Learning to drive in your late 60's

SergeantBaker

MikeJXE said:

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 

That's not really going to help with the theory or practical test. 

Car_54

MikeJXE said:

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 

For the theory test you need the HC and "Driving - the Essential Skills".  You can usually pick up the latter cheaply on Amazon or eBay.

I would suggest starting work immediately on the theory, and booking a test as soon as you get your provisional.

Sea_Shell

As a passenger, all these years, do you feel you've been an active or passive passenger?

Have you been "paying attention" or just "been chauffeured"?

How's your hazard perception?

MikeJXE

No idea whats required for a licence today I passed my test in 1962 but because i was getting old I wanted to be certain I was safe. I did a course in advanced driving and a must for that was a copy of Roadcraft, much more advanced than the Highway Code.

SergeantBaker

MikeJXE said:

No idea whats required for a licence today I passed my test in 1962 but because i was getting old I wanted to be certain I was safe. I did a course in advanced driving and a must for that was a copy of Roadcraft, much more advanced than the Highway Code.

A large portion of that book wasn't needed for your course and certainly not a requirement to pass the driving test. The books @Car_54 referred to however are.

MikeJXE

Roadcraft was part of the course, to be able to quote from it to prove you had read it. Yes All the book is not relevant it covers motor cycles also. i didn't say it was required to pass a driving test I said it would help to understand, particularly your position on the road. 

Kat78MFW

Krakkkers said:

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

Be careful with this suggestion - if your partner is currently medically unable to drive, they may not qualify to supervise a learner driver. I'm not sure but, for example if a driver was unable to drive due to not meeting the vision requirements for driving, they couldn't safely supervise.

SergeantBaker

MikeJXE said:

Roadcraft was part of the course, to be able to quote from it to prove you had read it. Yes All the book is not relevant it covers motor cycles also. i didn't say it was required to pass a driving test I said it would help to understand, particularly your position on the road. 

It's not just that part that wasn't relevant, I believe it now covers pursuits and the purpose of the manual is to allow police to drive in excess of the speed limit. Something else you didn't do. 

The over positioning used by the police and reading roadcraft as a novice could cause them to fail their test.

The best advice is to read the Highway Code and Safe Driving for life given that's what the DVSA will assess on.  

SergeantBaker

Kat78MFW said:

Krakkkers said:

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

Be careful with this suggestion - if your partner is currently medically unable to drive, they may not qualify to supervise a learner driver. I'm not sure but, for example if a driver was unable to drive due to not meeting the vision requirements for driving, they couldn't safely supervise.

Or impaired by their medication. 

silvercar

I would try learning for the theory first. Don’t waste money on lessons until you are confident you can pass the theory. You should be able to find mock tests online, including hazard perception.