Am 29, no driver's license yet, how old were you when you got yours?

United States
May 30, 2007 9:51am CST
I still on my learner's permit and am already 29. I have this permit for 6 years now. I know how to drive but I think I got a phobia when I took my driving test because I failed the first time (parallel parking was the culprit). My husband told me it is normal to fail the first time. But since my husband is just around, I was not in a hurry to get my driver's license. Now that I am expecting my 2nd child and my husband's off is just on the weekend, I realized that I really need to drive to go to doctor's appointment and my toddler will start attending school soon. How old were you when you got your license? Did you pass your driving test the first time or not?
12 people like this
50 responses
@japboy (572)
• Malaysia
31 May 07
i got my driving license at the of 16 and 17 years old.In my country,when you reach 16 years old,you can take the motorcycle driving license.For car or other vehicles,you must be the age of 17 years old.So,when i was 16,i take the motorcycle first then when i reached 17,i took the car driving license.I heard in US,when you reached 16,you can get car driving license.But still if you don't have a license,you can take a public transport like train,monorail,bus and others.
@lexus54 (3572)
• Singapore
31 May 07
I got my driving licence at age 18 after sitting for my 3rd test. I started driving since age 20, and have never looked back since. Learning to drive is really a great asset. I would encourage you to get your driver's licence. You will never regret it as long as you live.
@ozangel82 (753)
• Australia
31 May 07
i got mine as soon as i was able, but if you live in a big city and dont need a car because you can get public transport then who cares? at least you are not contibuting to global warming!
1 person likes this
@Norstar (694)
• India
31 May 07
I learned driving at an age when my legs did not reach the pedals fully! I practiced day and night, especially parking manoeuvres and reversing. I got the license the first time. You have to practice. There are no short cuts. Now, look for a suitable time when you can join a driving school. This would help you overcome the phobia. You should get over this phobia to be a good driver. Since, you have a Learner's License, I think you cannot drive unless a person you carry has a permanent license. Is it correct? And this is the limitation, right? You can really learn well by practising and then get a license easily. All the best.
• United States
31 May 07
I only had one test at 19 and I failed it. I freaked and my permit expired and I never tried again. Last year I was trying for it, I was doing the permit and driving with my dad. We moved. So I let it expire and havent tried yet for it. I dont know the area and time to learn it and time to drive it bad. My age? 27, thats 28 end of year. I hate not driving. But you just made me feel better THANK YOU! Until now I felt super old not driving now I feel better. THANX!
1 person likes this
@toyhamarz (124)
• United States
31 May 07
I got my permit when I was 16 and then got my liscence on my 17th birthday. I passed my test the first time around. After 8 years of driving I do still tend to get nervous when I have a stranger in the car with me. When you go to take the test again try to pretend that it's your husband in the car with you and maybe you won't be scared. Good luck!
1 person likes this
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
30 May 07
i took a driving class when i was just 16 and got a license when i was 18. but i still don't like driving. i am too nervous when i drive especially during busy hours. so, i prefer someone driving. so, my driver license's end up to be just a sort of identification for me. hehe.
• United States
31 May 07
Hahaha...I can just understand. It is really nice to whip our your DL if someone ask for your identification. Usually, I just show my Learner's permit or state ID. Thanks for the comment.
• United States
31 May 07
iam 24 never had license or permit i freak out when it comes to semi truck i throw my hands up in the air and scream so i will probably never get mine
1 person likes this
• United States
31 May 07
I got my license at 16. I took driver's ed in high school (I was a sophomore). I passed the test with a B average in our state that meant I didn't have to take the test at the DMV. I just walked in and took my picture and left with my shiny new license. Did I drive? No, lol. I didn't drive a car until I was 22 and met my husband. He forced me to drive. I knew how but have severe anxiety and almost crashed my dad's car the first time I ever drove it (at 18) and hadn't driven since then. Once I got over my own insecurities I was fine and now I drive his big ole pickup truck even with no fear. I just don't like driving into the city--too much going on with traffic and pedestrians and such. I can drive anywhere else. I suck at parallel parking though. They never taught us that and that is the only way to park in Chicago, lol.
