Teaching an adult to drive?

[Brent]

A cousin of mine has never driven a car in her life, and she is 38 now. Somehow she wants to learn to drive and asked me to teach her. Have you ever teach an adult to drive?

 

[Carl55]

I have never taught an adult how to drive, although I'm sure it can't be any harder than to teach an adolescent how to drive. My suggestion would be to go to an empty parking lot (like at a school on the weekend) and teach her the basics there. She should really be learning how to drive from an instructor at the DMV if she wants to actually get on the road though. You don't want to get in trouble with the law for driving without a license.

 

[Wayne]

I taught my wife how to drive a stick shift when she was 28. She already knew how to drive, but never drove a stick before. If we could do that and stay married, you can teach this lady!

 

[flatbed]

Your cousin has had no experience behind the wheel whatsoever? Wow, then I bet her biggest hurdle to overcome is going to be nervousness. I don't know where you live, but I grew up in an area with lots of miles of country roads to practice on which was great because there was no traffic and it helped me really get used to being behind the wheel.

Wayne, my mother tried teaching me a stick when I was 15, telling me she wouldn't let me get my license until I learned. After about 3 sessions, and me nearly knocking out the clutch, she gave up

 

[Dodge Doll]

Yikes, pay a pro! Your nervous system isn't conditioned for that sort of anxiety!

My one gran was 35 when she decided, having immigrated, that being licenced and able to drive was necessary. Gramps dutifully took the challenge on, and well....

Gran died 11 yrs ago, without that licence. She simply didn't have the reflexes to manage a vehicle.

 

[MyMotor]

I was older when I learned to drive. There was no problem-none at all. In fact I did it in about half the average age that a 17 year old would take.

I had no driving experience-BUT-I had learned to fly some years before.

 

[flatbed]

MyMotor, yeah, I wondered if it might actually be easier to pick up when you're older. For one thing, of course your motor skills are going to be so much better. Your reaction time should also be better (I guess depending on age). And an adult's brain is actually more developed than a teen's. I would think they would do studies on this and consider raising the driving age because of it.

 

[MaximumSpeed]

I think it would be fine Carl, it wouldn't be illegal as long as she has a permit or learner's license. If she doesn't, she would definitely need to start there. I hope you find her to be a quick learner!