Hello!

Ashamed to say I do not have my license at 29. As I grew up in foster care I never had anyone teach me. My husband (then boyfriend) started when I was 21 but I became very shaken up when my best friend was in a fatality. I’ve been fortunate in that we’ve always lived near the train and my husband drives everywhere. Last month I decided enough was enough and have had two professional driving lessons and plan on doing them weekly for as long as needed. Shockingly they said I’m actually pretty good and should be a competent and safe driver within a few months. My children are obviously my motivation and will do anything for them. We have a Toyota Kluger and I drove it for the first time this past weekend after driving the honda jazz during the lessons. It feels so incredibly huge. Please tell me this gets easier! My husband is willing to trade it in for a sedan but believes with time I will master it. Would love to know your success stories. I feel so silly asking this when I know so many half my age are driving huge 4wd’s with no issues.


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  • Nothing to be ashamed of ! I didn’t grew up in foster care, but in the Netherlands where we bike a lot. On average I biked 3 hrs a day (to and from work, visiting friends, family and get the groceries in) and used besides that public transport. I simply didn’t see the need for a driving license and a car.
    When we moved to Northern Ireland things became a little different and I got my license when I was 41yrs old ! So I beat you ;)


  • I think learning to drive in a bigger car makes it easier to drive smaller ones. However on Street parking can be more difficult to park as the spaces can be smaller between driveways. I was tempted to buy a smaller car for this reason when I used my car for work purposes – I’m glad I didn’t as I would struggle to fit my teen in the car.


  • My friend just got hers at nearly 31. Her sister has not learnt and is going to be 37 this year


  • Don’t be ashamed, you can do this. Once you get your licence and have a taste of freedom and see the advantages you will be so glad you did. I must admit a big 4wd would be harder to park especially in underground carparks and drive throughs would be hard, but to drive on the road they are easy. I’m short and have managed to drive trucks and tractors and many different cars over the years. Your husband is right, it does get easier, the more you drive the more your confidence will grow.


  • You have absolutely no need to feel ashamed at all!
    Like you, I also didn’t really have anybody to teach me.
    I don’t think I got my license till I was in my 30’s. I used to live in Canberra, so never really had the need to get it; nor did I feel that pressure most young people felt.

    My hubby used to take me to a housing estate construction site to practise, as there was nothing there for me to hit.lol
    We did have a manual( which omg I hated), but then mother in law got rid of her auto car and gave it to us.
    But please don’t feel silly, you have nothing to feel silly about. Just take your time.


  • Don’t be ashamed !!
    I grew up in the Netherlands and biked everything and was convinced I didn’t need a car. I married when I was 38, moved to Northern Ireland and I think I was 39yrs old when I started to learn to drive. I had first lessons from my hub, but that didn’t work so well and then had professional driving lessons. I failed the test sometimes and had my license when I was 41 yrs old. I never felt ashamed about that, but proud that I got it at that age ;)
    Good on you for trying and persisting !! And yes it will get easier and you will grow in confidence and experience. Keep courage, Xx


  • Don’t ever be embarrassed. No one is ever to old to learn new skills and at your age 29, it’s no shock to me at all! It’s great what your doing! Good luck with it all.


  • Im turning 30 soon everyone says to me about not being lazy and getting my licence but truth is i tried and failed 3 times ???? il try again for my birthday


  • It definitely gets easier with practice. We went from a Toyota Yaris to a Nissan Pathfinder (so similar upsize to what you mentioned) and it was a big change. Granted I had several years of driving under my belt but nonetheless you will no doubt get used to it once after you drive it a few times.


  • Definitely something you get used to but don’t worry lots of people don’t like driving them. Good on you for continuing to learn none of us have everything mastered and you will definitely get there and become more confident.


  • I have not yet got my Ls and have been trying to get my birth certificate asap! Good luck


  • I had always driven little cars and when we upgraded to a 4wd I felt so insecure and nervous, but with lots of practise driving in an empty car park, I slowly mastered the skill of feeling more confident and now I drive it without a second thought. Its all just about getting comfortable and confident. You will get there, good luck!


  • I’m super proud to say I finally got my licence a few wees ago. I’m also 29 and was so ashamed that not a lot of people knew I didn’t have one. We moved to Australia 3 years ago and it was extremely hard not being able to drive, with no family or support system and being alone all the time it was hard. The PDA was a huge obstacle for me because every time I went for the assessment and somehow stuffed it up. Keep strong practice, practice and always stay positive I’ll get there. All you have to do is believe in yourself and the rest will follow. You’ll definitely need the bigger car. Try to drive it more so that you get use to it. Good luck


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