

A good work mat of mine years ago - she was a lot, lot older than me about 60 but younger than you - her hubby became ill like yours. She took lessons and failed in manual cars and i told her to take an automatic test she passed.

Ideally, go for an automatic car when you pass buy an auto car, a small one but one that is higher than the average saloon as easier to see over cars/walls when turning - then when you passed have hubby in the car for support and put on your P LATES.

All sensible drivers like me will give you extra time and wider berth and soon you will not think twice before you get behind the wheel.

(Btw, before you buy your car check insurance rates/etc)

Good luck and best wishes for the future.

@diystarter7 do give us and the OP an insight into your advanced driving skills. 

Who taught you and where?

immy1

Thank you.  I know, that's another thing - will I even get insurance which is remotely affordable? I'll have a look and see if there's any driving tutors who specialise in teaching older people in my area as well.

diystarter7

immy1 said:

Thank you.  I know, that's another thing - will I even get insurance which is remotely affordable? I'll have a look and see if there's any driving tutors who specialise in teaching older people in my area as well.

Why not call an insurance broker and get a better idea?
I don't think there are instructors that specialise in older people.
Just make sure you don't block book any instructor until you've had at least 1/2 lessons as some
can  be not that great and lack interaction skills I'm advised

Good luck

venomx

Of course. Find an instructor you get along with and it will be fine

immy1

Yes. There are good and bad instructors. I will definitely do my research.  Thanks

MikeJXE

Yes but only If you really want to, you presumably have been sitting by your partner so you are not a complete novice, Get a copy of the Highway Code, better still a copy of Roadcraft the police drivers handbook it's more descriptive of whats required on the road. A couple of lessons would be a good idea and it will be easier with an automatic car. think positive