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Child Item

Learning to drive in my 30s.

Shergar6

I'm in my 30s and after years of putting it off i have to cop on to myself and get driving. I have my theory test and am going about getting all requirements like eye test etc for my learner permit. Do you really need a doctor's cert etc too? :rolleyes: I'm so nervous about it - it was a mixture of nerves, living near work and not being able to afford a car that's taken me this long - but mainly nerves. I don't know if i will be able to do it but i have to try.

All this and i don't even know if i'm going to be able to afford a car + insurance :pac:

Are there any other drivers who learned later in life? Do instructors treat older drivers differently - expecting more or less?

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briany

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124569114#Comment_124569114

And relevant. Where's the Learning to Drive subforum gone?

User1998

10 year old tread …

briany

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124569032#Comment_124569032

Thanks….I doubt I'll pass, but I'd previously been out with an instructor who thought I was well able to drive and would only need a couple of lessons before the test, but when I'm out with anyone else, I feel like a total beginner, and it almost feels dangerous at times, ie 'JESUS! YOU WERE VERY CLOSE TO THAT CAR THERE!' etc…

We'll see… I do want to get out on the test area, if I can get someone to go with me each day.

o1s1n

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124569010#Comment_124569010

Best of luck with the test! I didn't sit my first test till I was 40 - if I can do it, anyone can.

Really recommend getting one of the driving route apps and just spend each evening a week before the test doing the routes over and over again.

Think I dedicated at least an hour each night. With the driving out to the test centre and back again that meant about two hours driving a night. It's tiring but really helps build up confidence on the routes and lets you call out trickier spots.

briany

Hate driving, but circumstances of life forces me to try and get a licence once again. Practicing with family or friends is difficult because anyone I'd be in the car with is not going to be giving advice or instruction in the same kind of calm and clear manner as a decent instructor would, and if you do blank out, an instructor can pretty much take over, while family/friends are panicking, and the whole mistake snowballs into potential disaster. I always feel like I'd be better off practicing on my own, but that is, of course, a whole other can of worms, legally.

And I have a test booked for three weeks time…

J_R

iguana wrote: »

I don't just have to look back though. At my height I have to hoist myself quite a bit so I can see the kerb out the rear window. Doing that while keeping one foot on the clutch and the other on the brake and keeping my hands firmly on the wheel is painful. And that's even with the seat pulled further forward than it is when I'm driving. I'm going to try tomorrow with a cushion and see if that makes a difference.

Hi,

Much better and easier car control is to use the accelerator and clutch. Set the gas then use the clutch to regulate the speed. You now have Zero chance of stalling. Using the clutch and brake can be very difficult, especially when under stress. At times you will be driving the car against the brake - brake a tad too hard, or let the clutch up a tiny fraction tto far - the car stalls.

It is OK to steer one-handed, also to remove the seat belt whilst reversing.

It is not compulsory to look out through the back window. It is recommended but not essential. All that is necessary is to compensate, by maintaining adequate observation all around.

Have you tried using the left mirror to check your distance from the kerb ?

Re seat cushion. I used to find the ones that Lidl stocked were excellent. Always kept a few in the car to lend out to the little ones - never got any back BTW.

redline2015

iguana wrote: »

I don't just have to look back though. At my height I have to hoist myself quite a bit so I can see the kerb out the rear window. Doing that while keeping one foot on the clutch and the other on the brake and keeping my hands firmly on the wheel is painful. And that's even with the seat pulled further forward than it is when I'm driving. I'm going to try tomorrow with a cushion and see if that makes a difference.

Sometimes a smaller person will struggle with observation on the reverse...Get yourself twisted in the seat facing the passanger side with your back well away from the seat upright looking out the back window don't worry if because your twisted you can't steer using two hands for the full reverse, your doing a slow speed manover it perfectly acceptable.

iguana

dennyk wrote: »

Simply turning your head around to look out the back window while steering shouldn't be leaving you in serious pain, even if you do it several times in a row.

