Non-Drivers Cooee!!!!!! - Your Reasons And Will They Change?

[Astrid]

GothMum, you're very lucky to have had the experiences and the parents that you had, and that your confidence has never taken a beating. Some of us obviously aren't half as lucky as you in both areas.

:yeahthat: and I am sorry Gothmum, but I think your post was out of place even though it may have been well intended. It takes a lot of courage to admit to a fear or dislike of driving.

[Glamourcide]

I am sorry for causing any offense... obviously none was intended!! For what it's worth, I don't think there's any shame in being apprehensive about driving - even I get scared of the possibilites, and wonder sometimes about the risks of being on the road, when I read or watch news reports about the horrific road toll...

I *do* consider myself very lucky to have had the experiences I have had, and to have been lucky enough up till this point to have not had any major scares - and I do feel for those of you who *have* had negative experiences which have impacted on your confidence when it comes to driving... but again, I don't think it's anything that you should feel 'ashamed' of, at all.

So... sorry for any offense I've caused, girls I reckon good on you for not letting a lack of a driver's licence stand in your way of being free - like I said, a big part of my day-to-day existence involves a car and sometimes it's exhausting, I really wish I had the ability to get from A to B without one!

[Fleur]

I am surprised at the amount of non-drivers here, I always thought it was just me & was more than a bit embarrassed

I didn't get my license until I was 26... I had my DD at 17 and I never had the money for the test, or the car...and never really saw a need for it, as where we lived had pretty good public transport.
Although I did think it might make things easier, there was just always something else to spend the money on... so I 'got by' for years without it.

Then when we decided to move I told DH i wouldn't go until I had my license & a car... I got my auto license & then moved to the GC a month later, so I basically 'learnt' to drive (in a practical sense) here in much bigger traffic than what I was used to.

I will admit the first 18 months were pretty scary & I didn't go very far, but my confidence has grown heaps & I am now the preferred driver, I will do 2-3-4 hr trips, I don't like letting DH drive and I LOVE the independence & being able to do what I want, when I want. This will be my first baby that I have had while being a 'driver' and I can't wait to see what a difference it might make!

In my case it was mostly circumstances that kept me from driving so long, but I also think as an older 'learner' or non-driver. you are more aware of what can go wrong.. I was much more apprehensive at 25 than I was at 17 (when I first got my learners). And I don't think that's a bad thing if it makes you careful.

Although I definitely LOVE having it now, I don't regret having left it so long, I think it was just how it was for me, one day I was 'ready' to do it, sounds to me like you are too...

Good luck & happy driving!

[STARRYSKY]

hehe...just thought id let u guys know, im booked in for a lesson nest week. eek! hopefully it will go well....will let you know!

[Astrid]

hehe...just thought id let u guys know, im booked in for a lesson nest week. eek! hopefully it will go well....will let you know!

Ooh - good luck

[Rivlas]

Now you have made the first appointment you will be fine. A little scared but after the first lesson you will be ready for the next one.

All the best for and look forward to hearing you have passed in a few months time.

[krysalyss]

It may not help but then again it may so I will share.
When I went through driving lessons I had the worst teacher. He was so awful and treated me quite nastily. Anyway just as I was going to quit he quit instead and I got transferred to a new teacher. He really built up my confidence again. One thing he told me that struck me and has stayed with me, was "Driving a car isn't rocket science. Look how many people drive. If that many people can learn to drive then you can too".
Just remember driving is a skill. It is simply something that is learnt and practiced, not a genetic gift from your parents or luck. Just take it at your own pace and you will be fine.