Learning to drive in my 30s.

J_R · 29-01-2017 02:24AM

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.

briany · 21-06-2026 06:20PM

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…

o1s1n · 21-06-2026 06:32PM

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 · 21-06-2026 06:47PM

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.

User1998 · 21-06-2026 07:07PM

10 year old tread …

briany · 21-06-2026 07:39PM

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

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

Learning to drive in my 30s.

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