to think people who can't drive but want to should learn?

[branflake81]

I've noticed that on a lot of threads people use the reason that they can't drive for not being able to go to place X or being hindered from doing Y. They phrase it more as I "don't" drive, implying they never will.

If an inability to drive causes such logistical problems as it seems to do in some people's threads - why don't they just learn?

Yes, it's expensive and a pain but if it will make life easier then surely that's the solution.

I saved up for 2 years to afford driving lessons - good job too as it took me 18 months and 7 tests to pass. Now I can drive I don't very often as I can walk to work, the shops etc but the point is I CAN IF I NEED TO.

I just think if I can do it (and driving really did not come naturally to me) there is no reason - besides medical - why other people can't learn if they want to.

I passed my test aged 21 but couldn't afford to buy (or run) a car until I was 25. I schlepped most places on public transport until then. Oddly enough travelling longer distances is easier than short on public transport.

I can see where Branflake is coming from if lifts are often demanded from you as a driver but really you can't just say to people 'your fear of driving is really upsetting me so please learn and get a car'. I'd be more narked if they had a car and refused to use it!

I'd rather people learnt if they were happy to and anyone cautious or scared take their time or don't bother - there are enough cars on the roads already. Loads of people have driving licences and don't run cars - either from economics or environmental reasons.

pay for me to have lessons and i will.i failed 3 times at 17 and then moved to city so didnt need to as public transport,then returned to cornwall and had 3 children.it is very expensive especially if you cant/dont pass first time.

I "don't" drive because when DS1 was 4, and I was 25, he got hit by a car - he's alive and well and at University now but as you can imagine it was somewhat traumatic. I hadn't learnt to drive before then due to lack of money and time. Now I'm slightly car phobic - a nervous passenger - and still have the odd flashback to the accident.
So please don't judge too hastily - there are all sorts of reasons why people "don't" drive.

4 years of driving DH around.

Gotta say Branflake, I'm going to take this as a honest-hearted attempt to inspire those of us who would like to be able to drive but are scared to.

Because otherwise, I would be highly tempted to be somewhat rude to you in pointing out that 'Buck up scaredy-pants, just get out and DO IT' is about as demotivating a suggestion as I can imagine.

I have noticed with loads of new drivers (this is not directed at the OP) that having got their precious licences, after about 2 months, they're tired of giving people lifts after years of accepting them and promising to 'repay' them. They start demanding that people pool taxis on nights out, claiming that they're 'always' having to drive and it being the same people driving etc etc despite having been the drunken passenger on many an occasion while good old Des slurps lemondade all night .

I've seen this happen so many times .

Message withdrawn

Um, I just don't fancy learning to drive. Is that alright with you?

Eyesight with me. I can pass the test at the opticians, staring at a board straight ahead, but I can't see anything coming up on my right side. Am also hopeless at judging distances. Used to ride a bike for a bit, but gave up after I'd had a couple of near accidents- I realised I'd end up causing somebody's death. I don't confidence is a quality you'd want to impart to me- some people are safer being less confident!

I try not to cadge a life- but life would be so much easier if all social events weren't arranged around the assumption that everybody is a car owner. If you drivers get fed up offering lifts, how about trying to organise things you do around public transport? Better for everyone.

Congestion!Pollution!Gridlocked roads we don't need anymore cars! branflake81 Your comments and tone are offensive, and judgmental so let me get this right, just because you chose to drive then we all should?oh really...

unclench and clamber on down from your if i did it anyone can position

People look at me as some kind of nut when I say I can't drive.

Is it that strange?

I might get around to it one day, it could be quite convenient and I'd be able to help others, but my eyesight isn't great and I'm a bit scared I'd hurt someone.

cory - my eyesight issue sounds like yours!

I agree that it is up to the individual if they want to drive or not, HOWEVER people who don't drive who cadge lift from others all the time really get on my nerves.

I know a few people who do this and the money they save on bus fares, driving lessons etc is the extra petrol money me and others are spending chauffeuring them around!!

I'm not talking about the odd lift here and there btw, it's the ones who do it all the time that irritate.

im going to learn to drive but i will not be able to own a car for a good few years. its bloomin expensive - i can just about aford to live as it is now.