Who's gonna drive you home tonight?
Another ‘request blog’ today, in response to this:
Mark, I wondered if some time you might like to write a blog about being a grown man unable to drive. We are in an extreme minority. In fact, I reckon I meet fewer people who share this unusual characteristic than my other ones (not drinking alcohol, not owning a mobile phone). Why do you not drive? Do you not want to, or just haven’t got round to it? What is people’s reaction when you tell them you don’t? Are you often pressured to learn by friends and family? I’d be interested to know. – Andrew
It’s true, being a non-driver at my advanced age of 50, or 30, or whatever it is does place you in a minority. There are certain minorities I’m happy to be part of, but being in this one does feel like something of a failure.
All the same, I’m fairly comfortable with my nondriverness.
It was never a conscious decision, but the fact is that at the age of 17, I didn’t feel anywhere near ready to take charge of a motor vehicle. In general I think this is a mentality that more people could do with adopting. The assumption that ‘anyone can drive’ has caused more deaths than I care to think about. Quite a lot of people could do the world a great service by not going anywhere near the driver’s seat. However, in my case it was (at least in part) a symptom of the cowardice which has defined a fair bit of my life. To put it simply, I thought I’d probably be shit at driving, so it was better not to even try. And if that’s your mindset at 17, you’re only going to get more and more like that. Learning to drive is a good example of something you should get out of the way early; the more you go through life not having done it, the more it feels silly to try and do it.
It’s been quite rarely in my adult life that I’ve regretted this gap (one among quite a number) in my accomplishments. In my early career as a club comic, I would rely heavily on lifts from other comedians. Sometimes, this would result in my being dumped in Central London, an hour’s bus ride from where I lived, at 2am after a gig where I’d only been on stage for ten minutes. It would be raining or snowing and the birds would be singing by the time I got home, and it seemed like I would probably be well advised to give up comedy and do something more sensible like dentistry. But even then, I didn’t really regret being a non-driver. I think if I’d had to drive to all the shit gigs I did between 2002 and 2006, I would have been even more knackered and discouraged and perhaps let it go altogether.
However, now that I’m a dad, there are many moments when I wish I could drive a car. There is no doubt that at some point I’ll have to acquire this skill to avoid being the Weird Dad Who Can’t Pick His Son Up From The Party. And when I’ve got my L Plates, and people can peer into the car and clearly see that I’m 35, I will feel pretty stupid for not getting this out of the way when I was half that age. But that’s the way it goes; better late, I suppose.
So, in conclusion: I never thought I’d be good at driving, and I don’t want to drive, and I’ve never needed to drive that much. But the day is coming when it will become an inevitability.
Non-drinking and non-mobile-phone-ownership, I can’t help you with. Andrew, you are a rare specimen.
Posted by Tibbs on February 16, 2011
I never bothered to learn how to drive, partly because my older brother hadn’t yet learned and none of my friends were planning to, and partly because we didn’t own a car and I didn’t see the point. A decade later, I’ve decided that this is the year I’m going to learn. Of course, I decided that last year as well, but hopefully this year I’ll actually follow through! My worry, though, is that once I start driving I’ll just drive everywhere. I will have to make sure I still walk and take the bus whenever possible.
Posted by Jan Cosgrove (Mr) on January 20, 2011
Somewhat older than Mark, as a teenager and in my 20s (1960s) I used to get stick from ALL my mates for darkly predicting the outcome of the selfish obsession with the car. I was right they were wrong. I decided not to drive also because I am apt to be easily distracted by the more interesting things seen from car windows, and also because I crashed a tractor on a golf course through a fence and almost into a posh hotel’s lake. Got distracted and cocky. But now I work to promote the child’s right to play. Soon to publish, a quantitative estimate of the street play space near to home lost to our kids by the creeping privatisation of space by parking of cars. Scary. But there are less kids today …. Proportionately yes, in numbers – 11.5 million in 1901, 1931 and now. No, playing fields and play areas have not made up the loss of space.
Posted by Gavin Cruickshank on January 12, 2011
After passing my test in 2001 at the age of eighteen, I owned the same Vauxhall Corsa for eight years, but I was only ever driving it at weekends, in fact some people didn’t even know that I’d passed my test.
I sold it almost exactly a year ago and there are times when I miss it, but I’m used to taking buses or walking and I don’t really need it. I still have my licence tho’. One day I’d like to get back behind the wheel.
I’d really like to have free run of a race track and see if the car can really reach the top number on the speedometer.
