You might think that if you’ve passed your teenage years, got married and had kids, all without learning to drive, that there’s just no point getting behind the wheel now. Well, you’d be mistaken, and the team from PassSmart are here to tell you why! It’s never too late to learn and, whether you’re thinking about getting on the road to make the school run easier or to get back into work, we’ll give you a few tips to learning to drive later on in life.
Why should I learn to drive?
Beat the bus blues
There’s no doubt that being a mum without a car can be tough, and trying to load the kids, their school bags and the weekly shop all on the bus is definitely not ideal. In fact, it can add extra stress to your day, as you have to try and keep up with timetables and work your day around other people.
Thinking for the future
As your kids grow up, there will be more parties to attend and more sleepovers they just can’t miss. Although you’re probably not thrilled about the prospect of becoming the ‘taxi of mum and dad’, having a driving license can make things much simpler. You won’t have to foot the bill for their bus or train ticket, and you won’t have to worry about them getting stranded when they miss the last bus home.
Freedom!
Remember that it’s not all about the kids, and that you need some time to yourself too! Having access to a car can make meeting friends much easier, even if it is just for a quick coffee and a catch up. Knowing that you can pop out when you need to and that you don’t have to rely on others for lifts can be surprisingly liberating!
Tips for learning in later life
So, now that we’ve given you a few reasons why you should learn, it’s time to help you get on the road.
You are not alone!
Finding the confidence to put yourself out there and start learning might seem daunting, but it’s worth remembering that not all learners are 17 years old and brimming with confidence. In fact, in February 2013, it was reported that, over the past 5 years, there has been a 20% drop off in 17-19 year olds getting behind the wheel.
Add to that the fact that over 300,000 people learnt to drive between the ages of 30 and 40 last year, and you can see that you’re definitely not the only one.
Take your time
It, unfortunately, tends to be the case that the younger you are, the quicker you pick things up, but that doesn’t mean you’ve missed the boat. Find a driving instructor who is patient, calm and willing to talk you through each step of the learning process. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and, most importantly, don’t give up!
Get help from family and friends
Most learners get some additional help with a family member or friend alongside their professional tuition. Ask someone you know, who you think will be patient, to give you a couple of lessons in their spare time.
Bear in mind that learning to drive with someone you know can be a pretty stressful experience, so be sure to pick selectively, even if this does mean excluding the husband!
This article was written by Izzy from PassSmart.com. Visit PassSmart.com to find a driving instructor in your area.
well I was 33 when i passed!!!
I’m definitely one of those who thinks ‘well I’ve managed thus far’ but it’s always in my mind that I should probably learn. What do you think A – should we take the plunge?
Do you think you will? 😉
If you are so much interested to learn how to drive you can never consider it as late for it is not a race or a competition that you need to come first.
This is an amazing article.If you want to learn driving you must well known about the rule of driving.In this article we can see that how easily we can learn driving!I am agree with you.Thanks