Any other non-drivers out there?

[Ghostcake]

Hi all.
I'm in my 40s, passed my driving test in my 30s (felt a lot of pressure from my ex & family 'what do you mean you don't drive?' & finally passed 4th time. Hated learning & only drove a few times after passing my test (I'm such a nervous driver & was involved in a nasty crash about 25 years ago when a friend was driving) and I genuinely feel so scared & anxious when I drive.
Anyway, haven't driven for about 4 years, live in a city do don't need a car but recently I've been feeling a bit like a loser - DS was like 'I'm the only child in my class without a car' & I started dating this guy & asked me what car I drive & I said I haven't got one at the moment but felt really embarrassed to tell him what a nervous driver I am!! I'm just wondering if there are any other nervous non-drivers out there & whether you feel this embarrassment? 😟

I don't drive, and no I don't feel any embarrassment. I've failed 4 times and honestly don't feel it's in my best interests to throw even more money at something that makes me miserable.
I'm no good at it, I'm just not.
But, I have always managed perfectly well on public transport and shank's pony, I don't scrounge for or expect lifts.
Though someone will be along shortly to say we're greatly lacking and missing an essential life skill, lazy and selfish because our friends will all have to arrange their lives around the likes of us without us asking or knowing.
There's few people less worthy on MN if previous threads are anything to go by.
🙄

@Doodiesbear - nice to hear from you! Thanks for replying. Yes, I don't rely on others at all - not even that keen on cars really. Have been known to accept the odd lift.
A few relatives think it's unbelievable that I am able to live my life/function reasonably well without a car.

Me. I was in two accidents as a passenger before I learned to drive and still surprised I passed first time 20 ish years ago. Over the years I have driven a handful of times. I don’t have to drive at the moment & I don’t want to. I don’t care what people in my life think about it, they haven’t lived or experienced what I have been through.

I work in the transport industry and a surprising number of my colleagues don't drive. For at least some of them it's a choice. They don't seem to be embarassed, even on the odd occasion when it becomes an issue.

There is nothing wrong with it if you can manage without - I know it's easier said than done but it's nothing to be embarassed about.

You could always say it's because you're so environmentally aware, if that helps!

I'm 30. 2 dcs. Never even gone in for a test. Had a few lessons in my teens but that was it.

I’ve never learnt. I’ve always managed fine with walking and public transport, but I haven’t used the train or bus since March and I don’t feel safe doing so which has left me feeling cut off for the first time in my life.
I’ve decided that once things have calmed down again, I’m going to learn to drive...at 51. I’m eager to start now I’ve made the decision but don’t want to be in a situation where I start learning and then have the Government put a stop to driving lessons. I’d like a clear run at it.

I find that when people find out that you don’t drive, the majority look at you as if you’ve got two heads and a lot ask questions and can’t understand how someone can manage without a car. It’s easy, it’s what I’m used to as my parents never had a car.

I’ve never relied on others for lifts, and I don’t even ask my husband for lifts. In fact he’d rather cycle, walk or take public transport than drive, even though his car is a necessity for his job.