Posted by Nick on January 11, 2011
I guess you’ve probably seen Dara O’Briain’s learning-to-drive-aged-over-30 bit? I like it
Let that give you the confidence you need to start learning now.
Posted by Glamlovinkitty on January 10, 2011
I passed my test when I was 18 (I’m now 39), but was a student and couldnt afford a car and didnt have access to one. I lived in the city so it wasnt a big deal. When I met Adam and he moved up here, with his car, I had access to it but he doesn’t drink, so he drove us everywhere we needed to go.
At the beginning of the year – 20 years after I’d last driven – we moved a bit out of the city and public transport is pretty crap so I thought, I’ll have a few refresher lessons. I found I was now absolutely terrified of driving but took a course of refresher lessons and was doing ok. And then two weeks later, another car hit us. I wasnt driving and it was totally the other guy’s fault. But it was so scary I haven’t driven again since. What a waste of money and effort. I feel horribly dependent on A to do the driving and that sucks.
Posted by Madeleine on January 7, 2011
I’m 17, the age most people (and a lot of my friends) are getting their licenses, but I have no intention of going for mine. I got my learners as soon as I could about 18 months ago, but then thought “well, I’m always going to live in the city, I’m not interested in owning a car and I frequently vague out and don’t pay much attention to what’s going on around me…” and decided against the actual “driving” part.
Seeing that there are successful adults who never learned to drive is actually heartening, not that I was that worried. I like walking and catching busses and never having to be the designated driver.
Posted by Clembear on January 6, 2011
Andrew for a very long time my brother didn’t own a mobile, doesn’t drink and doesn’t drive. He’s only begrudgingly got the mobile though, so he’s with you in spirit.
This can be a fun new game – traits with a low but plausible overlap. My go: women who read comics but don’t find Neil Gaiman attractive.
Posted by Anna on January 6, 2011
I’m 29, don’t drive, and have no intention of learning. I know I’d be bad at it, it’s too damn expensive, and, anyway, there’s no way I’m driving my husband’s car-it has an alarming habit of cutting out when he stops at junctions.
Sometimes I think it would be nice to drive, particularly at the moment when I’m heaviy pregnant, it’s raining all the time, and I have a toddler who has learnt to say ‘no, walk’ when confronted with the pushchair. But then I remember that I’d probably kill either myself or someone else within about 3 lessons.
I’ve never found it too much of a hinderance, anyway, not even when I was 18 and lived so far out in the countryside that, if you missed the bus on Tuesday, you had to wait until Saturday for the next one.
Posted by Lisa D on January 6, 2011
I learned at 28. I had a car for a bit but the cost was getting out of hand. I’m glad I learned as an adult actually. I think it contributed to being a bit calmer behind the wheel. No way I could have handled it at 16; I was a mess in those days. Still, now that I’m back to living in a city I’m relieved not to have a car
Posted by Lydia on January 6, 2011
I guess it’s easier for you living in a city, if you lived in say… Devon, where the bus service is shit then I think you’d probably want to learn.
I’m 18 and I can’t drive because I can’t afford to learn or own a car, so it’s not something that I’ve really thought that much about. I imagine I will probably be terrified when I do try and learn.
I don’t think you have any reason to feel stupid for learning later. I’m sure there are loads of people in your position. And like lots of people have said, where you live there really isn’t much need so it’s probably pretty common. I think learning and proving yourself wrong (something I’m sure you would do) will be really good for you. x
Posted by Megan on January 6, 2011
I should add that I learned at 17 because of a) pressure from my mother and b) a boyfriend who lived in the outer suburbs and had an unreliable car himself. I was not a good driver. It took three tries to get my license.
Posted by Megan on January 6, 2011
I learned to drive at 17, my younger brother at 24 (largely to get our mother to/from hospital appointments), and my older brother never.
My older brother is a quick-tempered-yet-neurotic city-dweller 4-EVA, so he knew (and my mother knew before him) that learning to drive might not work so well. His spatial awareness and sense of direction are even worse than mine (I get lost in the city where I’ve lived for most of my 33 years) too. He doesn’t need to drive and will probably never learn. (He’s not a fan of children, so the chauffeuring to hockey practice/birthday parties factor doesn’t come into play.)
Anyway, I don’t think you need to learn to drive if you don’t want to. London is pretty awesome for that.
