Margaret's story: learning to drive at 50

Fifty years without driving

Margaret never needed to drive in London. "Between the Tube, buses, and my husband driving, I managed fine. Then he passed away, and suddenly I felt completely dependent on others for everything."

Overcoming doubt

"Everyone told me I was too old to start. But I refused to spend the rest of my life waiting for lifts."

Margaret found an instructor, Emily, who was patient and experienced with mature learners. "Emily never made me feel like a nuisance for needing things explained twice."

The learning process

It took Margaret 60 hours of lessons over 8 months. "I wasn't in a rush. Every lesson I got a little better. The young ones might learn faster, but I was learning. that's what mattered."

Challenges for older learners

• Checking blind spots with reduced neck mobility
• Adjusting to modern car technology
• Building new habits from scratch
• Dealing with less patient road users

The test and beyond

"I passed on my second attempt. Failed the first because I didn't check my mirrors enough. ironic given how careful I usually am!"

Now 52, Margaret drives every day. "Last month I drove to Cornwall. Me! Driving to Cornwall! My husband would have been so proud. To anyone my age thinking about it. just do it. What are you waiting for?"