So I'm 26 and have been able to get a learner's permit for 10 years now, but I somehow never got around to it... until today! My partner and I have been given my late grandmother's car, and since neither of us know how to drive, we thought we'd better learn.

So... what are your tips? What did you find most useful when you were learning to drive? I am a bit scared about driving, but I think I will be a good driver.

When I was learning to drive I learnt in my own car - not the instructors. This allowed me to find "markers" within my car to help me with tricky manouvers like parking! For example I know that the sticker on my rear window will line up with the curb when I am about 3 inches away. Also I can line the end of my wind screen wiper up with the curb when driving to be about 8 inches from the curb. That was really useful!

Also look over your shoulder when reversing - not just in the mirror. I didn't figure this one out until after I passed

Good luck!

I feel you, I only got my full licence when I was 24, and it was hard work. My advice would be

1.) Don't panic
2.) Seriously, don't panic. If something goes wrong just take a deep breath and keep going
3.) Learn to drive manual (or stick I think it's called in the states?). Honestly, once you can drive manual you can drive anything, plus it gives you greater control.
4.) Get lessons from several different people, and lots of time with the instructors
5.) Enjoy! There's nothing more liberating than being able to drive

I agree with Erin's post. The biggest thing is to stay calm and use your head! I would add to use ALL of your mirrors and to turn and look before you merge or turn (the order goes rearview mirror, side view mirror and then over the shoulder). I can't tell you how many times I've been nearly sideswiped or crushed by cars who don't look before they merge. Also, always use your turn signals!

Everything else is sort of a soft rule for me. Just be alert and communicate as much as possible to other drivers and you'll be fine!

I need to learn to drive too! I'm 29 and got my Learners a couple of years ago but haven't progressed past that.

I keep saying it's because my husband's car is a manual twin turbo which is both loud and fast. And scary.

In reality I think I'm just scared all round. I was actually supposed to book driving lessons this month. Eek...only 1 day left!

I'm SO glad there are other 'adults' who are hesitant about driving. I'm 20 and haven't driven in the past 3-4 years. I did driving lessons, and my instructor said I was really good, but I just can't seem to make myself get in the car and drive. Once I'm going I'm fine - but getting in sucks. Luckily, I get a bus pass with my school tuition, and live at home with parents with 2 cars, who can drop me off places. BUT I've got until August 28th to get my G2 license (in Canada that allows you to drive without an adult, but you can't go on some highways still... I think). I need to book some private lessons, book the driving test and get driving. EEK.

My one thing I really learned from drivers ed was : Money Smells Beautiful (MSB) which you follow when attempting to change lanes, etc. M = mirrors, S = signals, and B = blind spot. It's fairly straightforward to remember, and is a good rule when driving I suppose.

I'm 27 and only just learning too, I had some lessons when I was 17, but got to a point where I wasn't progressing at all and it was far too expensive, plus I started university and couldn't have a car on campus anyway.

I'm not a natural driver at all, I've picked things up quite slowly and I tend to totally over-think everything so I hesitate far too much, but I've noticed that in my last couple of lessons, things have finally started to "come together", I share this because for a while I was starting to consider giving up, and I'm really glad I didn't now.

Absolutely no one is a natural driver.

Steering, breaking, shifting and gas are not done in an intuitive way. You get better at it with practice. Once you've done it for a long time it will feel natural, but it is not a natural thing for anyone.

Ugh. Driving. I did the whole driver's training thing while in high school when I was 15 & my instructor, swear to goodness, hated me (or just females in general). I always got stuck in a car with my ex-boyfriend & his friend, which wasn't terrible, but they were just as critical as the instructor was. At one point, no joke, my ex nearly hit a kid on a bike without so much as a shrug from the instructor...but when I slowed down for a cat to cross the road, he flipped out on me. He didn't want to pass me because of that! My mom also refused to ever let me drive her car, my dad left us in the car that they planned to let me drive, & when he would let me drive, it was always in blizzard weather in the mountains (with no railings!) & he was constantly yelling at me about one thing or another. Now I'm 27 & still terrified of getting behind the wheel, though part of me wants to (for the sake of giving my boyfriend a break on driving & so I can take my 1 year old out to places), even though I now have another issue. Partially blind in my left eye & my right eye doesn't always stay in focus. So, if I want to drive, I have to overcome yet another fear & go to the doctor for my eyes to see if it can even be fixed! I just don't know if it's worth the hassle anymore. :-/

Totally agreed. I had a Learners' Permit at 14 and started driving without parents in the car at 15 or 16. Looking back now, it's hard to believe my state was letting kids that young get behind the wheel. But yes, it will start to feel easier with practice. LOTS and lots of practice, and you'll do just fine!