I feel too old to only be starting driving now! Advice?

ruicosta10

Hi all, (I posted the following in the wrong forum)

You will surely think me a right fool for this predicament, but its getting to me a lot. Basically, I'm a 25 year-old bloke. I have never had any interest whatsoever in driving. I don't mind public transport all that much, I like walking, and I'm a bit responsibility-shy when it comes to the thought of having a car and taking my life and others in my hands when I get behind the wheel. Add to that the fact that my mates have always given me lifts when I'm stuck.

However, all of a sudden, I feel like I've missed the boat, and how embarrassing it will feel to have to have an L-plate on my car when I start driving (which I've decided to do). Not to mention taking lessons etc. I feel like I'm gonna have to be explaining myself to everyone who wonders why this wasn't done sooner. Can someone just lay out the process quickly for me here? How do I start off? Apply for a provisional? (BTW, I'm literally too gutless to ask family/friends... I've played it off to them that I already have my full license, and am simply saving for a nice car)

Cheers people.

KathleenF

Hey OP - Check this forum, esp the stickies and they'll tell you what to do. You need to apply for a Learner Permit - try www.citizensinformation.ie, it'll give you the info you need. Don't be too worried, jeez 25 ain't over the hill! Would you rather be 25 and learning to drive or put it off for another few years and be 30? I would say that lying about it wasn't a good move, but look it's a new year, a new start for you so go for it. I'm only a learner myself, and this forum is great for advice and seeing how others are getting on. CARpe diem my friend! (yes I know I'm sad..)

newbie2

I started to learn to drive last January - when I was 31. So you're never too old. The good thing about learning to drive when you're a bit older is you appreciate the rules, why they are there and how to obey them properly. Like you I had no intrest in learning but circumstances changed and I needed to quickly. I picked it up pretty fast and after a while - about 2 months - i was flying into work everyday. It's alot easier to get thing done and you're not relying on your mates or family fo0r lifts etc.

Check out the RSA website. The first thing you'll need to do is a theory test. - Piece of piss. There are no trick questions and you'd be surprised how much you know already. Then get a provisional and get lessons. They cost about 40 quid each. Apply for your test immeadiatly - don't be like me and wait a year before you apply. It takes ages to get a place. If you fail - reapply straight away.

Good luck

KathleenF wrote: »

Would you rather be 25 and learning to drive or put it off for another few years and be 30?

Maybe I am over the hill

Alanstrainor

Well first off, there's nothing to be ashamed of for starting to learn a bit later than friends. They all went through the same process, you're just a couple of years older, it's more common than you think.
As for what the procedure is, first you must book and complete theory test on the rules of the road. I believe you can book them online these days Theory test.
After passing the theory test, you can then apply for a learner permit for a category B vehicle. You will need 2 passport photos, an eye examination, to determine if you will require glasses etc and a fee.
After that, you should receive your Learner Permit. You no longer receive a Provo license. This entitles you to drive while accompanied by a fully licensed driver in the relevant category who has held their license for at least 2 years.
Another thing to note, is that you can only sit your Driving Test, for your full driving license, after having your license for a minimum of 6 months. You may apply whenever you wish.

KathleenF

Maybe I am over the hill[/quote]

I didn't mean it like that - just making point that he could put it off forever but there's no time like the present!

Tony Broke

25 lmao.

I've seen 60 somethings doing the test, 25 is the new 18 dont you know:p

You live in the country?

Cause if you lived in the city you would find it very common for guys/gals in their twenties not to be driving yet.

Anyway get the cd for the thoery test in easons or somewhere and keep doing the test until you get 40/40, then do the test, apply for your driving test straight away when you pass the theory and get as many lessons as you can from a decent instructor.If everything goes to plan you should be a fully licensed driver in 6 to 8 months.

Hogzy

My girlfriends mother is 53 and just did her test!!!!

