#1
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How old is too old to learn to drive?
I'm not sure I ever will as being in a car with an instructor is pure hell for me. At regular intervals I make myself try again but it is always the same, I do perhaps 2 or 3 lessons and it all becomes to much. I want to be sick before the lesson and usually sleep fitfully the night before. I so wish I'd had the money to do it when I was 17 but my part time job barely paid for me to go the cinema once a week.
Anyway, I'm 30 now, which I know isn't that old, but when should I give up on my off again/on again desire to learn to drive? 40? 50? 60? |
#3
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
You can learn at any age.I did mine a t 18 but definitely need refreshers (haven't driven for years).The age range at the driving school was somewhere between 18-50,so you are still a spring chicken .
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#4
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
I don't think you're ever to old to learn a new skill (and you're ONLY 30!). So obviously as long as you are legally allowed to drive then why not. I think it's important to go at your own pace and not worry about limits of ages or outsiders commenting just go in little steps so it doesn't get overwhelming. Although, I know this is easier said then done when those around us, including the instructors will want to keep pushing you as much as possible. Even if it takes you ten years to achieve it, you'll still achieve it in the end, and even if you don't pass, at least you can say you achieved by trying and therefore gained courage. I haven't started learning yet. I've just applied for my provisional and i'm dreading lessons. But I know it is something i'm going to have to do eventually for my independence because i'm so unconfident using public transport. However, i'm a realist so therefore know it will take me quite some time and i may not eventually even pass but i will try my hardest (even if it means only have lessons here and there at a slow pace and only on my high weeks) so i can say i've tried to achieve something that i fear so much. I probably wouldn't tell anyone as it's my goal not theres and wouldn't want unnecessary pressure.
I hope if you continue at your own pace, you pass and if you can't cope, do what's best for you. It's not something worth stressing about forever. |
#5
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
YaY Medea's first over 30s thread
I learnt in my 20s but didn't pass and gave up. I started again last year aged 36! I have a good instructor from the AA and am hoping to pass this year. I'm learning in am automatic as most cars are automatic these days! Just got my license back from the DVLA who held on to it for 6 months so will apply for my theory test soon. My advice start now in an automatic and see how you go. Good Luck. |
#6
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
My advice is forget about the age thing i think it is irrelevant. Dont force yourself to take up lessons again when things are not good for you. Wait for a time when things might be going reasonably well and you have picked up some confidence.
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#7
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
would you feel more comfortable with a friend or family member teaching you in their car? Only thing is you'll have no dual control if you dont go with an instructor
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#8
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
I passed when I was 19 after 5 attempts, my hubby pass a few years ago at 34 it took him 3 times to pass.
I do believe it is getting harder in the uk anyway as there is so much more bits to pass and do, I know it is for safety etc.. but theirs just more bits, I can't image them taking any bits away so I guess its going to get harder, but you wouldn't know as you have never passed lol Saritor |
#9
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
I would find it incredibly hard too with an instructor, though eventually I will need to have some lessons I have been learning with my husband as you know, I think once I've reached some basic confidence on the roads I will feel a bit more ready for some professional lessons (I hope ). Money-wise it costs a fortune too, doesn't it. Is there a friend or family member that would be prepared to take you to a quiet area to practise? Obviously someone patient (as some people change personality in a car ) and someone who can give clear instructions.
A couple of times recently I had a little drive all on my own around the school here out of hours because it is private grounds, I've stalled a few times but managed to talk myself through it and get going again, one week I did notice a couple of parked cars and someone was sat in theirs out of hours and so I drove up to the next car park to escape attention but it wasn't as big as I thought which meant I had to reverse out which I haven't really done a lot of, I started going the wrong way, then I stalled, so I went back into the space and worked it out and eventually I did it. Unfortunately I was spotted by the headmaster walking his dog, mid stall, at which point he gestured and asked 'are you o.k?', a bit embarrassing, I just said 'yes, just getting some practise in'. I thought 'I'm going to have to go and get my hubble telescope' a few times but because I was in a quiet place I was able to just talk myself through it and work it out for myself. That did give me a bit more confidence that at least I know even on my own I can work through things -eventually, obviously wouldn't be great on the road still. How do you find the lessons once you are doing them? Do you feel pleased with yourself after? (I think that is what all that waffle was about - sorry! - despite even with my husband getting nervous about going on the roads I generally tend to feel good after I've done it.) I know I would be a lot more disadvantaged in a different situation because I would have nerves with the person and the driving to contend with. |
#10
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
I'm not sure at what age it stops being worth trying, but it's definitely a loooong way off yet. There isn't really a hard cut-off point, your ability to learn new things slowly worsens as you get older (from about 25 onwards) but it does so at different rates with different people.
