Gransnet forums

Chat

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 ?

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!

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

Go for it!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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! ??

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

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

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.

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.

Gma29 Sat 01-Jun-19 18:22:10

Just have a go. It’s bound to be a bit daunting, but no reason at all why you shouldn’t try. It’s better to try, even if you decide it’s not for you, than regret not learning.

Theoddbird Sat 01-Jun-19 18:27:36

Go for it....you will never regret it.

Tooyoungytobeagrandma Sat 01-Jun-19 18:33:31

Nooo not too old my friend passed her test at 58 and now tootles around (albeit fairly locally) and is enjoying the independence. Go for it, I did it in my late 40's & am so glad i did smile

Growing0ldDisgracefully Sat 01-Jun-19 18:34:25

Silly girl, your daughter. I think it's a 99% support for you giving it a go. Although I passed my car test when I was 17, I took my full motorcycle test at 50, and passed my advanced motorcycle cycle test last year (I'm 62). And believe me, that's a whole different ball game to a car. Maybe ring round a few driving schools and see if they have instructors who might suit you -I did that with my riding school after an instructor in the first one I used shouted at me - the next school I tried were completely different so it might pay to see if you can get some local recommendations.

granbabies123 Sat 01-Jun-19 19:07:00

Wow! maybe it's not too late for me then. I'm 61 and my biggest regret is not learning to drive. Perhaps I should give it a go. Ladies you astound me with your ability to share confidence. Thankyou

cas58 Sat 01-Jun-19 19:11:27

Do it, do it, do it, do it! You will never look back! Opens a whole new world. Think of the freedom too! Too old pah!

cas58 Sat 01-Jun-19 19:12:49

Go for it! Never too late!

Nanz Sat 01-Jun-19 19:49:16

No you are not too old. I have just started a new job as a Manager at 64 and learning the Bulgarian language. It will be such fun. Good luck

JaneJANE60 Sat 01-Jun-19 20:16:40

Definitely not too old. Go for it and tell us when you have passed your test. It will change your life. Good luck smile

GoldenAge Sat 01-Jun-19 20:27:06

You are definitely NOT too old to drive and I’m afraid your daughter has her head in the sand about how your future night pan should you need to transport yourself from A to B quickly - is she going to pick up your Uber bill?

feline11 Sat 01-Jun-19 20:49:03

never to old go for it.think it would be easier in an auto car as only two pedals stop and go! so none of that changing gear malarky!.i learnt in an automatic and have never driven a manual car weve always had autos even other half prefers them!.
good luck

Pat1949 Sat 01-Jun-19 20:51:55

Honestly your daughter's remark still has me shaking my head. I know when I was at school anybody over the age of 20 was old but she could have given you a bit of support. My daughter is 53 and I still look on her as being young. Anyway, to cut to the chase, after all this granny support, you have no choice but to go for it. ??