Fulfilling a dream: learning to drive after 50

January 22, 2025

Two months ago, 12 women from the area influenced by the San Matías wind farm completed a training course called "Class B Driving," organized by Fundación AES Chile. The goal was to expand their job opportunities. The 40-hour training took place in Santa Fe, where they learned the necessary skills to drive safely and obtain their driver's license. Today, half of the students have already passed the psychotechnical and practical exams, and the rest are in the process of doing so.

One of the women who already has her license is Hilda Aravena, who at 53 years old was motivated to participate in this course due to a family business.

Hilda had never applied for a driver's license, mainly because of "neglect," as someone else always drove her or she used public transportation. Here she shares her experience.

What motivated you to learn to drive?

My daughter and work. We have a business. We provide technical services to the community, where we repair two- and four-stroke equipment - generators, motor pumps, tractors, chainsaws - and sell spare parts. We saw the need in this rural area because people used to have to go to Los Ángeles. It was just my husband and me. He is the mechanic, the driving force behind all this, and if he had to deliver a spare part, he had to do all those errands himself. Taking him out of here meant losing a whole day of work, and there was no one else to drive. We had to hire people, but as a family business, we couldn't incur more expenses. So it became a necessity.

And what was your experience in the course?

Fantastic, from day one. The professionalism, the very comprehensive course, the dedicated and dynamic teachers who encouraged us not to give up. They told us, "You can do it." And indeed, you can. You have to study; there's a lot taught in classes, both practical and theoretical, but it depends on you.

What was the most difficult part of the course?

I didn't find it that difficult. I was so eager to get it that I focused on it every day. For me, it wasn't that complicated.

Do you feel the course prepared you for the exam?

Yes. I was nervous because I didn't know what to expect, but I was prepared. I practiced a lot with all the tips they gave us in the course. So when I was taking the test, I relaxed because I found it easy; I already knew everything. I got nervous during the psychotechnical exam because I have vision problems, but everything turned out fine. Then I just felt anxious to get my license.

And now that you have your license, how does it change your life?

I'm happy now. I started doing my errands alone, going to Los Ángeles to do the paperwork. I was almost looking for someone to check my license (laughs). It's pure excitement. Now my husband and I can take turns, coordinate; that's what we were missing.

What opportunities does having a driver's license open for you?

Many. Total independence, I only depend on myself and my time. Now we need to boost the business, improve delivery times. Our space has become small, so we want to set up a sales room separate from the workshop.

What do you think of AES Chile's support during the process?

Fantastic support for the community. They have been present at all times, from the beginning to the end, and that is appreciated. They fulfilled a dream for me.