How old is too old?

Definitely not too old.

I was 53 when I learned to drive. My husband said if I was going to do it he would insist on an automatic so I could keep both hands on the wheel! Cheeky b*gger? And it’s great!! I’m 74 now, still going strong.

And what does your husband think? If both your husband and your daughter agree you're too old, then it's possible you are. Our minds age at different rates and some people stop learning easily older or younger than others. It's possible your family know you have slow reactions, or your attention wanders. I am in mid-60s and I know I definitely am too old to learn to drive, and my reactions are slower.

What age does DD think isn't too old? Of course go for the lessons. Try to find an independent tutor not one from a driving school as there may be more of a rapport. You may also be more comfortable with a female instructor. No matter what, go for it and don't give up.

My mum learnt at 50 but tbh she was a terrible driver. I once went about 3 miles with her driving & was a wreck!
I drove home. Never did it again.
If you do it get a really good instructor - don't let family member teach you as she did.

Jeanlizzie you are not too old to learn to drive. Taking the theory test will keep your brain active, much more useful that sudoku, and then passing the practical will get you out an about. Should your husband ever go to hospital you will be glad you learned. So get started. Read the highway code.

I am hoping that you have not granted your daughter lasting Power of Attorney Welfare as in 20 years time with her views that you are too old to learn at 50 she might consider that you were to old to leave hospital for your home and put you in a care home.

I have been amazed at younger peoples views of the older person. I have a friend aged 80 still running her restaurant business, her main interest in life, which gives structure and meaning to her days. They keep saying she is too old and should give it up. I visit another friend of mine aged 88 whose son and daughter on the second attempt put her in a home on a so called assessment weekend and she stayed, too frail to fight them.

Do not believe you are too old. Good Luck.

My daughter is a driving instructor and much prefers teaching the more mature pupil as they usually take what she says on board and want to learn to "drive" and not just pass their test so they can race around the street with a car load of mates.
I have a friend who learnt at 60 and passed first time. I have been a passenger in her car many a time and she is an excellent driver (and I am not the best passenger as I have been driving for over 40 years and normally prefer to be in control of the car)
54 is not too old - go for it

Go for it mid fifties is not too old it will make your life so much easier and enjoyable you will regret it in years to come if you don't give it a go

Nope you are definitely not too old! It will give you some independence and may become a necessary skill should your DH ever wish/need to stop driving. Choose your instructor carefully, someone who's patient and whom you feel you can trust. You can always book just one lesson to see how you get on with him or her.

Go for it, and good luck. We hope to hear you tearing up the L-plates very soon!

Forgot to add, a friend gave up her driving licence a few years ago saying the car is never there so what is the point.

Last year her husband underwent major heart surgery and suffered a massive stroke. He has has had his licence taken away so she now regrets what she did.

Both myself and my partner were driving instructors,you are never too old to learn I think the oldest person he taught was a 70yr old nun ,abscess she passed her test.
Maybe consider learning in an automatic .

Go for it . The theory is getting harder but some instructors give you an app for your phone and say just keep practicing every spare minute. There are also some theory tests on the gov. website. Some of it is plain common sense.

If your husband was ill or became unable to drive you would be totally isolated.

Best of luck

Crikey Jeanlizzie.... I’ve been seriously thinking about it and I’m 68... but a feisty 68... am I too old ,you’ve made me think!!?

A female relative learned in her 60s - she found driving an automatic to be the best option. Now widowed, she's still driving in her late 80s. Learning to drive is such a wise decision - go for it!

Not too old- my SIL learnt in her 50's and passed 1st time; and at least 2 work colleagues did similar. Go for it!

Age is not the only factor to consider. I had to take over the driving in my sixties, when my husband, who loved driving, had to give up. He could never understand my reluctance, but I think it was mainly a question of confidence, and feeling I wouldn't be able to cope with an emergency. I always felt relief when I got home.
I finally decided to please myself. I have just sold my car, and call the proceeds my taxi fund. It's such a relief not to have to worry about tax, or insurance, or servicing....oh...or driving!

Definitely do it! Definitely an automatic, they are so much more easily available now. Go for it. Too old bah!

My Mother learnt to drive when she was in her 50s and passed her test first time.

My Mum was widowed at 68 and started to learn to drive. She learnt in an automatic and passed her test and bought her first car. She's never looked back! Do it! Xx

I was 64 years old when I learned to drive. I was just never interested before that and also a bit nervous. My DH drove me to and picked me up when I was meeting friends but he took very ill 5 years ago and although he is fully recovered now I decided to book lessons. I passed my test first time within three months and absolutely adore driving. That was five years ago and have just renewed my licence as I will be 70 this month. One of the best things I've ever done...ps I had a great driving instructor which helped.

My mum started driving probably late 40's. The only thing she did was learn in an automatic. She is still a good driver to this day and it gave her so much confidence and freedom. She didn't have to wait for Dad to come home anymore, she would be off.
My advice is go for it and good luck with the lessons and test.

I am still driving at 78 and my friend who is still driving is 84.

I'm with the vast majority here in that I believe we're never too old to try anything new. In my case I simply take longer and limit my options to a degree of common sense (yep, somewhat boring but my children are relieved!). That must have been a real body blow losing your public transport. Awful. So far I am lucky with that. Do have a go. Hopefully your husband will be there to support your attempt but - that's an interesting concept too - my husband and I seldom agreed on either driving techniques or routes chosen. Happily it was a friendly despairing joke with us and nothing more. Crazy days! I wish you well.

Of course you are not too old but you certainly don't need your dd undermining your confidence before you even try. Give it a go. You have everything to gain.

I was in my mid 40's before I learnt to drive my only regret was I didn't do it sooner. My friend was widowed and it grieved her to see a perfectly serviceable car on the drive that she couldn't drive so took lessons. She was exactly the same age as you and passed first time and is an excellent driver. I had a taster 2 hour lesson to see whether I took to it and what the driving instructor thought of my chances, I too passed first time. My young brother in law's took about 4 attempts!
Then driving instructor said that people who were that bit older normally needed a few more lessons as they tended to be a bit more cautious and safety minded which he thought was a good thing. Many people find an automatic car the best as you can just concentrate on the steering. The oldest person I knew who drive for the first time was 75. Best of luck go for it and let us know how you get on.x