Bike v. car? / situation need advice...?

Question

everything i need is all within a block = my house, my work, my college. this is my life right now. im the worst driver. i never got my license in high school because my dad wouldnt let me.

now im 18. i moved away from my dad. ive failed my drivers test 4 times (probiably because of lack of experience). ive been walking everywhere and taking the bus on occasion. my relatives are pressuring me to drive and offering to pay for a car.

but i would rather buy a bike. not have to pay for insurance, gas, and anything that could go wrong with the car, smog and oil c**p. i dont want to deal with it now.

its not that i never want to drive - I DO! but it just seems simpler right now to not have one.

money is an issue for me because im saving money to spend the next year traveling.

so my question is -

am i thinking right?

should i just keep trying to get my license?

or should i spend the next several months riding my bike?

Answer 1

Do both.  Try to find a nearby driver's ed class.  Continue to use your bike in the meantime.

Answer 2

Definitely get the bicycle (a Good one you like) also get your Drivers License...so that when the opportunities for driving experience come...and they will... you will be more prepared...be safe & good luck !(Luck=preparedness+opportunities)

Answer 3

keep trying

Answer 4

Stick with the bike.  I know that in the US, we have a car culture and everyone drives and everyone thinks that everyone else should drive, but if you don't need to, then there's no point wasting money on a car and stressing yourself out at the same time.

Answer 5

Some people just have a real hard time driving. An Ex of mine got her license (past 30) with difficulty but then never drove again because she knew she wasn't safe. Has to do with the way her eyes work. Your brain will still be maturing for at least 5 more years. In a few years you may be more ready. Usually your instincts are right about these sort of things. Besides your travel dream sounds like something I wish I had done.

Answer 6

if all you are doing is going from home-work-school,and all are close, go with the bike.the pros are .less pollutants in the air, work out of your body,saves money on gas.since you said you are going to be travailing storing a bike is allot easier then a car.

pros of a car. keeps you dry during rain,can take a date out,can carry allot more from the store(groceries etc...)

but what it all really comes down to is what YOU want to do.

Answer 7

Your thinking is correct imo, but I would still get your license. You've already put in a lot of work, so you might as well be legally able to drive a car. I live in Chicago and never had a car for years. Now I have to commute to work and its costing me an arm and a leg for all the reasons you mentioned. (payments, gas, insurance, maintanence, parking stickers, tickets..etc)

Still, get your license. That way if you ever do need to borrow a friends car or someone askes you to drive home you'll be in the clear.