BJ, if you really want to then you can. It does take a while to find your voice and tone etc., then if you want to, take the exams. I found the discipline of working towards something makes me work harder, but another friend , just a bit older is learning but has decided not to go the exam route. I find the aural side difficult, particularly as I never had the chance to learn how to read music as a child. I think my teacher made the assumption that I knew more than I did as I managed to wing it in the exams, but we have now gone back to basics to fill in some gaps. This will give me confidence as it gets harder. I was even confused about names and qualities of notes and time signatures. Some things I find easy, for example I have natural pitch apparently, but I find timing difficult.
CLKD, that is sad. Can you not sing at all? Do you miss it or can you be philosophical about it? You are alive and there are so many other things that give you joy perhaps?