I don't just have to look back though. At my height I have to hoist myself quite a bit so I can see the kerb out the rear window. Doing that while keeping one foot on the clutch and the other on the brake and keeping my hands firmly on the wheel is painful. And that's even with the seat pulled further forward than it is when I'm driving. I'm going to try tomorrow with a cushion and see if that makes a difference.

neonsofa

dennyk wrote: »

As for the reverse itself, the keys are to do all the proper observations at all the proper times, take it slow, don't hit the curb, and don't stray outside of your lane. My reverse was sloppy as hell (at least in my opinion; had to readjust way too many times, and ended up a bit farther than I'd have liked from the curb in the end), but I took observations and stayed well within my own lane and I didn't get marked at all on it.

My instructor did say this actually. That even if you go left and right and straighten up very slowly, once you are in control of that steering and you are correcting the position each time then it's ok.

dennyk

iguana wrote: »

I just can't get the hang of reversing around a corner. It's because of my height, I'm barely 5ft and I find it very physically painful to look back while controlling the car. I need lots of practise to perfect it but once I do it 4 or 5 times I'm in quite a bit of pain for hours afterwards.

That sounds like your driving position might need some adjustment, or you might want to check with your GP about what might be causing that. Simply turning your head around to look out the back window while steering shouldn't be leaving you in serious pain, even if you do it several times in a row.

As for the reverse itself, the keys are to do all the proper observations at all the proper times, take it slow, don't hit the curb, and don't stray outside of your lane. My reverse was sloppy as hell (at least in my opinion; had to readjust way too many times, and ended up a bit farther than I'd have liked from the curb in the end), but I took observations and stayed well within my own lane and I didn't get marked at all on it.

cheekojuls

The key is to do the reverse slowly, with plenty of observation. It is a good idea to stop half way through the turn, just to look around.

Also, avoid over-steering. Quarter turns and minor adjustments are whats needed.

neonsofa

iguana wrote: »

I just can't get the hang of reversing around a corner. It's because of my height, I'm barely 5ft and I find it very physically painful to look back while controlling the car. I need lots of practise to perfect it but once I do it 4 or 5 times I'm in quite a bit of pain for hours afterwards.

You'll get there. My issue with reversing is that once I get around the corner I tuck it in too tight or don't know when to straighten up and when I try I get confused about which way I should be turning

Are you practicing one after another? Maybe driving to another corner in between practices might help?

iguana

I just can't get the hang of reversing around a corner. It's because of my height, I'm barely 5ft and I find it very physically painful to look back while controlling the car. I need lots of practise to perfect it but once I do it 4 or 5 times I'm in quite a bit of pain for hours afterwards.

Vel

SteM wrote: »

It's up to you but really, this is the wrong move imho. Pass your test in a manual and then get an automatic if you want to. You're really limiting your choice of cars in the future if you can only drive an automatic, especially if you're buying second-hand.

Honestly, I was 36 or 37 when I started learning to drive and only started driving because we were about to have our first kid. I'd never sat in a drivers seat before (well maybe when I was a kid palying in my dad's car), my only experience of driving was playing Project Gotham Racing on the xbox. With some patience I was able to "master" changing gears and I was happy that I passed first time a few years ago. Really, if I can drive a manual car then anyone can. I know it must be hard in your situation but practice, practice, practice and don't leave long gaps between practice sessions is the most important thing I've found. Really after 12 edt lessons (if they were done properly) practice should be all you need.

But I have no opportunity to practice, hence why I am hoping to pass the test based on lessons alone and as my main problems lie with gears then I felt taking that out of the equation would give me the best possible chance of passing without the chance to practice. Being limited in what cars I can drive after is really no biggie for me at all. All I need is a car to get myself and my kids from a to b, on occasion, with the rest of our journeys being done by public transport or by bike for me.

Vel

Dravokivich wrote: »

Is that a good deal?

My lessons cost me 335 and Insurance was only an extra 70 or so on my Aunties cover to add me for the year.

No idea, I didn't shop around as my parents are with Aviva and that was what they offered

SteM

Vel wrote: »

Yes, that could be a slight issue but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it! Once I pass the test (note I said once and not if ) I feel like the pressure will be off and then I can focus on finding the right car. I have seen a couple of automatic Renault Clios but they were older ones

It's up to you but really, this is the wrong move imho. Pass your test in a manual and then get an automatic if you want to. You're really limiting your choice of cars in the future if you can only drive an automatic, especially if you're buying second-hand.