Buffman

As others have said, 25 is not too late at all. I was walking through Naas the other day and saw a man in his 50's taking the test, so don't worry about your age. It is a non-issue.

ruicosta10 wrote: »

(BTW, I'm literally too gutless to ask family/friends... I've played it off to them that I already have my full license, and am simply saving for a nice car)

You should bite the bullet here and just tell them you were joking or something. There's no need to put unnecessary pressure on yourself here.

fonpokno

I did my driving test in November and as I was leaving a lady of at least 65 came in to do her test. 25 is not old in the least! Sure you're only a child.

Orla K

As said before, there's a lot of info in the stickies, the first thing you need to do is get either the driver theory book or cd or both.

I'm 24, 25 this year. I have just started driving, for a few reason, the main one was that I was getting a free car.

I actually think it's better to learn to drive when your over 20. I find I would panic less then a 17 year old, I have more sense that the adverage 17 year old. There are other things like, I've been to college in a city were I used to cycle around so I already know the rules of the road and I don't mind a lot of traffic. There's lots of little things like that, that make learning to drive in your 20's better than when your not even out of school.

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

ruicosta10

Wow, thanks so much for all the replies and advice, I couldn't sleep so I came back to this page on the off-chance that I'd see a reply or two. Plenty to chew on for me it seems...

I think not being able to drive and have my own ride makes me feel a little insignificant in Dublin society. I mean my neighbours kids are 21 and eighteen and are always flying around in their little numbers. All my cousins have cars also and are either a bit younger or a bit older than myself, so that also embarrasses me a tad. Anyway, I will take on board what has been said. I'll apply for the provisional first, and will put in the work required to get me moving. Thing is, I've heard so many horror stories through the media and from people I know about accidents on the road in today's Dublin, and its just put me off the whole aspect of driving.

Cheers people!

Orla K

ruicosta10 wrote: »

Thing is, I've heard so many horror stories through the media and from people I know about accidents on the road in today's Dublin, and its just put me off the whole aspect of driving.

The thing about that is they will only ever report on the accidents and only the bad ones at that. If you think about how many people are driving in one day and how many accidents there are the % of accidents would be small.

Also about the life in your hands thing, is it not better to have your life in your hands rather than it being in someone elses hands.

Burtchaell

Well if your young enough to use an internet forum your young enough to drive!!!:D I dont entirely agree with it being better to learn to drive when your over 20... It makes no difference. I passed my test when i was 17 and i am so glad i started driving when i did. I think that when your over 20 you will find it a lot harder to find an accompanying driver! I have seen drivers 30+ not knowing the difference between a yield and a stop sign and completely panicking at the slightest thing. So it clearly shows age has nothing to do with it.

purplegeko

I'm 25 and never questioned i was too old to start learning its just that i am now in a financial position to be able to do it properly. I have had 4 lessons so far and its not as easy as i imagined i am planning on sitting the test before the end of the year - hopefully this is reasonable? What exactly would be the average time to spend taking lessons i know everyone is different but i'm just not sure when to apply.

Tony Broke

purplegeko wrote: »

I'm 25 and never questioned i was too old to start learning its just that i am now in a financial position to be able to do it properly. I have had 4 lessons so far and its not as easy as i imagined i am planning on sitting the test before the end of the year - hopefully this is reasonable? What exactly would be the average time to spend taking lessons i know everyone is different but i'm just not sure when to apply.

The test isnt that hard, its quite easy really.When your learning you think its an awful thing, but its not.Its just driving around town at 30mph or less, turning your car in the opposite direction, a hill start and reversing around a corner.Hill start is just having the hand brake on, feeling the bite and off you go, reversing around a car is the exact same as reversing into a parking space at tesco's.Turning your car in the opposite direction is the easiest part of test, just take your time and look around alot.

If you haven't applied for the test yet, do it tonight.With a bit of practice and effort there is know reason why you shouldn't have your full license by late spring or the summer.10 to 15 good lessons and some practice with a mate/family member is usually enought to get to test standard.Like most are test standard after 7 or 8 lessons, its through nerves/ moments of madness that they fail the test, not driving skill.Just keep calm and think ahead eg slow down now, watch out for that car parked, 3rd gear now, dont coast etc

sunnyside

purplegeko wrote: »

I have had 4 lessons so far and its not as easy as i imagined .

