Do I really need to learn to drive?

Question

quite obviously, yes, its more liberating and you can do more on your own and go places easier. but with car insurance, traffic, the price of gas, the price of a car, is it really worth it all? would it be cheaper to take a bus or train? living in chicago, what do you think? I may be the biggest amaxophobic around (fear of driving).

Answer 1

Technically you donnot as you state, public trans in Chicago is more than adequate, I live in the burbs of Chicago now, but i lived on the north side for 10 years (logan square, uptown, wrigleyville) and i only had a car part of the time.   cabs are also a good option, plentiful and affordable if used occasionally

I just ask if you are one of those people without a car please donnot expect your friends to be picking you up to bring you places and take you home when you want to leave, I had a roomate like this, and it was very selfish of him to ask me to drive all the time because he didn't want to bother getting a car.  see what i mean?  

He would say "you're going there anyway" which is true to an extent, but he never gave me gas money or paid for my insurance, he just took advantage of me until i put my foot down and he just got mad cause i shut down his free rides.

Hope i helped.

Answer 2

I live near the Windy City.  Wish I had the network of public transportation that you enjoy.  It costs me around $5 a day in gas to commute 30 miles round trip.  $25 a week, $100 and month, and over $1200 a year in gas.  Just gas to go to and from work.  No mention of insurance, repairs, oil and filter changes.  Plus the purchase price of the car.  

Stick with what you have.  If you are fearful of driving, please stay off the road.

Answer 3

how about if u have an emergency and u have  to take someone to the hospital???

Answer 4

please don't.

Answer 5

No.  It is possible to live a full life and never drive a car or any other motor vehicle.

Answer 6

Despite increases prices, I'd say it is better to learn to drive. Just because you have a license, doesn't mean you have to own a car. You only need to pay for insurance and gas if you have a car. If you only have a license and not a car, you pretty much won't have to worry bout monthly payments. A friend may ask you to be their designated driver, or you parents may want you to take them to some place, in those cases its better that you know how to drive.

Answer 7

Depending upon where you live...you don't Have to learn to drive

Being  where you are I agree financially speaking, but to ride the rails and buses cost money too.  I personally would rather not be in crowds of people all the time..

But, that's my germophobia...

LVN II

Answer 8

If you have a fear of driving, then it would probably be beneficial to all if you didn't drive. Paranoid drivers are just as dangerous as reckless drivers. If you have sufficient public transportation to meet your needs, then there's really no need.

Answer 9

If you live in a city where the public transportation is sufficient, then there really is no need to learn  to drive.    However, I'd suggest you go ahead and learn anyway, just so that you can drive if you go on long distance trips or just in case you move.

Answer 10

You still need to learn to drive.  Reason:  What if there is an emergency, someone needs to get to the hospital NOW, there is a car, the keys are available, and you're the only person around to drive?  For your own purposes, go and get around any way you wish.  Think of learning to drive as having health insurance.  The reason you have health insurance is in case you break a bone and need medical treatment because accidents aren't planned.  You learn to drive in case you're needed in an emergency situation, you may never have to drive at all, but in case you do have to drive, you can drive legally.

Answer 11

If for nothing else, getting your license is good for ID.  But, I guess you can just get an ID card (you can in Florida, anyway).

Answer 12

do the right thing.

Answer 13

hmm, u will have to get over it anyhow. Knowing how to drive aint a luxury. Its necessity. Its must. You wont be dependant on people anymore.

Answer 14

You should learn to drive. But if you do not need to own a car right now, you shouldn't.

Answer 15

You should learn, but not buy a car.

Answer 16

Something to think about.  I'm in NJ going to MA to visit friends.  It is about a 5 hour drive.  If I were to take a plane. It should be about 30 min. flight but I have to get to the airport (one hour), check in (15-30 mins), go though security (30 min 45-min), wait for seating, pick up luggage. etc etc. I've halfway to MA by car.

If you are in the Chicago where there is public transportation, it should not be a issue.  While I was in Chicago, it was an obstacle to get to Niles.  Thank God my friend pick me up.

If you are going to be an infrequently driver, I would suggest getting a license and rent a car when needed.  The main cost is the rental, gas, and liability insurance.  If you are traveling with others, the cost further reduces.  With rental, you do not have the auto maintenance cost, buy a car or garage it.  One must do a cost benefit analysis when it come down to it.

Answer 17

then dont, where you live doesnt require you to drive so just take mass transit and such

Answer 18

in an emergency....it would be a good idea...

do you really need to?

do you live in a city where there is good transit service?

is your job (and any potential new jobs) on a bus/subway route?

do you live in a tiny town and have no reason to drive?

a friend of mine does not know how to drive, but she lives on a big city were the bus service serves her well.

Answer 19

I say you should go with the answer that you are here trying to clarify and things should work out for the best.Question why the random boubt.I have also had this doubt so I did not mess with any of that c**p.There may be a reason for the question.All I can tell you is I fallow my instink if it is mine at all and everything works out for the better.2 in 1

Sean William

Answer 20

just like someone already mentioned, its also very useful for ID. Also, even though it may be cheaper to ride a bus or take the train, those things are not always going to be available for you at anytime. What if something happens in the middle of the night? How bout if you wake up late and miss the bus/train? then you will have to wait even longer for it to come back.

even though you are afraid of driving, il tell you that it can sometimes be fun. If you're having a bad day or you just need some fresh air, go out driving with the windows open and loud music! it helps me when im angry or sad or just plain bored. So i hope you overcome your fear of driving!

Answer 21

don't need it in the center of big cities,,,,,but take a couple of lessons.it is not as terryfying as it first seems

Answer 22

You don't need to learn how to drive! Try walking to close places, riding a bike to distant places, taking a bus, cab, etc. to really far places, and a plane to other countries.

Answer 23

my grandmother went her whole life without driving.

she lived in the city and my grandfather drove so

horribly she never wanted to learn how to drive.

honestly, if your afraid of driving then don't do it.

you may want to try just to see if your sure because

it is very helpful because buses and trains aren't

to reliable if you are in a rush or you might miss it.

it's ultimately your decision.

i would get a car and learn how to drive just in case

but i would probably use buses in trains in your

situation

Answer 24

yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssss...

Answer 25

I think it would be good to learn just for safety.  Just in case there is ever an emergency that would require you to drive.  You don't have to buy a car, but I think you should learn the skill.

Answer 26

Of course you don't HAVE to learn to drive if you don't want to. I don't think you should drive if your afraid. besides public transportation is better cuz less car exhaust.

Answer 27

I'm 56, and still don't drive.  I have always lived where I can take public transportation, or walk.  In some ways, it has been restrictive, in others, liberating.  It hasn't kept me from traveling - I still take airlines, etc.