cross-posted from: https://reddthat.com/post/43565899
Context: I’m 19 and have had my driver’s license since last summer. I was never interested in driving, but my family pressured me into signing up for driving school (they said it’s a basic skill), so I did it and got my license - somehow - despite never feeling safe or in control behind the wheel during the learning process. I haven’t driven much since then, but on the few occasions I did, I still felt out of control. Two weeks ago, I had a pretty bad car accident due to failing to yield the right of way (I struggle with multitasking). I got hit by two cars. Thankfully, my boyfriend was with me. He’s a bit older and much more confident, extroverted, brave, and uninhibited - he managed to handle the situation with the other drivers and deal with all the protocols for me because I was completely overwhelmed and just crying. Thankfully, no one was hurt, so I only got my license suspended for 60 days, a fine, and I have to pay for the damages. My dad settled all of that already. Now I don’t want to ever drive again. But my dad says it’s fine and that every driver gets into an accident at some point.
If you live in an area with good public transportation then I think it is fine.
But it could cause you problems in life if you do not learn. In my hometown, busses didn’t run on Sunday and they had trouble with work because it was hard for them to get a ride in. They had to ask others to drive them.
Also consider if you ever get married and there is some kind of emergency, it would be beneficial for you to be able to drive your partner to the hospital.
Even if you live in a city now, you may get a job elsewhere someday and driving might be necessary.
As much as I hate driving, I think it is a skill that most people need to learn and be competent at.
My wife is going to learn to drive this year for the above reasons. You just never know when you might NEED to drive.