Am I too Old to Learn to Drive?

Book Theory Test Today explores some of the nonsense about learning to drive, highlighting that it’s never too late to learn.

There’s a common misconception that learning to drive comes with an age barrier. One such myth that exists is that if you’ve haven’t passed your theory test or practical exam by the time you’ve hit your thirties, you’re ‘too old’ to learn.

Why are some learners leaving it so late to learn?  

For some, financial constraints have a severe effect on one’s ability to drive. Over the last decade in particular (2004-2014) the cost of learning to drive has escalated. Learner licence costs, theory test fees, driving lesson expenses and the cost of a practical exam have simply made driving unaffordable.

With every passing year the theory test and practical exam become harder to pass and the longer it’s left the more difficult it does become to pass, or so people will tell you. But, despite all of the supposed obstacles, more and more people between 30 and 75 are passing the theory test and practical driving exam.

The DVSA

In a statement from the DVSA, they said: “It’s often the assumption that passing a theory test or driving exam is reserved for people under 30, but this is merely a myth. The success rate among 30 -75 year olds is increasing.”

The importance of motoring to the upper age bracket 

Book Theory Test Today says: “If you think it’s too late for you to learn, you’re wrong. There may come a day when driving is the only option for you. For example, what if you were to move to accommodation where there are virtually no transport links or you get offered a job that requires you to have a driving licence.”

For more senior citizens, driving offers a superb form of independence and there’s really no reason why a learner in their fifties or sixties cannot go on to pass a theory test or practical exam, regardless of whether they have any previous driving experience. Driving is a skill that can be taught, whatever the age of the learner.

Success story

A recent blog post from the Britannia Motoring School highlighted the story of Dennis Griffin. Mr Griffin passed his theory test and practical exam at the age of 72, serving as an inspiration to many that learning to drive later in life truly is possible.

A spokesperson for the Britannia Motoring School said: “Despite what commentators says about age decreasing the chances of obtaining a driving licence, so many people are overcoming the odds. Although it may be daunting to them, they are the proof that age is no obstacle to getting a driving licence and it’s really inspirational to see their success quash the myth that you’re too old to learn.”

Book Theory Test Today offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your theory test – Ready to take your theory test? Book your theory test online today…

(Image source: Flickr)

This entry was posted on Monday, August 4th, 2014 at 7:51 pm and is filed under Learning to Drive. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.