Is it really horrendous that I'm 25 and can't drive?

Becles

I passed my test at 17 and bought a cheap car. I was on a YTS scheme at the time, and already knew there was no permanent job at the end, so being a driver gave me more scope for applying for jobs, as I didn't have to stick with applying for jobs on bus routes!

At the moment I live in a rural village with a rubbish bus service. I'm self employed which involves visiting customer sites. Sometimes I have to carry promo stands and other equipment. I wouldn't be able to do my job if I didn't have the car, so it's definitely essential for me to have one.

My OH passed his test at 31. Prior to that he lived in a city on a bus route. A special postie bus goes round the city picking up posties early morning, and he used the bus to go shopping etc. He never had any urge to pass his test and buy a car when he lived in the city, as he didn't see a need for one.

Since we met and he wanted to move into my house, he had to pass his test. There are no busses at all here at 4am in the morning, so it's impossible for him to get to work. He has also since started up a mobile disco business, so he needs a big car to transport his rig to gigs. Again it's essential for both his day job and his night job to be able to drive now.

I think it just depends on your circumstances. If you live somewhere with a good public transport system that gets you where you want to go, theres little need for a car, other than convenience. If public transport is poor and you can't earn a living without a car, then it becomes essential.

Pattie1968

Hi,
Im 39 and I still don't drive. I haven't got 5k a year to run a car, beside I live & work in London and public transport is great. Plus walking keeps you fit!!
My 8 yr old son keeps having a go at me to get a car, but I rarely feel at a disadvantage for not having one, especially when you hear all the grumbles about the congestion charge, controlled parking zones, meter maids, petrol prices etc....

I feel quite good about it!!

lady_fuschia

I'd have to leave home at around 6:30 in order to get to the office by 8:30.

I do actually do that! Obviously I'd prefer it if I could get to and from work in 15 minutes, but financially speaking it's not like I have much choice - and you get used to it. I think maybe non-car owners tend to do things automatically that long-time car owners are a bit horrified by. Like that I am quite willing to walk anything up to about 6-7 miles provided it's daylight, whereas I have heard car owners say "I have to have a car because I live three miles from my work and there's no public transport." (This isn't a dig by the way, I just think it's interesting how our perceptions vary - the same is true of people who do/don't own computers, mobile phones and televisions. Funny how we tend to "need" what we already have...)

postingalwaysposting

well i am learning and i am 21... i cant see me buying a car till i am at least 26... i am just above min wage and so far its cost me nearly £1,600.00 just to learn to drive (that includes my theory) :eek: he says i have anotherr 20+ hours to go yet. Once i pass however i will take my pass plus then i will be saving like mad, i will not be driving straight away. I spend £140.00 on lessons a month (depending on what hours i do) and that in no way will service and keep a car on the road, but once i have passed i can give or take driving...

I like your approch lady_fuschia why is everyone driving? whats there need? we have a neighbour thats 63+ (dont work) and he has a people carrier and will drive to the shop 3min walk away to buy a paper. Now thats a waste and look what its doing on the environment, if i ever pass i will only get a car if i cant get to work on public transport

lady_fuschia

well i am learning and i am 21... i cant see me buying a car till i am at least 26... i am just above min wage and so far its cost me nearly £1,600.00 just to learn to drive

£1,600??? S*d that for a game of soldiers!

seaweasel

postingalwaysposting wrote: »

so far its cost me nearly £1,600.00 just to learn to drive

Sorry, but what?! Please tell me that includes the cost of buying a car.

postingalwaysposting

seaweasel wrote: »

Sorry, but what?! Please tell me that includes the cost of buying a car.

no i have had far to many lessons. This was with a 'pink' teacher so she was basically money grabbing and i was her first pupil then i moved onto a futher 3 instructors. But the main reason was i was at test standard then was knocked over so couldnt use my leg for nearly 6 months. Hence nearly starting from scratch. i have had nearly 75 hours now and at £20/£22 per lesson then my theory was £50. This is why i wont be driving as soon as i pass :rolleyes: but this instructor hopes i will pass soon (i havent had a pratical yet) i have only been with him for 7 lessons and have learnt loads more than everyone else put together

seaweasel

Sorry to hear about your accident. The main thing you have to do is practice though, is there someone who can take you out in the car? I know you're starting again after a while but I'd think by know you'll have grasped all the basic concepts that you need to, and now it's just a matter of practicing and getting comfortable with being on the road.

laurajayne

I have to say I used to be the same. I'm 23 and don't drive. When we first moved where we are (19 miles outside London!) the public transport was really good, and you could pretty much get anywhere you wanted to go on the bus/train. I live in a little village, so if you want anything, you need to go to the nearest towns, which also happens to be where the work is.

However, the money grabbing little wotsits have been playing havoc with the buses in the past 5 years. We went from buses every 1/2 hour, hourly on sundays/public holidays to one every 1 and 1/2 ish, none on Sundays/Public Holidays, they start at 7 in the morning, and the last bus home from the biggest local town is at 2015! :mad: Now we hear that not only have the fares gone up again, the company are cutting two of the three services that supply the village...and they're reapplying for the contract! It's just impossible to use the service now, and if you fancy going out for dinner you either have to eat quick, or pay £10 for a taxi home!

So, I'm gonna have to learn to drive, before I'm completely cut off from civilisation lol. Luckily I have wonderful parents and my Dad (in his quest to become debt free also) is selling me his 04 reg C3 for £3,500. And I get to pay him back, so no mean finance company He'll still use it, but I then have a car to go out and about and see friends/apply for jobs etc.

But all that said...I'd prefer to be able to use our public transport service. Shame we don't have one!

postingalwaysposting

seaweasel wrote: »

Sorry to hear about your accident. The main thing you have to do is practice though, is there someone who can take you out in the car? I know you're starting again after a while but I'd think by know you'll have grasped all the basic concepts that you need to, and now it's just a matter of practicing and getting comfortable with being on the road.

its ok, just one of those things, i have a problem with confidence on the roads but i am slowly losing this but its only come about since my accident. I will get there but once i pass i will not be on the road for a few years... just teh way it is sadly