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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

"I don't drive"

269 replies

AmusingSpoonerism · 15/12/2015 03:50

I know IprobablyABU but this turn of phrase really winds me up. People say "I don't drive" when they mean "I cannot drive" or "I am not legally entitled to drive". It's not like they just decided that it's not something they'd like to do anymore so stopped. It really (unreasonably) winds me up.

Am I the only one?

OP posts:
NinjaLeprechaun · 15/12/2015 07:20

I don't drive, but whether that's because I can't or because I won't is nobody's business but mine.

In actual fact I can drive, have my license, and will drive if I have to, but I don't like to and I don't own a car. So in most situations, when asked, I just say I don't drive. It is the simplest version of the truth.

Fratelli · 15/12/2015 07:21

Hmm I don't think it's worth getting annoyed over tbh. I know many people who can drive as they hold a license but don't drive. Many students and many older people. Also, a lot of people ask "do you drive" rather than "can you drive". I am now insured on dp's car but before that I said I didn't drive as it was true although I have had a licence for almost 8 years.

TheSultanofPingu · 15/12/2015 07:22

I am not legally entitled to drive just sounds ridiculous Op. Who says that?!!

BikeRunSki · 15/12/2015 07:25

My grandmother didn't drive. She was perfectly capable, had a licence, had access to a car she was insured to drive and no medical issues. She just chose not to. It was unladylike.

londonrach · 15/12/2015 07:29

I can drive and have a car and drive happily around my local area but i dont drive into the city and therefore can only work at the clinic that is accessible by train. Luckily my colleagues understand as they dont drive into the city for the same reasons i state.

Outaboutnowt · 15/12/2015 07:30

I can drive - quite well I think can't park for shit though but I never took my test and haven't had much time for more driving lessons recently.
So I don't drive. It is something I don't currently do, but I can do it.

My brother made a pointed decision to never be a driver (not sure why) so he says he doesn't drive. He's chosen not to, not just never got round to, and he could drive if he had to.

No idea why it winds you up OP!

StillStayingClassySanDiego · 15/12/2015 07:32

Some smart arse will be here soon questioning why we non drivers didn't learn Smile.

Gwenhwyfar · 15/12/2015 07:34

"But people who have never learned get my UNREASONABLE IRE"

Have you seen the cost of driving lessons?
And then if you pass, but can't afford to run a car you get out of practice and are still someone who doesn't drive.

KaraokeQueenOfTheNorth · 15/12/2015 07:40

But I don't drive! None of your business why, all you need to know (if you have asked me, that is) is that I don't.

And I never, ever follow that up with "so you'll have to pick me up". I don't drive (for undisclosed reasons) so it's my responsibility to get where I need to be...

Out of interest, hypothetically, what do you think people's reactions would be if the answer to the "do you drive?" Question was "no, I think cars are dangerous, bad for our environment and generally evil, so I choose not to further endanger people or pollute the world and I don't own a car. I tend to walk most places" - would it be better recieved than a simple "No, I don't drive"?!

Aeroflotgirl · 15/12/2015 07:42

I failed various driving tests, I cannot drive. I often say I don't drive, but I don't because I failed my tests.

KingJoffreyLikesJaffaCakes · 15/12/2015 07:43

If I drove I'd shout 'Poop poop!' like Toad Of Toad Hall.

I guess that's one incentive.

And I'd want VW Campervan. An old one, with rust.

KingJoffreyLikesJaffaCakes · 15/12/2015 07:46

...

PinkSquash · 15/12/2015 07:49

When I get asked by drivers why I didn't learn to drive -after the 'do you drive?' conversation- they always ask Why? in a quizzical tone, as if it's some mystifying thing.

Rattner · 15/12/2015 07:52

This thread. Jesus...

StillStayingClassySanDiego · 15/12/2015 07:53

I tried manual and automatic, I'm great driving the bloody thing in a straight line and round corners Wink.

It's junctions where I failed, my judgment and fear of pulling out make me a liability plus I'm a bit of a 'dolly day dreamer'.

StillStayingClassySanDiego · 15/12/2015 07:53

Rattner why the Jesus...?

TheSultanofPingu · 15/12/2015 07:55

I think it boils down to the fact that people who have never learned to drive get your UNREASONABLE IRE.

Seriously though, unless they are hassling you for lifts, why does it matter?

StillStayingClassySanDiego · 15/12/2015 07:57

People get rattled over some strange things, it's daft and a waste of one's ire Smile.

Thurlow · 15/12/2015 07:58

But people who have never learned get my UNREASONABLE IRE

Biscuit
Mossend · 15/12/2015 07:59

I don't drive.
I am legally allowed to drive having passed my test more than 20 years ago, I drove for years but now chose not to drive because I really dislike driving.

timelytess · 15/12/2015 07:59

It was unladylike
Oh, that's my reason from now on! I shall be the perfect lady and catch a bus. Grin

DingbatsFur · 15/12/2015 08:02

If all the non drivers drove and bought cars then surely no one would get anywhere with all the traffic?

Shakey15000 · 15/12/2015 08:02

I'm in the category of I can drive but would say "I don't drive". Because I'm shit at it.

Yabu Smile

MrsJayy · 15/12/2015 08:06

Saying i dont drive ,is quicker than saying i can drive but i cant pass a test i also failed my theroy my mind went blank and i panicked i did take lessons and a driving test before the theroy came out but i failed that
. If i said all that your eyes would glaze over and you would lose the will to live I dont drive tells you all you need to know

Jux · 15/12/2015 08:12

I don't drive. I never have. Initially it was a cjoice. I lived in central London and keeping a car was ridiculously expensive, and as the roads were so clogged and slow, keeping a car was also pretty pointless. I walked lots, used pub trans a lot, and knew that I would be doing that whether I had a car or not.

Now I live in the country (small market town actually). Pub trans is dreadful. Nevertheless, I still don't drive because I have a neurological condition and I don't trust my reflexes or the quickness of my brain in making decisions. My gp thinks I'd be fine, but I'm not convinced. Paying for a license, lessons, insurance etc, all too expensive.

I have and did make a decision not to drive. It's mainly in order to stop me killing anyone, but also a financial decision.

It is a decision nevertheless. And a pain in the arse.

So:

I don't drive,