Designated driver...

[Loopylala7]

If you offer a friend a lift on a night out, should it be you or the friend who dictates when you leave? Was a little taken aback to be told that we should leave as getting a little late (for them not me). Had it been me accepting the lift I would have said, not to worry I would get a taxi as wouldn't have been more than £4 at most for the tiny distance.

I'd either leave when the driver was ready to or get a taxi.

I would leave when the driver leaves

if I wanted to go early I would get a taxi

If I am driving I choose when and what the music is. They are just the rules.

Hmmm, maybe I was a bit of a walk over as just relented, then regretted it later. Don't think I'll be so forthcoming with lift offers to particular friend from now on!

oh yes driver chooses the music

Whoever is driving gets to decide time of arriving, leaving, and music. Obviously.

Do you mean lift home, at the end of the night?
When the arrangements were being made, I'd have sorted out that kind of detail - so "Thanks, but I do want to be home by x o'clock" so I'll drive myself / get a lift in with you and get a taxi back" type of thing, which obviously leaves you free to say "that's fine" or "Well, I prob won't stay late either" or whatever suits you.
If the person has unexpectedly wanted to go home early (say, developed a headache / other illness) I'd expect them to suggest a taxi, but would expect the driver to say "Don't be silly, I'll take you".
As the driver, I wouldn't jump to demands, but with all social situations,(like splitting the bill or not) it always helps if everyone's clear what you all want to do from the outset.

Well I offered lift there, but no discussion had about expectations of leaving at x time

Driver is in charge. I'm never the designated driver

I'm always the designated driver. My passengers go home when I tell them to :) If they want to go home before I do then they get a taxi or organise a lift with someone else.