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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not understand the obsession with driving / red flag if partner doesn’t drive?

388 replies

User7567 · 22/08/2024 22:04

Why is this such a big thing? I see so often here that people wouldn’t date someone who doesn’t drive. Neither me nor my husband drive (we both have a licence but no car). I just don’t see the point. I don’t enjoy it, the tube (we’re in London) is much quicker and more convenient, parking is a nightmare and expensive….these very few times we find ourselves in a position where public transport is not convenient, we call an Uber/taxi (approx once per month/once every two months). Works out so much cheaper than paying for congestion charge, parking, insurance, MOT etc. over the year. I’m glad that my partner sees it the same way and that we can invest the money we’d otherwise spend on a car elsewhere…obviously each to their own and so on, no one needs to care what works for us and I don’t care what others do, I’m just confused why the majority would consider us as a red flag for not driving.

OP posts:
moppety · 22/08/2024 22:13

I don't want to live in the city. We live fairly rurally and one person not being able to drive would be a real pain. I also think it's a bit of a life skill thing, and it would just be irritating to be with someone who had never learned, especially when you have kids who need to be ferried about places. Wouldn't say it's a red flag as such but definitely I'd find it off-putting in a potential partner if I was looking for one.

EmpressaurusDeiGatti · 22/08/2024 22:13

When my friend first met her ex, he didn’t drive & used to go everywhere by bike, & they were in an area with fairly crap public transport. That gradually morphed into him still not driving but expecting her to give him lifts everywhere while the bike sat at home.

I don’t drive, but I also didn’t depend on my ex to get me places.

MapleTreeValley · 22/08/2024 22:13

When DH and I lived in London we didn't have a car. Then we moved out of London and got a car. Most places aren't like London in terms of public transport.

Also, do you have kids? It's fine when each of you is responsible for your own transportation. But when you have kids, if one of you is doing all of the taking to birthday parties, activities etc it becomes very unfair.

comedycentral · 22/08/2024 22:13

I've never heard of it being a red flag to be honest.

Pomegranatecarnage · 22/08/2024 22:12

I was married to someone who had a licence but wouldn’t drive and it caused a lot of resentment. I had to drive all of the time and so was responsible for taking the kids to all their clubs, I always did the “big shop” etc. I wouldn’t consider dating someone who didn’t drive.

regementaria · 22/08/2024 22:11

You live somewhere you don’t need to drive so of course it’s not a red flag for you 🫠

I didn’t need to drive until I left London either

Bilbonne · 22/08/2024 22:11

It's just a thing on here, DS has a licence but doesn't drive as he lives in a city centre, he would have to have a flat with a parking place.

theeyeofdoe · 22/08/2024 22:10

The difference is that you live in London. Most places in the UK don't have good public transport and you end up driving them around.

Even still, I think being able to drive is a life skill and even when I lived in London, I wouldn't have dated someone who couldn't. There are times when you need to drive

BlindMiceThree · 22/08/2024 22:09

Is it a red flag? I can drive myself around.

SilenceInside · 22/08/2024 22:09

Consider you as a couple as a red flag? Not sure what this means.

I think there's a clear difference between someone who has clear reasons for not driving/having a car due to city centre living and environmental concerns, compared to someone who chooses to (try) to rely on other people to drive them places and experiences limits on their opportunities for work and so on as a result.

TickingAlongNicely · 22/08/2024 22:09

When one partner drives, and has a car, it can create an imbalance in a relationship. Especially in areas with little public transport.

Completely different to neither driving with good public transport!

Vonniee7 · 22/08/2024 22:08

Not everyone lives in London with good public transport. That's where it gets harder when you're always the designated driver!

Doggymummar · 22/08/2024 22:06

My partner doesn't drive. We get the train or walk, no red flags

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