Tell me about it:mad: It's never been easy for me.

ruicosta10

Quick question... after I pass the theory test, then apply for the Learners permit, is it unlawful to drive without a licensed driver accompanying you at all times?

Alanstrainor

ruicosta10 wrote: »

Quick question... after I pass the theory test, then apply for the Learners permit, is it unlawful to drive without a licensed driver accompanying you at all times?

Read the stickies, First paragraph states:

Accompanied Driver Rules/Restrictions

Accompanied Driver

Category B Permit holders must be accompanied at all times:

The person acting as an Accompanied Driver must:

1. - hold a full Driving Licence for the relevant category.*

2. - have held the full Driving Licence for at least 2 years.

3. - have the Driving Licence with them.

4. - be in a fit state to drive.

* If the accompanied Driver holds a full but restricted Driving Licence, he/she cannot act as an Accompanied Driver in an unrestricted vehicle.

And just to note, you can not drive at all until you receive your Learner Permit in hand, even with a fully licensed driver who has held their license for at least 2 years with you.

Nightwish

Hey OP, dont worry about your age. I only learned to drive last year when I was 24 and my bf only learned when he was 25. Its not too late by any stretch of the imagination. You say you've had 4 lessons and its not easy. You're right its not. There's a lot to learn, the co-ordination of clutch and gear and the constant observation is a lot to get used to. Not everyone can just take one or 2 lessons and pass the test. I applied for my test in November 2007 (when the panic started over the 2nd provisional) and did my test in May 08 and passed. I took a lesson every week for about 24 weeks. Keep it up. Get practice if possible outside of lessons and try not let nerves get you down. Its not an unreasonable goal to set yourself to pass your test by the end of the year.

globulin777

As for being embarassed about having L plates.... don't be.
You are better off with them and you will get some consideration off other road users..... ( though unfortunatly, not all).:):):)

Good luck with your driving, you won't know yourself when you're up and running.:)

AllGunsBlazing

ruicosta10 wrote: »

Hi all, (I posted the following in the wrong forum)

You will surely think me a right fool for this predicament, but its getting to me a lot. Basically, I'm a 25 year-old bloke. I have never had any interest whatsoever in driving. I don't mind public transport all that much, I like walking, and I'm a bit responsibility-shy when it comes to the thought of having a car and taking my life and others in my hands when I get behind the wheel. Add to that the fact that my mates have always given me lifts when I'm stuck.

However, all of a sudden, I feel like I've missed the boat, and how embarrassing it will feel to have to have an L-plate on my car when I start driving (which I've decided to do). Not to mention taking lessons etc. I feel like I'm gonna have to be explaining myself to everyone who wonders why this wasn't done sooner. Can someone just lay out the process quickly for me here? How do I start off? Apply for a provisional? (BTW, I'm literally too gutless to ask family/friends... I've played it off to them that I already have my full license, and am simply saving for a nice car)

Cheers people.

I can totally empathise with your situation, I only got behind the wheel of a car for the first time in my entire life last February at the age of 32. In September I managed to pass my car test and with my confidence boosted by that success I then went for my provisional in category C and passed that test on January 28th. In twelve months I've gone from pedestrian to licensed truck driver, it took an awful lot of lessons but I did it and so can anyone else that is prepared to put their mind to it.

Just get the lessons in and go for it and as my own instructor told me 'they're not looking for great drivers, what they want is safe drivers'.

Trust me you'll never look back once you've started!

SeanW

ruicosta10 wrote: »

Hi all, (I posted the following in the wrong forum)

You will surely think me a right fool for this predicament, but its getting to me a lot. Basically, I'm a 25 year-old bloke. I have never had any interest whatsoever in driving. I don't mind public transport all that much, I like walking, and I'm a bit responsibility-shy when it comes to the thought of having a car and taking my life and others in my hands when I get behind the wheel. Add to that the fact that my mates have always given me lifts when I'm stuck.

