Cars may not be the most environmentally friendly means of transport, but getting your licence has many advantages. For some people, having their own transport is essental. Here are some reasons why it’s worth learning to drive, even if you don’t want or need to own a car.
1. Lifelong Skill
Driving is like learning to ride a bike – it’s a skill you never forget. Obviously a car is a little more complicated to handle, but once you have that licence it’s yours (subject to renewal). If you don’t buy a car straight away, or you take a break from driving, then a lesson or two will refresh your mind when you want to drive again.
2. Freedom
What other transport takes you from door to door (other than a bike, which isn’t practical for long distances)? If you learn to drive, you have the freedom to travel where and when you want. You don’t even have to own a car; hiring one or joining a carclub can be both more practical and economical if you only need one occasionally.
3. Work
Many jobs require a driver’s licence, so having one will open up more employment possibilities to you. It’s always worth getting the licence, even if your current job doesn’t require it, as you may want or need to change jobs in the future.
4. Ready
You might not need a car now, but if you do in the future, you will have your licence ready and waiting. Many people think it’s easier to learn when you’re younger, and as I mentioned above, you can easily refresh your skills with a couple of lessons later on.
5. Mobility
There is a great public transport system where I live, with frequent and cheap buses, metros, trains and trams; with the difficulty in parking, a car is more of a liability than useful. However, for those who live in more rural areas, a car is often essential, as getting to work, going shopping or visiting family would be impossible without one.
6. ID
A driver’s licence is an easily portable form of ID. Not everyone has a passport, and for many purposes a photographic ID is required. It isn’t worth going to the expense of learning to drive just for this reason, but it’s a useful bonus.
7. One-off
Once you’ve passed your test, that’s it. You don’t need to take it again (unless you do something stupid, land up in court and get ordered to retake it). So if you learn when you have the time and money, you’ve got it out of the way.
8. Occasional Use
You may not need or want to own a car, but a licence can be extremely useful. When you go on holiday you may want to hire a car. Or perhaps you want to take some day trips with visitors or family.
Although I have my reservations about cars for environmental reasons, I am glad that I passed my test (eventually … on the 4th attempt). It certainly has been useful at times. What does it mean to you to have a licence? Or have you never wanted to learn?
Top Photo Credit: Texas Finn
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I learn to drive?
- Learning to drive gives you freedom! You can go anywhere, anytime you want without waiting for someone else to drive you. Plus, it's just really cool to be independent on the road.
- Is driving really that important?
- Totally! Driving is not just about getting from A to B. It's about having control over your schedule and your life, especially in places where public transport isn't great.
- What are some benefits of knowing how to drive?
- Well, besides the freedom, it can save you time and make things more convenient. You'll also be more flexible with job opportunities that require you to commute.
- Should driving be taught in schools?
- I think that's a brilliant idea. If schools teach how to cook or manage money, they should teach driving too. It's an essential life skill!
- What makes driving a handy skill?
- Having the skill to drive just simplifies life. Emergencies, quick trips, or those last-minute coffee runs — all become easy peasy with a car!