Is there anyone you know that could teach you, rather than hiring an instructor? It'd be worth having a few professional lessons before your test to make sure you're up to scratch, but until then it would be better to learn with someone you're comfortable with so that you can concentrate on learning the basics of driving without additional sources of stress and anxiety. Quote:
Don't learn in an automatic. Learn and take your test in a manual. After that, you can drive automatics if you want, but they aren't nearly ubiquitous enough yet that it isn't worth having the choice. |
#12
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
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#13
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#14
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#15
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
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I miss those times . |
#16
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
Thanks for replying people! Unfortunately my husband is the only person I know who could take me out on the road and he finds it too anxiety inducing. My mum never learnt to drive and I think that's had a bit knock on effect on me. I'm off on holiday in a few hours, just wish it was me driving!
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#17
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
It is quite a responsibility and if you both suffer anxiety I can understand that. If you are getting any positive effects like feeling you have achieved something (bearing in mind some weeks will feel better than others) after I would try to stick with it Ren if there is part of you that wants to be able to drive, I know it must be incredibly tough.
Have a great holiday! |
#19
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
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#20
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
An ex girlfriend of mine passed her test when she was 30 and my mother didnt get a licence until she was 45ish so its not as unusual as people might think.
And Ime sure I read somewhere that actor Michael Caine didnt learn to drive until he was getting on for 50. |
#21
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
I passed at 35, it was almost 2 years after that I got a car and have been driving just over a year now. It took a while to get used to just going out and getting in it but I love driving now and wish I'd got round to it sooner.
It was my mum that got me started with a BSM pack from tesco points, after the 6 hours from that I stopped for a while but when I started again I wanted to see it through and took 3 attempts to pass. |
#22
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I passed at about age 27 I think. First time on both theory and test (although no idea how I managed that one!)
Couldn't be without driving now especially as I've moved from a small town (which u could walk to all the shops/train station etc) to a bigger town in which to get anywhere you need a car to make things easier. |
#23
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
My neighbour passed her test when in her late fifties. It's never too old.
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#24
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
don't give up!
i think you are doing it perfectly: a few lessons @ a time. that's assuming u don't wait too long between lessons--(not more than a month or 2). i mean, as long as you are retaining the info from each lesson, you will eventually succeed in getting your license. don't forget that as you get used to driving, it will be less & less scary. my aunt learned at age 55, but she took her time because she was very anxious. if you can, try some hypno-therapy. also there are 'virtual driving' interactive things that are used here. best wishes. i will pray 4 u. |
#26
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
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My parents almost beg me to use an automatic car. I have a manual car since August but have rarely used it because my last job was in central London and secondly I'm still nervous driving. |
#27
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
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Surely manual transmission is the norm in Europe and most other continents? Certainly in North America autos are predominant but I think that is the exception. In any event if you prefer driving automatics then by all means drive one. Anyone who believes that driving one makes you "not a real driver" is simply wrong. |
#28
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
When you think about it, it's nuts that in the 21st century we are still using a stick and clutch to select cogs on something that is otherwise so technologically advanced. With total lock-up torque converters now, auto boxes don't even use much more fuel than a manual, which was something that counted against in the past. Autos are sooo much nicer to drive in stop-start traffic in urban areas or motorway queues. But yes sadly it is still best to pass in a manual if you can to keep your options open. All the best with it
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#29
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
I passed test in a manual but due to anxiety could not drive. Then i bought an automatic car which is much easier to drive. I still get anxious while driving and stick to the familar routes only.
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#30
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Re: How old is too old to learn to drive?
My Grandpa learned to drive when he was 60
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