Posted by Rachael on January 6, 2011
I can’t drive either, I tried learning at 17 but it terrifed me and my instructor told me I was dangerous and might kill someone. After that I resigned myself to getting the bus for the rest of my life, which is pretty annoying when you live in the middle of nowhere. Not as annoying as people constantly asking why I still can’t drive and telling me I need to get on with it pronto.
Posted by Becca on January 6, 2011
I am 20, passed at 18 and it took me just over a year and four tests to pass:
1st – my local test centre closed a week before my test so I was thrown into a new area in torrential rain, my examiner used his dual controls (instructors and examiners have a brake and clutch pedal for those that don’t know) so I failed, though I still disagree that it was my fault as I’m certain I wasn’t about to hit anything and my examiner was just being overcautious. PLUS in this test I got a minor because some idiot literally crossed the road in front of me without looking and I should have been aware this was going to happen…
2nd – Again, a new area – where you have to pull out of the test centre onto a dual carriageway! – plus a very crabby instructor who gave me 3 majors and 17 minors (I kid you not) mean that I am certain this one wasn’t my fault (he claimed I nearly hit a car at a roundabout but I think I’d remember that?)
3rd – definately was my fault, I messed up one of my manoevers and failed
4th – FINALLY got there but nearly hit the wall of the test centre as I pulled back in haha whoops
Then my dad had basically rebuilt a Mini for me (he’s an ebay monster) and so I took that out when it was done, which was 6 months after I passed…and wrote it off an hour later by driving into the side of a Jaguar, driven by a driving instructor who taught people how to drive in Minis…(a lot of you are probably thinking I’m not safe on the road now.)
It’s been a year and a half since I crashed and I have had a new car for the majority of that (I saw new, it’s about 15 years old but I love it) and funnily enough crashing was probably one of the best things that could have happened because it made me face my fears of certain aspects of driving such as motorways, multi-storey car parks, etc. Don’t get me wrong, the crash still makes me feel horrifically guilty and physically sick, and I can’t even remember the actual event because I’ve completely blocked it out, but it made me just confront things. I do think after a certain period of time people should have to retake the test though.
Gosh, I don’t comment often, but when I do they turn into essays… Anyway, what I wanted to say was, the majority of the people I know can drive, but even after passing you have to get the car and everything. I know someone who passed when he was 17 but hasn’t driven since! I don’t think there’s any shame in not knowing how because it’s not like there’s not other ways to get around, there’s a lot of public transport which sounds expensive but really once you balance out the cost of insurance, tax, petrol and parking on your car then it’s practically free.
Posted by Katy on January 6, 2011
I had lessons when I was about 20 and my instructor shouted at me a lot so I gave up. I was really good at the maneuvers but awful at driving on roads with other vehicles so its probably just as well that I gave it up.
Living in London now I dont feel the need to drive as Im quite handy for all means of transport. Plus I like drinking too much so doubt I’d ever be sober enough to get behind the wheel.
Posted by Craig on January 6, 2011
24 and can’t drive.
- never had the money
- or the time (uni, work)
- live in london so less of a need
Noone NEEDS to drive, and if you learn at 35 you shouldn’t feel stupid at all. You in fact should feel proud that you did things on your terms and not as part of a herd of sheep.
Posted by Phill on January 6, 2011
Mark, just to encourage you – my sister learnt to drive when she was in her late thirties. Now she’s a confident driver. It’s not common (learning late, not a woman being a confident driver) but it can definitely be done.
Posted by Andrew on January 6, 2011
Now how’s that for service, an instant blog upon my whim. Thanks Mark. Nice to read someone point out that, yes, if you don’t mind a small amount of inconvenience then it really is possible to manage without driving. Of course, in the quick-fix, instant-gratification, get-a-comedian-to-write-something-I-want-to-read-NOW world that is the 21st century, a small amount of inconvenience is anathema to most of us. Like you, I’ve regretted it rarely, I suspect just from the “can’t miss what you’ve never had” perspective. If I had my time over again, and someone warned me in my early twenties that my vow of never having children wouldn’t quite work out that way, I’d force myself to learn (thanks for the new nickname – the Weird Dad Who Can’t Pick His Son Up From The Party). It isn’t fair on my wife to have to do all the ferrying around. But it’s never going to happen now, the older I get the more nervous I get in cars just as a passenger. The idea of driving one now is simply terrifying.
