independence

[Aingeful]

Yesterday,after over 50 years of driving I had to get rid of my car and face the fact that my driving days are now over. Several reasons for this, including my occasional lapses of memory ! Not ideal when you're out on the open road in charge of several tons of metal ! I feel devastated, not just at the loss of my car but the independence it brought with it.I am sure I will adapt,I will have to. I wondered about the experiences of others and how you coped? Any advice welcome!

[sassy59]

Sorry to hear that Aingeful but you’ll be ok I’m sure. Hard though when you’ve been driving for so long. Take care.

Love Carole xxxx💕❤️

[Suzie42]

Yes it's awful isn't it. I stopped driving in 2017 when I had my heart valve replaced. I was plucking up the confidence to start driving when I started getting visual migraines, never knowing when one would start. So alas I haven't driven since. I feel awful sometimes but on the whole like anything you get used to it. Take care xx

[CDPO16]

I gave up driving over 5 years ago when anxiety was getting the better of me and, as you said, being in charge of several tons of metal with a powerful engine became too risky. I got used to it quite quickly. I am fortunate that my husband still drives but sometimes I'd like to go somewhere when he wants to stay home. That's when I miss it.

[Donald_1931]

I'm in the midst of making that decision after over 70 years of driving. My driving licence expires in November and I will be sent for a field of vision eye test by the DVLA because of glaucoma. I took the mature drivers assessment last January to prove I was still a good driver. 🙄 My eyesight is good but if the test shows I have blind spots it will be curtains to me too. 🤔 I expect you have, like me, been expecting this time would come and have subconsciously been cutting down on the use of the car and avoiding difficult junctions etc, so it's going to be just summat else we'll have to put up with! (With which we will have to put?) 😘x

[Aingeful in reply to Donald_1931]

To be honest Don, I have never really faced up to the fact that my driving days would come to an end,particularly as my friend drove into her 90s. Re difficult junctions etc I've always avoided them 😀.

[SORRELHIPPO]

I found it very difficult, my husband did not drive (had a motorbike licence only) so made life difficult. Unfortunately, the things that made my driving unsafe, would have likely caused problems on a scooter/pavement electric wheelchair, so no real alternative.

[Alberta56]

Sorry to hear this. It's something I dread.

[Patk1]

I really feel for u.i hope u can find an alternative way to get out and maintain yr independance x

[Aingeful]

Thank you,but it's doubtful I will go out alone again. I just have to come to terms with my deteriorating health. Very difficult and also depressing!

[Patk1 in reply to Aingeful]

Yes,its very upsetting & a tough decision to accept but sounds very necessary.i do hope u have someone to go out with, who drives.xxxxx

[Ergendl]

That's a brave decision to make, one which my father struggled with. I just said, don't worry, Dad: I can take you wherever you want to go now.' My brother had to hide his car keys.

[Izb1]

When I changed jobs and lost my parking slot in town I started using the train, it was so much quicker and cheaper. In the end I got rid of my car. 10 years later I had lost all confidence driving so never went back to it. I still miss being able to nip to the shop, what used to take 10 minutes now takes an hour on the bus, but when i think how much it costs to run a car I dont think I could afford it. You will adapt x

[Morrison10]

I’ve been driving nearly 70 years, recognise that will have to stop at some point, but hope can continue for while, not now doing long drives. Jean x

[Aingeful in reply to Morrison10]

Wow,70 years?!!