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How old is too old?

(139 Posts)
Jeanlizzie Fri 31-May-19 10:16:04

I live in a very rural area , my husband drives, but i don't, which was never a problem due to a good bus service
Since the beginning of the year we have no buses at all ( thanks council) and I'm dependant on my husband if i want to leave the house
I'm seriously considering to learn to drive but my daughter keeps telling me im too old (I'm mid 50s)
What do you lovely grans think ?

lovebeigecardigans1955 Sat 01-Jun-19 17:43:31

Certainly not. I learned to drive in my mid-fifties and if a Nervous Nellie like me can do it so can you. I'd advise getting a library book about the theory of driving as this can help, also there are books about the theory test, as well as the Highway Code.
A sympathetic friend can take you out on a 'demonstration drive' to help you learn what to look out. Remember there are many driving schools which have instructors who specialise in nervous or more mature learners. If you don't gel with the first there's always another who may be better for you. Good luck.

chrissyh Sat 01-Jun-19 17:39:30

Definitely not. My Godmother learnt in her 50s and was still driving in her 90s. Go for it.

Glenfinnan Sat 01-Jun-19 17:37:53

PS meant to say he said you might want to try an Automatic Car.

Glenfinnan Sat 01-Jun-19 17:36:41

My husband used to be a driving instructor before he retired. He says you are definitely NOT too old! He says just take your time and like everything else it may take a bit longer then when you were younger! Good luck from both of us! ??

Shizam Sat 01-Jun-19 17:34:50

There was a news story the other day of a woman, I think 83, but may have been 93!, who is learning to fly! She also still rides with her granddaughter.
And watching Epsom Derby today, trainer whose horse came second is 86! So 54 is positively youthful to be learning a new skill. Maybe your daughter is just worried for you. But I would definitely go for it.

oodles Sat 01-Jun-19 17:33:33

A great aunt measurement after she was widowed at 70 , go for it. You might get yourself an automatic but if you pass your test on one you're not licensed to drive a manual, which might come in handy one dayo

Chimaera Sat 01-Jun-19 16:50:32

Do it! My mum was 63 and passed at the third attempt - nerves! She drove from Essex to Bornemouth, Wales and the Peak district regularly, plus lots of local driving. Never too old in my book!

boat Sat 01-Jun-19 16:19:36

Yes, go for it. It may seem very difficult at first but after a while it mostly becomes automatic. You begin not to have to think, "Break pedal" etc.

It's a bit like learning to walk or ride a bicycle. It's hard and then it becomes easy and finally normal. As for being too old. Rubbish. I learnt to steer a narrow boat when I was 73. At 63 ft it's a bit less manouverable (sp) than a car.

Good luck. Most people find it's fun.

Pat1949 Sat 01-Jun-19 16:01:59

TOO OLD AT MID ‘50s ?? What a load of rubbish. Your daughter sounds very juvenile and patronising. Honestly, that is one of the most ridiculous statements I’ve heard in a long time. Book yourself some lessons and go for it.

knspol Sat 01-Jun-19 15:46:31

My mum passed her driving test first attempt in her mid 60's, she was the only one in the family to pass the first time.

futuregran1 Sat 01-Jun-19 15:45:16

You;re never too old. In fact, more mature drivers have fewer accidents because they don't try to overtake everything in sight. They are also more considerate on the road.
Don't be put off. Get the name of a good, reputable driving instructor and go for it. It will help you to be more independent, especially if you live in an area with poor public transport.

Good luck.

NannyC2 Sat 01-Jun-19 15:42:56

Go for it!

Nannyto3 Sat 01-Jun-19 15:34:43

Mid 50s isn't too old for anything! I'm 67 and still up for anything new. Go for it!

JacquiG Sat 01-Jun-19 14:58:20

I didn't start until my 40's and I passed first time. Mind you, I had a lot of lessons, 2 a week for a year, before I took my test.

Go for it. Might be an idea to use an automatic transmission. Easier to drive, not so much to coordinate all at once, and these days, they are as fast off the mark as any manual.

You do get a lot of lofty mansplaining about the lack of performance, poor response, etc etc. All myths. They'll be quick enough to get one when their gout starts playing up.

Before signing up, have a taster set of 5 lessons to see if you like it. One or two isn't enough.

Good luck. It means freedom, and something new for yourself.

sandelf Sat 01-Jun-19 14:57:49

Good God - you could easily live to 95 these days - does she think the next 40 years are for nothing. Learn asp - freedom awaits.

minxie Sat 01-Jun-19 14:26:18

Cheek!!! Book your lessons pronto

Thingmajig Sat 01-Jun-19 14:20:07

I passed my test age 57 and even though I seldom drive now (husband does it all!) I love that I can, and have done the odd adventure since passing my test. grin
The theory test is fine as long as you do a bit of studying for it, and there are apps out there to help.
I didn't go along the automatic route as it would be very limiting it what car we buy, and actually the gears were never a problem. I had a lovely (patient) lady instructor.
Go for it, you'll not regret it!

Patticake123 Sat 01-Jun-19 14:06:34

You are very sensible thinking ahead and mid 50’s is a fine time to start . You May wish to learn in an automatic car, not that I’ve ever driven one, but it is bound to be more straightforward than using gears. Good luck, the world will be your oyster.

Mrsemmapeel10 Sat 01-Jun-19 13:54:07

Definitely not too old, and actually helpful to keep your memory working well (like learning a new language). Start the lessons - with a reputable and experienced instructor - and see how you get on. You have nothing to lose. Also, your daughter needs to learn to have a bit of respect for older people, she’ll be one herself one day.

GrannyFirstLight Sat 01-Jun-19 13:45:14

Sorry folks,
I meant to say "take your daughter out for ice cream".
And the woman who wrote that book was in her 50s....and I presumptuously thought she was too old to go back to school!
Live and (hopefully) learn!

willa45 Sat 01-Jun-19 13:39:22

My mother learned to drive when she was fifty. 'Too old' is when you stop trying and start giving up. My advice is to go out there and show the world how young you really are!

Joyfulnanna Sat 01-Jun-19 13:34:50

I'd say yes but it takes longer to learn when you're older. The number of cars on the road also make it a hazardous place to be. Driving a car should be like an extension of your body, a natural and confident feeling. Holding the steering wheel softly and being and being able to anticipate what others will do.. Its certainly not easy. There are lots of hesitant or aggressive drivers to do with, pedestrians who don't look where they're going, etc etc. Maybe try learning to drive an automatic so you can focus on your positioning, etc. Then if you get on OK, you could enjoy driving a hybrid or electric car so you do your bit for the environment. Go for it, and good luck

Mcrc Sat 01-Jun-19 13:27:13

Your daughter is wrong! You could learn at any age as long as you are able.I would be very annoyed with her if she said that to me, lol.

blue60 Sat 01-Jun-19 13:25:22

You are not too old - go for it!!!

Shirls52000 Sat 01-Jun-19 13:06:37

Don’t ever let anyone tell you you are too old. My daughter is always encouraging me to take up new things and if I ever say I m too old she tells me off ?I m 62, life’s too short, go for it x