"Don't" or "Can't"

Harry_Flashman

It's a strange thing, but I've noticed that, when talking about driving, many people who don't have a driving licence say that they 'Don't' drive rather than 'Can't' drive.

This doesn't seem to happen with other 'skills'. For example, I 'can't' ride a unicycle (trust me, I've tried and I can't ), it would never occur to me to say "I 'don't' ride a unicycle".

Do people feel somehow diminished by not having a driving licence?

Before the flamers start, I don't think non-drivers are deficient in any way, I'm just intrigued as to why people use the term.

harveybobbles

The same can be said about the opposite - skipping - do you "do" it or "play" it...?

Wee_Willy_Harris

I think that anyone who sees the general standard of driving will assume that passing the test is pretty much a formality, a bit like getting a TV license. Hence "don't", because we all "can".

mikey72

I always use don't rather than can't.
It's the same as, say if you ask me can I play the piano/ run a marathon/swim the channel?
"I don't know, I've never tried"
But I don't know anyone with a unicycle though.

Harry_Flashman

I'm quite happy to tell anyone that I can't play the piano (although I used to a little as a nipper ), run a marathon or swim the channel.

mikey72

Harry_Flashman wrote: »

I'm quite happy to tell anyone that I can't play the piano (although I used to a little as a nipper ), run a marathon or swim the channel.

How do you know you can't?

wealdroam

Saying "I can't drive" can perhaps be seen as an admission of failure.

Whereas, if one says "I don't drive" that can be seen as an acceptable lifestyle choice.

But who knows.

Humphrey10

I say I can't drive if people ask, I've had to surrender my licence so am not allowed to drive for a while, saying 'I don't drive' makes it sound like it's a choice I've made.

I really think anyone could pass a driving test given enough practice, I passed it with no faults (automatic only though) and I have poor spacial awareness and below average coordination (dyspraxia).

colino

This is an excellent point OP. Loads of people ask why they cant "get through" the driving test or, "their nerves get the better of them", but the test really isn't all that difficult and if you cant wind yourself up, with a fair degree of planning, to squeeze through the test, try harder, get more practice, or keep off the bloody road!

[Deleted User]

Just because you don't have a driving licence doesn't mean you "can't" drive.

Same as learning to drive is like water off a ducks back to some people while others take ages to master the basics.

SailorSam

When we were growing up as kids my Mum always use to tell us there's no such word as can't.
When we were told to do something, maybe tidy up or wash the dishes if we tried to say we can't do that we'd be told ......... There's no such word as can't.