Regardless of motive, acquiring this coveted piece of government-issued identification is just as hard at 35 as it is at 16. But the challenges faced by an adult learning to drive can be quite different to those encountered by teenagers.

Here is a quick list of some things to consider for adults learning to drive:

1) Trying again?

Your palms were sweating. You couldn’t think straight. You panicked. You failed your test before you left the DMV lot.

If the above description sounds like your road test years ago, chances are you have not changed that much over time. If this is a subsequent attempt at learning how to drive, try and remember what was causing you so much grief the first time around. There is a big chance you just weren’t ready the first time.

2) Avoid your driving hubris!

Although learning to drive isn’t a Greek tragedy, overconfidence can still be your greatest enemy. Do not assume that just because you are an adult you are a shoo-in. Acknowledging a need for more knowledge is the first step to becoming a better student.

3) Invest some time

Teens practice their driving for hours on consecutive weeks before taking their road test. Although your schedule might be rammed, try to put aside some time each week to learn how to drive. Like anything in life, the more time you devote to learning something new, the more likely you are to pass come test time.

4) No shame in asking for help

Just because you are more mature than the average driving student doesn’t mean you have to know everything. If you do not know something, or you are feeling anxious about one particular part of your upcoming road test, do not be afraid to ask. Keep in mind that passing any test is a partial reflection on proper instruction. Every good driving instructor wants you to ask questions and keep asking them.

5) Ask for an older instructor

This point may seem silly, but having an older instructor can actually help put your nerves as ease. As human beings, we are hardwired to teach the young, compete with our peers and receive knowledge from those older than us. While this statement is entirely based on circumstance, it might work for you.

6) Age as an advantage

Remember that as an older student, you also have the advantage of being an adult. With a whole host of life experiences already under your belt and hours upon hours of being in a car, you already have the advantage of knowing this test is just another notch on your belt. So when you take your test, take your test with the knowledge that you’re just an adult who wants to drive a car. This confidence is bound to rub off on your examiner.