• United States
31 May 07
I forgot to add: my mom didn't get her license until she was in her mid 30s. I remember being in the car with my parents and they got into a fight over my dad having to drive her everywhere. She said, "fine take me to get my license" so my dad indulged her. We sat outside and after an hour or so she came back with her license, lol. She just needed motivation I guess.
@angelicEmu (1311)
30 May 07
Cars - Cars - convenient but costly
Well, as freaky as this may sound, I've never had a single driving lesson, and so don't have a driving license! At first this was because I had a choice between a new cello and driving lessons when I was 17 (the youngest age at which you can learn to drive in the UK). I was a music student, so of course I went for the cello. But having never got round to learning, I'm actually quite happy not to be a driver. For one thing, it's a lot cheaper (if sometimes inconvenient!) to use public transport than to own a car, for another, I'm not polluting the atmosphere! Whilst it does mean I am limited as to some of the jobs I can apply for (for many of them, a current driver's license is a pre-requisite), I have no plans to learn to drive anytime soon!
• United States
30 May 07
The area where we are at and the one that we will be relocating soon doesn't have a public transport so I have no choice but have to get my DL. In my native country though, I don't need to be driving around because we have our public transport and it is faster to go around that be in your own vehicle. Thanks for the comment.
1 person likes this
30 May 07
Yes, I'm very lucky to be in an area where you can get around without having a car - I realise that's not always an option for many people! The governments of the world really need to establish public transport which is accessible by everyone, and affordable! This would really help people in their everyday lives, and help to combat global warming. That might take a while though. And regarding your failing your driving test first time - don't worry, because most drivers who fail their tests first time are the best drivers! Just look on that one as a practice run, and a learning experience. My dad failed his driving test 4 times before he eventually passed, so just keep on trying, and I'm sure you'll pass this time around :-) All the best ladymoonstone!
• United States
30 May 07
Thanks AngelicEmu...getting my DL will be my priority after I give birth on or before July 4. I can't wait..lol.
1 person likes this
@evelynlyp (788)
• Japan
30 May 07
I got a license as soon as I was old enough. My mom said to me when I was 17, "go for your driving license when you are of age, I don't want to be your chauffer". LOL, no many moms would say that. Getting a license certainly gave me more freedom and my mom is happy to because now I'm her chauffer.
• United States
31 May 07
Hahaha...you got a wonderful mother. I know it is a parent's dilemma to see their child on the road driving and being safe all the time. Am glad your mother is so supportive. But I guess she got a hidden agenda...lol. You must be a good chauffer. Thanks for the comment.
@tuposkid (286)
• United States
30 May 07
Got my license when I was 16. Passed both my permit and drivers tests the first go at it. 88% on both actually. I was pleased.
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
30 May 07
i am not sure what my passing grade was. but i think i did good on the written exams... not on the practical driving. but i passed somehow. hehe.
• United States
30 May 07
Wow..good for you. Thanks for the comment.
@tuposkid (286)
• United States
30 May 07
I had my troubles driving testing though. Like when I first pulled out of the lot. I had to put it in drive, back in reverse, in drive again before I got out. I was like "crap, this is going to be a long day."
@Cassy1976 (796)
• Australia
30 May 07
The legal age in Australia to get your learners permit is 16 and I got my learners then and the legal ager to get a provisional license is 17 and I got that then too, I failed the first time as I had learned to drive in one car and had never driven another one and the day before I went for my license that car broke down and I had to drive another one and it was a beast of a car and I couldnt drive it, I bunny hopped and did alot of things wrong, but the second time I went in the car that I learned in and passed no worries!