However, all of a sudden, I feel like I've missed the boat, and how embarrassing it will feel to have to have an L-plate on my car when I start driving (which I've decided to do). Not to mention taking lessons etc. I feel like I'm gonna have to be explaining myself to everyone who wonders why this wasn't done sooner. Can someone just lay out the process quickly for me here? How do I start off? Apply for a provisional? (BTW, I'm literally too gutless to ask family/friends... I've played it off to them that I already have my full license, and am simply saving for a nice car)

Cheers people.

You're only 25? From the thread title I thought you might be 60 or something You'll be grand, indeed you're only a couple of years behind me (got my pinky last year at age 25)

MMD

OP, i only got my pink licence at the ripe old age of 29, was 27 learning to drive, and like you never had the inclination to learn to drive until decided once and for all, I better start! Have to say now, I would not know what I would do without my car!!

Beruthiel

ruicosta10 wrote: »

I feel like I've missed the boat, and how embarrassing it will feel to have to have an L-plate on my car when I start driving.

You're joking right?
25, too old?
My mother learned to drive at age 60, got her licence on her first test.
Let go of your mental barriers OP. You're never too old.

Cabaal

ruicosta10 wrote: »

Hi all, (I posted the following in the wrong forum)

You will surely think me a right fool for this predicament, but its getting to me a lot. Basically, I'm a 25 year-old bloke. I have never had any interest whatsoever in driving. I don't mind public transport all that much, I like walking, and I'm a bit responsibility-shy when it comes to the thought of having a car and taking my life and others in my hands when I get behind the wheel. Add to that the fact that my mates have always given me lifts when I'm stuck.

I never had any interest in driving and used to cycle to work etc, then I moved and had to get a car to get to work as it was far too far to cycle
so at 26 I got my first car learned to drive and got my license all in the same year.

Your only 25 don't worry about it, you'll be fine

sunnyside

AllGunsBlazing wrote: »

In twelve months I've gone from pedestrian to licensed truck driver

That is very impressive, well done.

Well I have no desire to drive anything bigger than a car but yesterday I saw a girl in my estate being collected for a driving lesson. She was learing to back the car out from where it's parked. It's difficult because the car park isn't flat, there's a slight hill so it makes the reversing difficult. She gave up and the instructor had to do it for her. I certainly don't mean to put the girl down, I know she'll learn it eventually as I did but she did remind me of how far I've come with the driving since I started. Whenever I get a new test appointment I will do it and I feel a bit more confident aboout passing now than I used to. If I don't I'll reapply. I really want to pass it before my insurance has to be renewed.

How's everyone else doing?

Dudess

I thought the OP was gonna be in their 40s - only because hardly anyone over that age posts here.

Just go ahead and do it. Who the hell should you be explaining yourself to? And there isn't an age limit. What exactly would make it "too late" anyway? (Apart from when you actually are literally too old to learn driving - as in, geriatric/senile).

I started to learn at 18 but didn't get my full licence til nearly 27 due to lots of arsing around... so I may as well only have started at 25/26.

25 isn't even that late - a small bit later than average maybe. I know a guy who's 37 and hasn't started driving yet - that certainly is late.

donegalfella wrote: »

While it might seem to you that most people have their full licences by the age of 18, that is most definitely not the case

I'd be amazed if it even seemed like that to some - people do lots of stuff later in life now than what was once the "norm": moving out of home, finishing college, getting their own place, marrying... driving is no different.
And as someone else pointed out, living in a city means less need for driving - especially a very built-up city. When I lived in Dublin, I kept putting off bringing my car up there as the public transport system was enough (yes, that's how bad it is in Cork...)
I believe if you rely on others for lifts a lot, then you should get driving yourself. It's crap for yourself to be depending on others like that. My friend has vowed he'll never drive - so that means family members will have to give him lifts and he seems to just take it for granted. Fairly ridiculous.