To think you that are not truely independent until you can drive!

[angelicstar]

Ok - I admit to being a bit of a zealot about driving as I've just passed my test in my 30's and am a total convert!!

But honestly I have never felt so free. I finally feel like I don't have to rely on anyone (usually got lifts from DH/Dad/Friends etc). I'm not at the mercy of public transport and never have to get soaking wet walking in the rain again.

I wish someone had made me do this years ago and I would really encourage anyone thinking about learning to drive to do so - it has made such a difference to me (and if I can pass anyone can!)

I agree with the feeling that the OP has because I passed my test last year and I do feel it has changed a lot of things for me. I do feel more able to 'get up and go' on the spur of the moment rather than trawling online timetables etc for public transport. I do live not having to stand in the rain or snow at the bus stop waiting for an overcrowded bus. I know it costs a lot in petrol, mot. Tax and insurance but I do soooooo love being able to drive!!!

Oh aye, did you build it yourself? And the roads? Mine the metals?

No one is independent.

"Anyhow I've discovered another plus side, no chance of me and MissFaversham ever getting it on now. Think I'll cope..."

And somehow I think I may just scrape by with that knowledge too Penelope

sharpens tallons

My grandad was a miner and my cousin works on the roads, therefore by proxiy i bloody well did

"proxy" of course.

My DBro is 28, lives with my mum rent-free . His car was bought by my mum and she gives him petrol money.

Do you think he is independent and a proper grown-up?

I'm 32, live alone hundreds of miles from my family. I travel all over the place on public transport

YABU. I've had epilepsy since childhood. I have grand mal seizures around once every few months. This is as controlled as I have ever been seizure wise.
I will never qualify for a driving license. But I consider myself to be independent. It annoys me when people see driving as the be all and end all. It's not possible for some.

I am very independent already and I'm learning to drive now, in my thirties.

I still manage to get around by bus or train and my DC don't miss out on trips out.

But, I think having a car will just mean I can do all the little things which I can't do as easily now, such as nipping to the tip or making dropping one of the kids off at a party that's miles away easier. It will also mean I can be more flexible with placements/work.

If you drive already those reasons might sound daft but it will make a difference to me. I hate asking anyone to help me out with a lift to a party or whatever.

AIBU to think that your a total dick?
No i didnt think so.
Go gloat somewhere else with all those independant driving people. Fuckwit.

There always sad/exceptional circumstances but I have no doubt in MY mind that learning to drive DID allow me to become more independent/open up more opportunities for me.

That is my opinion of course and I can totally understand where the OP and all who agree with her are coming from.

I dont rely on a car to get me anywhere. once, when DH and I were on holiday we had an argument, we were in a tiny spanish village, so I stormed off, caught the bus and spent the day in Granada. THATS being independent. YABU

AIBU to think that puds is a tad jealous? I might me but there again that is my opinion.

I totally agree with you. Being able to drive gives you a freedom and an independence you can't get with public transport.

Busses, trains etc all work to a schedule. Walking will only get you so far.

Being able to just jump in the car and go anywhere is amazing. (and I do, middle of the day, DD looking a bit bored, hop in the car, chuck loads of stuff in the boot, blast out Disney junior theme tunes and drive hours to the beach!

(and how impossible are big food shops with DC and no car! Ridiculous!)

Oh and congratulations OP

surely its down to the persn though? I know too many people who wouldnt know how to get about without their car. I am never late, DH and I both work, we live in a small village with not so great buses... but driving isnt an issue. I am independent and resourceful

No im not jealous thanks MrsF i am just fed up of people trting to force me to drive when i have no interest in it.
I manage to be independent without a car. Also means im not reliant on a fucking machine, and that i dont waste loads of money on petrol and dont get road rage.

I'm glad i've got a car but they are a huge financial drain.

Service, road tax, MOT, petrol and sky-high insurance - i reckon mine costs about £3k a year to run

oh, and big food shops are ok. i either get them delivered or get a taxi home.

the attitude of driving zealots pisses me right off. i like not driving.

No puds you just RAGE everywhere else then

sleepy now

I don't drive but nor am I dependent on anyone. What a strange OP

Oracle - you get a taxi home? Surely if you take taxis you could see the plus of having your own car??

It's probably cheaper to take taxis than run a car atm.

My dream is to driiiiiiiiiive on and on. Across America maybe. Wind in my hair, stopping when I feel like it. Somewhere hot definitely. France would do at a push.
Sigh.
Also handy for helping people out with hospital trips. Btw, lifts for the DC's friends when they're chattering away in the back forgetting about the driver in the front can be very informative.....

It is blinking handy to be able to drive, but I suppose, if someone is happy using public transport, then good for them.

Though, in my (real) life, the people around me who can't drive tend to be constantly on the cadge for lifts, are unable to join in with many activities (we are rural) and are generally a bloody nuisance.