The Forgotten Drivers: Getting Back Behind the Wheel After Years Away

Editor’s Note:

While most of our content offers tips and guidance from car ownership experts, we also love sharing real stories from our readers. This heartfelt piece comes from someone who passed their driving test years ago but never actually started driving—until now. If you’re in a similar situation, we hope this inspires you.

Look online or scroll through driving forums, and you’ll find countless articles about what to expect right after passing your test. There are guides for new drivers, advice for older drivers returning to the road, and support for late learners. But what about those of us who passed our test—and then never drove again?

We’re a small, often forgotten group. Not quite learners, not quite refreshers. Just fully licensed drivers who, for one reason or another, never got behind the wheel after that certificate was handed over. I’m one of those people. I passed my practical test on the second attempt (which, I was told, is the sign of a great driver—make of that what you will), and then I simply… stopped. The stress of learning was overwhelming, and the thought of driving filled me with dread. So I didn’t.

Fast forward 14 years, and life finally pushed me to face the driver’s seat again. At 33, I had to relearn almost everything. Here’s what I discovered in the process—and what might help if you’re in the same position.

Relearning the Basics Is Totally Okay

After more than a decade, it’s normal to feel rusty. There’s no shame in that. Some people start with refresher lessons—and if you’re comfortable with an instructor, that’s a great idea. But if the thought of structured lessons makes your skin crawl, there’s another way: get insured on a friend or relative’s car and practice casually.

The Highway Code has been updated, sure, but most of the core signage and rules are still the same. Familiar road signs haven’t changed much. You’ll be surprised how much muscle memory comes back once you’re behind the wheel again.

Buying Your First (Real) Car Is Tougher Than It Looks

I learned in a Nissan Micra, so when it came time to shop, I gravitated toward what I knew. It turns out buying a car as an adult with a license—but no experience—is a strange position to be in. Dealerships assume you know the basics. News flash: I didn’t.

If you’re in the same boat, take someone experienced with you. A friend, partner, sibling—anyone who knows the ropes. Bonus tip: men love talking about cars. Use that to your advantage and ask lots of questions.

Choose Sensibly—And Go Automatic If You Want To

At 17, people want fast, flashy, and cheap. At 33, I wanted easy. That’s why I went with an automatic car—and it was the best decision I could’ve made. No stalling, no hill-start anxiety, just get in and go. Yes, it was slightly more expensive, but the reduced stress was worth every penny.

Insurance Doesn’t Have to Be Intimidating

Insurance depends on your driving plans and budget. If you’re mostly going to the shops or doing school runs, a basic policy is fine. Some companies now offer plug-in devices that monitor your driving and reward safe habits with discounts. It’s a smart way to build confidence and save money over time.

That First Solo Drive Is a Big Deal

Picking up your car and driving it home alone might feel terrifying. It was for me. But break the drive into small pieces. Pause if you need to. Take back roads. Breathe. Once you’re home, one of two things will happen: you’ll feel proud, or you’ll feel exhausted and question everything. If it’s the latter, walk away from the car for a bit. It’s not going anywhere. Try again tomorrow.

Once you’re ready, start small—local roads you know well. Then gradually push a little further. One day, you’ll surprise yourself: five miles, ten miles, a motorway run. Suddenly, you’re a driver again. Not just someone who passed their test once. A driver.

The Freedom Feels Amazing

If you’re in this position, know that you’re not alone—and it’s not too late. The fear is real, but it doesn’t last. The confidence builds slowly, one small trip at a time. And the reward? Independence. Flexibility. Freedom.

You passed your test. That’s something to be proud of. Now it’s time to actually enjoy what that means. Go for a spin. The road is still waiting for you.