Honestly, I was 36 or 37 when I started learning to drive and only started driving because we were about to have our first kid. I'd never sat in a drivers seat before (well maybe when I was a kid palying in my dad's car), my only experience of driving was playing Project Gotham Racing on the xbox. With some patience I was able to "master" changing gears and I was happy that I passed first time a few years ago. Really, if I can drive a manual car then anyone can. I know it must be hard in your situation but practice, practice, practice and don't leave long gaps between practice sessions is the most important thing I've found. Really after 12 edt lessons (if they were done properly) practice should be all you need.

Dravokivich

Vel wrote: »

€500 for 6 months insurance on a parent's car plus 12 edt lessons

Is that a good deal?

My lessons cost me 335 and Insurance was only an extra 70 or so on my Aunties cover to add me for the year.

Vel

Posy wrote: »

I'm sooo tempted to learn in an automatic too but it seems very hard to find a small-ish non manual car.
That's really the one thing that's putting me off!

Yes, that could be a slight issue but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it! Once I pass the test (note I said once and not if

) I feel like the pressure will be off and then I can focus on finding the right car. I have seen a couple of automatic Renault Clios but they were older ones

Vel

€500 for 6 months insurance on a parent's car plus 12 edt lessons

[Deleted User]

Vel wrote: »

Well my plan has taken a bit of a diversion! I was insured in my parents car under the Aviva scheme of 12 lessons and 6 months insurance. I was really only managing 2 -3 hours practice in the car per month, which although better than nothing isn't great.

My main problem is gears/clutch/accelarator and just when I thought I had them cracked I would be back to square one because of lack of opportunity to practice.

Then my parents decided to buy a new car just before Christmas and decided they weren't comfortable with me practicing in it!!

I thought the dream was all but dead, as I looked into buying my own car but there was no way I could afford the crazy insurance quotes for learners, until someone suggested that I consider doing the test in an automatic. All I need is a little run around for mainly local driving, getting my kids from a to b, so despite feeling that I might be limiting myself I decided to do a lesson in an automatic to see how I got on. It was a revelation for me! I just can't get over how I don't have to worry about stalling, changing gears etc.

So my plan now is to do some fairly intensive lessons and hope beyond hope that I can pass the test from lessons alone. I'd have no opportunity to practice in a manual either so am hoping that by taking that aspect out of the equation I'll have a greater chance of passing the test with lessons only in an automatic, than lessons only in a manual.

Going to do another 2 hour lesson this weekend, get a plan in place with the instructor and book my test!

What's the aviva scheme?

Posy

I'm sooo tempted to learn in an automatic too but it seems very hard to find a small-ish non manual car.
That's really the one thing that's putting me off!

Vel

Well my plan has taken a bit of a diversion! I was insured in my parents car under the Aviva scheme of 12 lessons and 6 months insurance. I was really only managing 2 -3 hours practice in the car per month, which although better than nothing isn't great.

My main problem is gears/clutch/accelarator and just when I thought I had them cracked I would be back to square one because of lack of opportunity to practice.

Then my parents decided to buy a new car just before Christmas and decided they weren't comfortable with me practicing in it!!

I thought the dream was all but dead, as I looked into buying my own car but there was no way I could afford the crazy insurance quotes for learners, until someone suggested that I consider doing the test in an automatic. All I need is a little run around for mainly local driving, getting my kids from a to b, so despite feeling that I might be limiting myself I decided to do a lesson in an automatic to see how I got on. It was a revelation for me! I just can't get over how I don't have to worry about stalling, changing gears etc.

So my plan now is to do some fairly intensive lessons and hope beyond hope that I can pass the test from lessons alone. I'd have no opportunity to practice in a manual either so am hoping that by taking that aspect out of the equation I'll have a greater chance of passing the test with lessons only in an automatic, than lessons only in a manual.

Going to do another 2 hour lesson this weekend, get a plan in place with the instructor and book my test!

iguana

Congratulations! Well done.

bannerman2005

Passed the test anyway. Traffic was crazy so we had to do a much easier route. I have to say the more practice you can put in on consecutive days the quicker the skills come. Best of luck to everyone else that is learning here at the moment. Have a happy Christmas and best of luck with the driving practice

InTheTrees

Agent Smith wrote: »

I did 3 lessons in the instructors car. then I bought My own ford,

I promise you, Your driving will come on leeps and bounds in no time once you have your own car and get to practice Regularly. When you have your own car, You can go out 3-4-5 times a week (provided you've somoene who's willing to sit and assist you!)