Interesting comments as well. I haven’t done a statistical analysis (which I realise is pretty much a sin on this blog) but I think a clear majority of the people saying they are comfortable with not driving are women. Even in 2011, a year which to someone nearly 43 sounds like it belongs only in the title of a science fiction film, I suspect it is ‘easier’ for a woman to be a non-driver than a man, in the sense that there is less expectation. Driving is a fundamental part of bloke culture, and to not be able to engage in ‘Top Gear’ style banter is up there with not being able to offer your tip for the Premiership (although contrary to popular myth there are loads and loads of men who don’t like football, whereas there are hardly any who can’t drive). I should perhaps say, for fear of any of this being inadvertently construed as sexism (which I doubt will happen with the generally raised IQ round here, but you can’t be too careful), that in my experience women are generally better drivers than men. Certainly young men – if I were a benevolent despot the first thing I’d do is ban any man under 21 from driving.
Kudos to Laura B for her stint as a non-drinking non-driver, too. I still have fun with that one.
Posted by Sue (Dib) on January 6, 2011
I was a late starter too. I passed my test at 35 years old. I just wasn’t ready for it before then, and I also had no real need to drive until the children got a bit older and needed transport to and from things.
Now, ten years later, I still don’t like driving much, well, it’s ok, but other drivers make me nervous. The emptier the road, the more relaxing the drive. And I’m not happy out of my area either, but having sat-nav makes me less afraid of getting lost… most of the time.
And I agree with the person that said to go for an automatic license. I started lessons in a manual and I was so freaked out by trying to concentrate on changing gears inside the car and keeping an eye on what was going on outside the car at the same time that I gave up and got auto lessons instead. It takes the pressure off.
My son is 20 and has no intention of ever learning to drive. He relies mostly on his pushbike, plus buses, trains, and lifts. My daughter is 18 and she has her (auto) license and her own car. They surprised me, I thought it would be the other way around, but I’m glad it’s not; she is a much more sensible driver than he would be… he quite often passes cars on his pushbike!
Posted by Chris on January 6, 2011
I didn’t start to learn to drive until I was 30, pretty much for the same reasons you describe. It was terrifying, but we moved to the country and so I needed to learn. It took over a year, and two attempts at the test, but I am pleased I did it. I’ve been driving for 2 years now, and still find it terrifying at times, but I love the freedom it gives. Also, more than anything else in my life, I feel very grown-up when I’m driving.
One thing – if you do decide to learn, do not have your first lessons in London. Wait until you’ve mastered the basics. Bitter experience leads me to give this advice.
Also, the test gets harder as time goes on. When my friends took the test at 17 all they had to do was drive around without crashing and identify a few signs. When I took it, I had to do a written test, a “hazard perception” test, be able to identify parts of the engine…etc, as well as drive around. You should do it before you have to show you can build the car from scratch…
Posted by Tracey on January 6, 2011
Hi Mark. I attempted to learn to drive when we were stationed in Germany – a whole different set of rules! Mastering those wasn’t too bad but mastering my nerves was beyond me, I’d be sick before the test. I tried again but then morning sickness came along and so I gave up. Also, after suffering two slipped discs, I’ve had no desire to do it again and am somewhat spoilt having a husband who’ll take me anywhere I wish to go. I’m a bit of a hermit as well and don’t go out that often – mainly due to pain and frequent bouts of insomnia. Here’s another confession that I’ve only admitted to here. I don’t own a mobile either. Being a housewife, I don’t really have the use for one. My daughter and husband have their mobiles, laptops and my daughter is keen on learning to drive. I know I’m probably a step slower than everyone else but at 47 I’m pretty set in my ways now. If you do decide to learn to drive, I wish you all the best with it. Tracey x
Posted by Laura-B on January 6, 2011
I don’t drive either, and I’m 25. I think it was for similar reasons to Mark – I didn’t think I’d be any good at it. I had lessons for a while, but gave up when I went travelling and haven’t started up again yet (a year and a half later!). I get a LOT of pressure to learn; people who don’t drive can’t comprehend not driving. For a couple of years I was a non-driver and a non-drinker, and then people just assumed I was selfish! Here was I, a potential designated driver, but I couldn’t even drive. What a waste!
I do want to learn, sort of, but there’s things I’d much rather spend the money on.
Posted by Joelle on January 6, 2011
Being 16 in Australia, means I’m able to learn to drive. I was nervous at first that I’d fail miserably, and after I’d sort of got the hang of it, I was fearful that I’d never get any better than where I was at then.
If you’re worried about failing, I’d just go for your automatic licence rather than a manual. I started in a manual just to get the hang of steering and all the controls and it’s fairly simple compared to a manual.
