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

lady_fuschia

Labman wrote: »

...
Also peoples expectations are higher than they were in our parents & grandparents days....how many of us could cope now without fridges/freezers or automatic washing machines or manage to shop daily for basics such as bread & milk....very few is my guess. We are living in a oh so different world now and I'm not entirely convinced it's a better one.

Funny you should mention that, OH and I did actually try to live without a fridge to save money when we first moved into a non-furnished flat - we lasted three months, might've been longer if someone hadn't given us one for free (admittedly we did replace it when it broke...) So you can live without most things if you're willing enough, really.

The thing is, if I could comfortably afford it and had the time, I probably would take lessons and buy a car. I don't think you can argue that it makes life easier, or that it opens up oppurtunities.
I guess what I resent is:
a) the unwritten assumption that everyone has a car (i.e the question "where are you parked?" not "How did you get here?")
b) the slightly snobbish derogatory remarks. I was once asked semi-seriously whether I was "ever thinking of joining the 21st century". And told that I'm "very unusual in this day and age."
and
c) the plain blo*dy cost of it all. It would actually be impossible for me to get and run a car even if I wanted to, and I've no idea how other people my age manage it! Do they have huge pay packets or are they just in even more debt than me?

Thanks for the thoughts everyone anyway, this turned into a really interesting thread!

seaweasel

It's not cheap to run a car, but it doesn't have to be that expensive either. In fact in my experience it's cheaper than public transport. When I was commuting to university last year taking the train would have cost me twice as much andtaken around twice as long. I also gave some friends a lift which made it more efficient for all three of us.

I admit that I use my car more than I need to, however I don't mind getting the subway into town to do some shopping for example. I'd also just started cycling into work last year when my bike got stolen. On the other hand I'd feel pretty stuck not having a car. Even though I'm in a city it would be a nightmare moving stuff around for gigs etc using public transport. It's also useful when it comes to applying for jobs.

choccyface2006

I passed my test in Nov last year, it cost me £1400, took 18 months and two tests. I feel very relieved that I've passed at last, the pressure from my (all driving) family was really getting to me. I'm 33 and when my 17 year old brother passed it was the push I needed.

Cost is a massive consideration, I started and stopped having lessons three times because I couldn't justify the cost to myself, but then I decided I had to get it over with and decided to do whatever it cost to get my license. I would like my daughters to learn to drive as soon as they are 17, before other financial commitments come along.

I certainly don't look down on those that don't drive, as I should know there are many reasons for not doing so. Its horrible being under pressure to learn to drive.

Sarah xx

betti911

Think I must have spent over £500 on driving lessons before I passed my test which I put on my credit card and am paying for now

Bambywamby

But you got there in the end... and as long as you don't give up, its worth the CC expense. X X

betti911

Yes you're right it is a useful skill. Wish someone could have taught me to moneysave earlier at the same time

Sa1sysoo

I admit I've not read all the posts here, but myself and hubby live and work near London, and even here we're met with the same surprise that we don't own a car!
Admittedly it would be more convenient to have a car to visit our respective parents (both an hours drive away), but both are accessible by public transport, and we can't justify the expense considering how much we would use it.
Plus it means when we go out, we can both drink! :beer:

exil

I didn't learn to drive until I was 29, OH still hasn't due to health problem.

Gave up driving to work (luckily I have the option to use public transport) as the journey was getting me down. Haven't regretted the decision. Only really keep the car for emergencies and occasional shopping trips or drives into the country on Sundays. Not sure I'll bother to replace it when it finally falls apart, can always use taxis or hire a car/van when needed.

3KIDSNOMONEY

I'm 29 and just had my first driving lesson now. So scared. Got 3 kids and feel guilty that I can't nip them off to places in the car. Not sure if i will be able to do it though. Public transport near me is not great and also works out quite expensive with a whole family.

Really want to do it, but lack of money and nerves might the better of me.

postingalwaysposting

3KIDSNOMONEY wrote: »

I'm 29 and just had my first driving lesson now. So scared. Got 3 kids and feel guilty that I can't nip them off to places in the car. Not sure if i will be able to do it though. Public transport near me is not great and also works out quite expensive with a whole family.

Really want to do it, but lack of money and nerves might the better of me.

3kids, i was the same and i was very very nervous, i have just finished a lesson and he said its the best driving i have had in ages i was a very very very nervous driver now though i am much better and much more confident... it does take a long time but you will get there everyone does :A