To ask how did driving change your life?

[Ticketsto]

Not really an AIBU just looking for encouragement/positive stories.

I’ve been putting off driving lessons for years. I’m such an anxious person! Getting the bus to work this morning instead of the train (due to industrial actions) made my journey so much longer and it’s made me think perhaps it’s time to reconsider… I don’t have children currently and DH can drive however we both work full time so I don’t rely on him for lifts

How has passing your test changed your life? Has it changed it positively? Thanks

It gives more options - I grew up rurally, so public transport wasn't really a thing, and my parents considered driving as important as other exams. I passed on my 4th attempt, and then barely drove for 7 years (they made me drive sometimes when I was back home.)

Being able to drive means I can choose to be a non-driver, and will take trains and buses when it suits - but I have more flexibility about where I live and work (don't need to be close to a public transport route,) I have a wider option of evening and weekend activities and can more easily meet up with other people, as I don't have to coordinate lifts (I do give lifts to others sometimes.) It's also been useful at times to have the option of hiring a car when away from home, and hiring vans. And it definitely makes it easier when you have children yo get to places as well as yourself.

If you live in a town with decent public transport, you don't need to drive, but having the option definitely makes life easier.

When I was younger it was life changing. Used to just jump in the car every weekend and drive all over the country going to raves and parties, later lots of impromptu trips for climbing or camping, no real need to plan anything. The mood takes you and off you go.

Now I'm older and it's never stopped being useful. At the moment I'm a carer for a family member who doesn't live nearby and it's only possible because I can drive.

Learning to drive is one of the best things I've done.

I've also spent years at a time not owning a car, because it hasn't always been necessary but I noticed that I did much less stuff and went far fewer places

Nrft. May be a long post.

I started learning when I was 18. Failed my first test, was in an abusive relationship and he wouldn't let me carry on learning.
I got some criminal compensation for the abuse when I was about 25 and used that to restart lessons. Passed my test at 26/27 I think.
I enjoyed the closure of it being that money that gave me freedom.

Meant I was able to just drive my kid to the childminders, I didn't need to leave at 6am and walk 20 mins and get a bus. I just got in the car at 6.50 and was there. I could just go food shopping instead of relying on home delivery. I could pop to town whenever I wanted (lived 6 miles out of town).
A month after passing my test and getting my first car, I drove from Kent to Edinburgh to see a distant relative, and got there in one tank of fuel, way cheaper than the train!
I can go literally anywhere. Any time.
It opened up my job prospects as well as I could apply for jobs anywhere that I was comfortable with the commute, no need to be in walking distance or in a public transport route. That made a huge difference to my life!!

Now we live in a lovely rural village, but we can go anywhere and do anything.

I love the feeling of peace that I get from sitting in my car, comfortable, with a coffee in the cupholder, sun out, blaring my favourite playlist on Spotify, with nothing but the open road in front of me.

I couldn't imagine not driving now. Also, my cars have got bigger and faster in the 4 years since passing my test and it's so much fun 😉

I didn't learn until I was on my 30s. It gave me independence. I was able to decide where and when I went somewhere. Unless you live somewhere with great public transport it is very important. Do it.

I’m mid 20s, I have a 3 year old and passed in September of this year.
It has made life so much easier. Employment wise, ability to do a food shop without doing public transport and dragging it up a hill whilst pushing a push chair with DS in. I can take him to appointments, so much more freedom. I’m still not motorway confident so tend to avoid journeys including the motorway but it has made a significant improvement to my life. I was a ridiculously nervous driver but trust me, if I can pass, you can do it! Find a good instructor, take as many lessons as you can until your confident behind the wheel. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do OP x

I've been driving over 40 years.
Not being able to would have limited me in so many ways year after year after year.
From sad things like getting to the Hospice on time when dm was dying, to practical things like being able to do the job I now do, to lovely things like going out on trips when the dc were little, and being able to go on holidays to places not well served by public transport. Just being able to get the dc to various activities - things that have led on to them getting work.
I live in a City, near to a train station and with regular buses near by, but there are so many places it would just never have worked on public transport.

I can go where I want when I want, I can go further afield than the restrictions from public transport. If it’s pouring i can use the car rather than get soaked . We never drive within our village though and sun to walk everywhere but I did have to pick up some heavy items at the shops and the car was essential.

Never having to wait for public transport again which tbh often didn't even turn up.