Adult Non-Drivers?

[the_std]

Hey guys, just looking for a bit of commiseration here. I'm 21 years old and, while I know how to drive perfectly well and have a learner's license, I've never gone for my full driver's. I'm not entirely sure why - be it nervousness (I have an anxiety disorder) or stubbornness (my dad nearly tried to force me to get it when I was 16, and when you push me, I push back). I've never really felt the need for it before, being able to mostly do everything by bus, including getting groceries and going to and from work. I've lived on my own for nearly two years now, and have generally had jobs with stable schedules, such as nine to five, Monday to Friday sort of things. However, due to a change of situation, I now find myself in my first real shift-based job at a retail location. It's not very far away, five to ten minutes by bus, but the bus system in my city slows down after 6pm to one bus per hour, when my shifts can sometimes go till 11pm. If I miss one, I'm waiting an hour for the next one. Soooo I'm starting to feel the need for a car.

Thing is, I'm poor as hell right now, not to mention sorely out of practice with my driving. I know my parents will help me obtain a vehicle, and that I can go on some practice drives with an instructor through a service... I know what I need to do, but, emotionally, I'm not sure how to feel about it.

Anyone been in similar situations and have any advice?

[AdminAssistant]

Out in the country, it wasn't an option. I was driving at 13, so that I could help Dad out in the fields.

Sorry, but best of luck!

[Sliceanddice]

if it is close enough bike you generally can take them on buses (front racks) and if you miss your bus you can ride home

[AriGriffin]

I'm 22 and I don't drive. I have gotten a learner's permit, but not the full license. I can not afford a car, insurance for a new driver, gas, and maitence. I can barely cover all the bills as it is.
I usually walk to and from work. It is only about a 10-15 minute walk. I have only had to call in once due to the weather. I have gotten rides back home from either my mom or a co-worker that is going in the same direction. I don't know what I am going to do if it snows this year, make snowshoes out of cardboard I guess.
I want to drive, it would make life a lot easier, but finances are keeping me from it.

[Kiwi]

I have been driving for 10 years in NZ (on the left) and now that I have moved to Canada I haven't driven a car in over a year.

Im dyslexic and it was hard enough to learn the road rules once, reversing them is a nightmare, we also have a manual car here and I learnt on an automatic. Having to learn manual gears, add in a clutch and change the side of the road Im driving on. NO THANKS.

Maybe when we get an automatic.

I second getting the bike, its only a 10 minute bus ride then your looking at 15-20 bike ride tops and you get excercise for the day.

[Hobbs]

I'm 24 and just recently (this summer) got my learner's permit.

[Ratha]

I'm 27 and have a learner's permit, but haven't gotten my full license. Not for lack of trying. I took a driver's ed course in high school, and my mom took me on one practice drive. But after that, she won't let me behind the wheel and conveniently forgets promises to take me on more practice drives.

[Hobbs]

You sound like my sis's friend. No one trusts her behind the wheel, lol

[crazylegs]

I'm 26, I've only been driving for 2 years. Pretty much the same reasons you had re stubborness were why I didn't drive.

Why did I learn? I got fed up of tramping across fields to visit my (now) ex's family on my days off as there was no public transport.

If you want to learn I'm sure an instructor there who will ease you back in, and more importantly will suit your learning style.

[Broomjockey]

26, not even got a learner's. Too cheap to bother when the transit's decent enough. I might have a go at getting it just for emergencies though. Not for a bit, like say when a friend gets a car he'd be willing to let me practise in.

[the_std]

For those that suggested it, a bike is a really good idea... Except it's coming up on winter time, and here on the prairies, that means 1) lots of snow, 2) lots of cold or 3) lots of snow and cold. Last winter, there was nearly a whole month of -50 Celsius weather (which is -58 for you Fahrenheit people), and the amounts of snow we get generally make biking very dangerous (average snowfall of 105cm or 4 inches). Also, walking is about a 40 minute trip. I could definitely do it in an emergency, but I'd rather not have to rely on it... Some of my shifts start at 6 or 7am!

It really is good to know that I'm not the only one, though I think I might have to join the hordes. I envy some of you and your transit systems!

[Sliceanddice]

you can get an mid ot late 80s mazda or toyota very cheap usually less than agrand. i would see if you can borrow someones car to learn or see if you can afford to go to one of those drving schools, get your license and by an old beater only for the winter.

[Evil Queen]

Heck, you can get a moped if you're so inclined. HappyScooters.com have a 50 cc for $600. They're cheap on gas (usually only needing about 2 gallons, max, to fill up), you don't need a license for them and are road worthy.

Granted, I have no idea where this happy scooters place is out of. But at least it'll give you an idea on what to look for, the price and general mileage.

[Broomjockey]

Heck, you can get a moped

Good idea, except the issues with a moped are identical to those with a bike, AKA ass-numbing cold for many months out of the year. In fact, it'd be a bit worse due to increased wind-chill.

[Jester]

My friend Cat, who is 40, did not drive for the longest time. She didn't get her first license or learn how to drive at all until she was 25. NOW, however, she drives all over the country for this, that, and the other reason, and is perfectly comfortable behind the wheel of a car.

My advice to you is to get you full license. Even if you don't get a car, it is always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. And that way, when/if you get a car, it is one less hassle you are going to have to worry about. I know that in your area there are going to be times when weather precludes you from bicycling, so if you don't like waiting an extra hour for the bus, especially when the weather sucks, you really might want to look into this.

Just my thoughts on the subject.