After thinking I’d be a terrible driver, I’ve got a test in just over a month. If I pass I have to stay on my Ls for another 6 months before I can even get my Ps. Stupid system, but that’s beside the point.
I definitely think you should give it a shot this year if you can find the time. We’re all here to give you support!
In summary, automatic not manual will lead to definite success and do it now.
Posted by Dan on January 6, 2011
Good for you! I can’t drive. I’ve passed my driving test but thats different. The thought of being behind the wheel of something that can easily kill people terrifies me.
Posted by Rachel/Pandora on January 6, 2011
I think my driving experience is pretty similar to Anna’s. Like it, cry about it, nearly die and then it becomes a habit.I had to learn, as my university course meant we were sent on placements that were within a 80 mile radius of our campus, and I didn’t fancy a million buses or trains every day.
I quite like driving. It does help that I’m more than a bit in love with my little car. It’s normal to give your car a hug before you drive him somewhere, right…?
Posted by Kate W on January 5, 2011
I’m now 35 (ie older than Mark) and can’t drive. Had lessons when I was 17, took my test, failed it – on a roundabout, damn – and then as a student just couldn’t afford more lessons to take it again. I never consciously intended to be a non-driver, but living in London it genuinely isn’t a problem (appreciate it could be if I lived elsewhere) and the occasions when I really wish I could drive are rare.
I sometimes think it’s a skill I should acquire just because, but (in contrast to people like Anna, who drove when younger and then stopped for a bit) I don’t really think I’d be that safe behind the wheel. Since I don’t need and can’t afford a car, I’d be passing my test to then not drive until I went on holiday/moved house and hired a car, which doesn’t seem a great idea.
Posted by Helen on January 5, 2011
It is comforting to know that you didn’t feel ready at 17, I’m 18 and really believe I am in no way ready to drive, I had a few lessons but I am far too nervous. I tried to pull out of a junction once. Awful.
But I am more than happy to be a non driver and am determined to prove all the people wrong who seem to think I won’t be able to cope without a car. In fact it has got to the point that every time someone tells me I need to learn I add 1-2 years (depending on their tone) on to how long I’m going to wait until I learn. Current score means it is going to be at least a decade…so, there you go, it is good old spite that’s cutting my carbon emissions.
Posted by Anna Lowman on January 5, 2011
That random ‘going’ should read ‘hoping’, sorry.
Posted by Anna Lowman on January 5, 2011
I learnt right away at 17 and if my experience is anything to go by, you like it for a little bit, hate it so much you feel sick and tear-y for a bit, you have a near-death experience and then muscle memory starts to take hold and you don’t mind it so much anymore. I have to say, being able to give my dad a break from all the driving for me, mum and my brother made it feel pretty worthwhile. Then I moved to London and haven’t been behind the wheel since. I’m going it’s like riding a bike, but then I haven’t ridden one of those in years either so maybe I’ve forgotten how to do that as well.
Posted by Ally on January 5, 2011
I’m still learning to drive, I’m outting much more of an effort into it now simply because I’m starting to feel guilty about having to get lifts from friends all the time. I don’t like it though, but I’m told that a side effect of not having driven a lot yet.
Posted by Someone on January 5, 2011
I think I’d be more alright with not being able to drive if I lived next to public transport. Otherwise it feels sort of isolating. But then I’m a bit of a hermit anyway… so not the absolute end of the world. Don’t know if I can get to Torquay gig in February unfortunately because of this very topic. Have been hoping, but buses don’t run even anywhere near my house after 6pm & I dont see an alternative. So that side sort of sucks. As I say though, will move to a train station when I can and then there won’t be a problem! If I could drive I know I’d be terrible anyway. Definitely one of them types who was not born to have vehicle responsibility. I’d get to a t-junction and that’d be it; I’d let the world out first.
Posted by Emily on January 5, 2011
I’m 17, passed my driving test a couple of weeks ago, and am terrified all the time. Mark, Andrew, and all other non-drivers, at the moment I envy you. I’m now the family taxi. They don’t seem bothered that I only spent 2 months learning, by some fluke passed, and now drive the safety equivalent of a crisp packet with a lawn mower engine! I also thought I’d be crap at it, but I live somewhere with no buses, so sort of needed to.
My Chemistry teacher only just passed and he’s about 39, and my driving instructor said quite a few of his students were older than him. More common to wait than I thought. Insurance is definitely cheaper.
