Learning to Drive at 55

I think I put off learning to drive because I had six older siblings and two parents and everyone had a car. I always had a ride for family get-togethers, so over the years driving was just never a priority.

As I got older and grew accustomed to using city buses to get around, a part of me became apprehensive about driving. I’d seen people do too many crazy things behind the wheel when they were tired or in a hurry.

Then, five years ago, my husband Don began to suggest that sooner than later, I’d have to take over the driving. He was getting older and wouldn’t be able to do it forever, he explained patiently. I dug my feet in and put it off because Don, as a retired police detective and former traffic cop, was an incredibly safe and proficient driver.

I never felt unsafe with him at the wheel of our restored ‘96 Grand Cherokee. Still, I knew he was right. I’d have to take on the task of learning how to drive our “land yacht” as my daughter often laughingly called our beloved gas guzzler, telling us we should trade it in for something newer and less problematic.

So, at 55, I headed out with Don to a parking lot for the first of 10 or 12 driving lessons. We also drove some surface streets as I learned to safely navigate the big vehicle.

I was nervous at first and didn’t like being behind the wheel. Why couldn’t he just keep doing the driving? Why did I have to take on one more responsibility?

I did well, though, tooling around and learning how to take corners and properly slow down without abusing the brakes.

Years before, I’d gotten behind the wheel of my younger sister’s cute little VW Bug. We were in a parking lot when she told me I should get used to the idea of driving a car. She had learned how as a teenager and had been driving well for decades. I sat in the driver’s seat and pressed the gas. It felt fun and easy darting around that parking lot.

The Jeep, however, was different. Barely touching the gas sent it lurching forward. I could feel the power of the truck, feeling insignificant behind the wheel. Would I ever be a good driver, I wondered?

Well, I put it off long enough. 2026 is the year I take my driver’s test and finally become a licensed driver. I hope my story serves as a gentle reminder to never give up on yourself. Even if, like me, you wait till you’re 55 to learn to drive and 60 to get your license.

If a four-year-old boy in Minnesota can drive a car to the candy store, barely able to see over the steering wheel, I think I can learn to drive, too!

Theresa Griffin Kennedy

50plus Magazine

Theresa Griffin Kennedy is a published author of books, essays, and articles. She resides in the PNW with her husband Don.