How old is too old?

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!!?

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

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 .

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.

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!

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

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Definitely not too old.

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

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

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.
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!

Cheek!!! Book your lessons pronto

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

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.