Petrol costs a bomb, insurance (for 17 year olds) even more, and lorry/van/taxi drivers are mental. Driving is overrated.
Posted by Kathryn on January 5, 2011
I seem to be in the minority amongst blog readers, but I drive. Although it did take me 8 attempts to pass the test. It was just something I was expected to do because my dad doesn’t drive due to extremely bad eyesight and our family needed another car. I don’t know whether it’s also a cultural thing- everyone I knew at school learnt to drive. Having a car is incredibly useful at home but I don’t miss it when I’m at university and I can just walk everywhere. The best bit is being able to turn the music up and sing without anyone listening, rather than the actual driving bit.
Posted by Josie on January 5, 2011
I turn 17 in one month and 10 days and I cannot wait to drive. My Dad has Parkinson’s Disease so I suppose most of the things I’ll be doing will be running errands for him and doing the shopping and stuff so I can’t wait to be able to help! Also, it will be nice to be able to drive myself home from work instead of having to take a bus journey that adds 55 minutes onto a 5 minute car journey.
Posted by Misha on January 5, 2011
The first time I got behind the wheel of the car was the first time I really /properly/ swore infront of my Dad. I started to learn because cars are his “thing” he works for Landrover, has 2 classic cars (read: rusting wrecks) and he likes them. Therefore I was pretty much shoved into it. The day of my 17th birthday I went up at down the lane at about 10 miles an hour chanting “fuck fuck fuck oh bollocks there’s someone coming the other way oh god we’re going to die oh fuck”.
And then somewhere along the line I passed my test. I’m now legally allowed behind the wheel of a car and when driving I usually nearly kill myself about once a week.
Interestingly though, relating to your point about it, my driving instructor stated that she didn’t think everyone should or could drive. As she said, it’s one of those things that everyone expects to be able to do, but actually it’s quite difficult and some people shouldn’t bother trying. She did mean it kindly.
Anyway, my Grandma is now in her 80′s, and she’s never bothered to learn to drive, proving it to be eminently doable. In the modern world driving is fantastically expensive anyway.
I’ll shut up now, this comment has gotten overly long.
Posted by Anji on January 5, 2011
I’m 28 and don’t drive! I never have needed too, always lived close to the city centre, and was happy walking/taking public transport/getting lifts. Still pretty much the same now.
I did begin to learn a year and a bit ago, but when I quit my job for health stuff, having no money put an end to that. And now I just plain can’t afford to start learning again, but I want too. Which I’ve never felt before, it was always just because, but I do now feel a wanting. Not that I could afford to run a car, but to have a pinky/red drivers license instead of the green one that’ve had since i was 17 would be quite nice!
When it comes to others reactions, I find people just assume I do drive, and unless it’s really important I don’t bother correcting them. Its not a big deal to me! But in the remaining 9 years and 1 month left of this blog I will at some point learn to drive….so, er, watch this space!
Posted by louisel on January 5, 2011
I turn 17 in three months, and I really don’t know if I want to learn to drive. I was pretty sure I did until I heard about the traumatic experiences my friends are having learning to drive (seriously, one keeps having nightmares about roundabouts). I know it’ll be useful in a few years, but driving looks terrifying! I’m hopeless under pressure, so there’s a good chance I would panic and crash into a tree if someone beeped their horn at me.
I think I’ll stick to buses for now. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one though
Posted by Dawn on January 5, 2011
I’ve never been able to afford to run a car but I don’t feel that I have missed out on anything:)
Walking enables me to indulge in my addiction to chocolate and there are plenty of buses and trains around.
Posted by Aislinn on January 5, 2011
That is rare, but I commend Andrew for holding down all three of those infrequent traits. Go Andrew! I’m 20 and never learnt to drive, but less out of lack of confidence and far more from being ridiculously sensible with money and stubborn in my ways of believing I could get around just as easily on my bike and public transport. So far, life has proved me right, though I suppose it’s not half as unusual at this age to be unable to drive and that problems may be encountered later.
Posted by MusicalLottie on January 5, 2011
I’m a non-drinker! Hello Andrew! I do own a mobile and drive though, so …
I think living as you do in London driving is less of a necessity than if you were to live somewhere such as here, where the footpath stretches from not-quite one end of the village to nowhere-near the other end. And buses … what are they?
It’s only through necessity that I learned to drive (I passed my test aged 20 after much procrastination) despite my fear of it, and I rather enjoy driving now. Well, out in the countryside I do anyway; I’m not very keen on town driving.