• United States
31 May 07
This is always what everybody says that you need to be using a car you are comfortable with. Last time I took my driving test, I was using my father in law's car coz we got an SUV and they think it is easier to have a compact car. Thanks for the comment.
@forisuru (217)
• Sri Lanka
31 May 07
Dear Friend, your almost late to get the license. I got mine at the age of 19... Thanks
@Norstar (694)
• India
31 May 07
fori, It is never too late to learn anything. Just give her the time required to learn properly and she would prove you wrong. She has to practise and get over her phobia. It is just that she did not take enough interest in getting a permanent license.
@sigma77 (5383)
• United States
30 May 07
I failed my first driving test way back when I was 15. No big deal. You just go at it again and usuallly the second time it is easier to pass. But, I don't know of anyone who has had a permit for 6 years. Go ahead, retake the test and you will pass it this time. Parallel parking is something you probably won't do very often.
• United States
31 May 07
It is quite awkward when people ask if I drive and I said yes (but always with someone who has a DL). I guess I was just used to my husband taking me around and we only had one vehicle. Buying another one which would increase the bills to be paid is impractical because I work at home. Now that my husband got his vehicle from work, our vehicle is just park all day at home. I got weekly doctor's appointment nowadays and I had to pay somebody to take me because my husband is at work. I guess the circumstances had change so am on fire to get my DL soon...lol. Thanks for the comment.
@shambuca (2524)
• United States
30 May 07
I was 17 - my husband was 20--- I taught my friends wife when whe was 30-- it's never to late to get your license.
• United States
30 May 07
I know...I need it sooner coz I think the insurance will be higher especially you are a first timer. Thanks for the comment.
@Swtrose (3385)
• Canada
30 May 07
Don't feel bad! I'm 38 and still do not have my drivers license. I can't even drive.
• United States
30 May 07
I hope you can get it soon too. I wish there will be a public transport on our area or the area where we will relocate into...but there is none. Thanks for the comment.
@4cuteboys (4099)
• United States
30 May 07
I was 21 and didn't want my license at all, but my ex sort of pressured me until I go it because I had two kids, he said I was obligated to drive now, whatever! I have always loathed driving and probably always will. I drive the bare minimum and no more. I passed the test the first time, but I was super nervous and almost shaking with the guy in my car!
• United States
30 May 07
When I had my driving test and the person who was with me told me to parallel park...and I was like...geeez..and then I didn't do it right..she asked me..you know you failed right? lol. I just want to go to point A to B, and I just want to take the side roads. Other than that...I don't have any ambition in driving around where the minimum speed limit is 65. Thanks for the comment.
@MJLami (1173)
• United States
30 May 07
It's okay that you have waited to drive. When you're ready you'll be an even better driver and less nervous behind the wheel. There are many people who don't get their driver's license, especially in places like New York City. There's other ways to get around than by car, it just depends on where you live and what public transportation you have available.
• United States
31 May 07
You are right on that. If only where I am at has a public transportation, it will be easier but there is none. I can call a taxi but it is so expensive just to go around. Thanks for the comment.
@toe_ster (770)
• United States
30 May 07
I took a drivers ed course offered in high school when I was 14 turning 15. Then I got my permit. My mother and father never had time for me. So I taught myself to drive. I had older friends who let me drive. I was on my own and decided I needed my license. I took a Pregnancy test, a GED test and the drivers test all in the same day.Talk about pressure. But like you said, you need to take your abay tothe doctors alot their first year. The rules and laws have changed alot in the years since I got my license. I would recommend a refresher course in drivers ed, or at least getting the manual and do a lot of studying. Try and get as much practice as you can in. It helps. Good luck adn congrats on #2 baby.
• United States
30 May 07
Wow...I don't think I can though all test in one day...I will be a nervous wreck..lol. I will enroll in a driving course before I take the driving test just to make sure. Thanks for the comment and thanks too for the congratulations...I be having another little girl..:)