Learning in the instuctor car is like trying to pass an exam having only gone to the classes and done no study at all. A tiny minority will be able to do it. the Vast majority wont be able to.

Its been quite a few decades since I did it but Instructors cars can have very heavy clutches due to the dual controls.

The action of a clutch can vary between vehicles and when you have your own car you'll get used to how it responds. Even experienced drivers with their own vehicles for years can have an adjustment time when the clutch gets fixed and the action is slightly different for instance.

James Forde

bannerman2005 wrote: »

How is everyone else getting on with the driving. Test is tomorrow and not looking forward to it one bit. Still making stupid mistakes and just not having any sort of good practice sessions.

I'm just hoping I can string 1 drive together that is reasonable. Will let ye know how I get on.

Best of luck. Ignore the tester tapping on his pad if you think you've made a mistake and If you feel you have made a mistake, don't dwell on it either.

bannerman2005

How is everyone else getting on with the driving. Test is tomorrow and not looking forward to it one bit. Still making stupid mistakes and just not having any sort of good practice sessions.

I'm just hoping I can string 1 drive together that is reasonable. Will let ye know how I get on.

bannerman2005

Got my test date for the 21 December. Hoping to get as much practice in between now and then but its so hard finding time in the evenings and doing some of the test items in the dark not really ideal. Still will aim to get as much done between now and then.

Wanderer41

Vel wrote: »

Completed my last edt lesson last week and the honest assessment from my instructor is that I am nowhere near ready to sit the test, which I knew, but it was hard to hear! It was my first lesson with him in 4 weeks and I was definitely not at my best and think I have been driving a lot better when I practice with my dad, but I still know that I have a long way to go.

I am finding it really hard to get time to practice which is the key for someone like me who has not taken to driving naturally. I work, am a single mum and am insured in my dad's car only to practice, so trying to co-ordinate when he is free with when I am free and organising for someone to mind my kids mean that I am probably only getting a max of 3 practice hours a month.

Being able to drive and have my own car would be life changing for myself and my kids but I feel on the verge of giving up at this stage, despite having invested quite a bit of time and money into it so far. I am on a good deal with Aviva where you get 6 months free insurance on a parent's car and your 12 mandatory lessons. That insurance cover will run in out at the end of January so I will have to decide whether to do the same deal (which means finding €500 straight after Christmas) or let the insurance lapse, forgo the chance to practice and then just take an odd lesson here or there when I have the money to afford it.

Argh!

I didn't do any practice between any of my twelve lessons, so I wasn't as good as I could have been. I got a some lessons a few days in a row, maybe one a day for three days and that really helped solidify everything. Not to passing standard, but to a place where I could drive off myself without prompts. It also helped my confidence. I would try that if possible, it might help. Stick with it, even though I'm only 20 I'm kicking myself I didn't learn when I had more free time at home. It will be worth it!

I'm waiting for my test a while now. I should be getting a date soon. I've had one or two dreams about driving... In one my handbrake disappeared and I was on a big hill! Really hoping I don't get nervous as I usually do on the actual day and mess it all up... :P

Vel

Completed my last edt lesson last week and the honest assessment from my instructor is that I am nowhere near ready to sit the test, which I knew, but it was hard to hear! It was my first lesson with him in 4 weeks and I was definitely not at my best and think I have been driving a lot better when I practice with my dad, but I still know that I have a long way to go.

I am finding it really hard to get time to practice which is the key for someone like me who has not taken to driving naturally. I work, am a single mum and am insured in my dad's car only to practice, so trying to co-ordinate when he is free with when I am free and organising for someone to mind my kids mean that I am probably only getting a max of 3 practice hours a month.

Being able to drive and have my own car would be life changing for myself and my kids but I feel on the verge of giving up at this stage, despite having invested quite a bit of time and money into it so far. I am on a good deal with Aviva where you get 6 months free insurance on a parent's car and your 12 mandatory lessons. That insurance cover will run in out at the end of January so I will have to decide whether to do the same deal (which means finding €500 straight after Christmas) or let the insurance lapse, forgo the chance to practice and then just take an odd lesson here or there when I have the money to afford it.

Argh!