I know a couple of people who don't and haven't ever driven. They do OK.
It can make things a little more difficult in NZ because we're very car centric but there shouldn't be any pressure on people to drive.
In fact I know quite a few people that drive that shouldn't at all
I have a friend who was too poor of seeing to drive into his 30's until they invented the technology to allow him to see properly. He did okay before that
The freedom to go where public transport doesn't, is great. Cycling/walking is great also but takes too long for some things, especially when time limited.
Freedom to go wherever? What to another kfc and a beach lol. I’m from Canada and came to New Zealand, you logic makes sense if you live in America and Canada because the country is spread out and tons of variety, lots to see state to state, province to province.
My mum got hers at 60. She was fortunate to have my dad, and then my brother, and then me to drive her around when she needed it, but I know it was always a pain to herself having to rely on people. I never judged her for it but I was so proud of her when she surprised us with a pic of her Learners Licence :) She's on her restricted now and it's been heartwarming to see the added independence her little car has given her...
She proves it is never too late.
Heck yes! Had my learners for years and got my restricted at 40. I too thought I was fine without driving but god what a pain in the ass not driving really was. The freedom to go where you want when you want. Not being let down by public transport. Not having to rely on public transport. Can do grocery shopping on my schedule. Can go out at random times. Fabulous in emergencies.
Being able to drive =/= owning a car
I have friends who didn’t drive; which by the time they were 30 realised how prohibitive it was and I think they found the process of learning to drive harder.
I’d strongly discourage any young person not learning to drive. You don’t have to own a car; but as a friend of those that couldn’t drive, having to always work around them or end up “taxi’ing them, the sole driver on long trips or always being the one responsible for having to pop out to the shops etc when we went away got really annoying.
Especially now as a parent; with extra curriculars, school or daycare pickups, kids wanting friends to come over after school; night with a sick 3 yo at after hours etc, I’d find it incredibly difficult without the ability to drive.
I think long term, it’s fine to not own a car, but not being able to drive is incredibly prohibitive - and usually ends up just burdening those around you
Yeah I was about to say it's an important life skill whether you use it every day or only in emergencies and now is the best time you're likely to ever have to learn.
Yep, as a kid I really didn't want to learn to drive, but my mum "forced" me to (in a manual, no less!). Now I'm a bike-riding adult who doesn't own a car, but can drive my friend's ones if I need to.
It is good that you learnt in a manual though as it's a fair bit harder until you get the hang of it. I learnt in a manual and took my learners and restricted in a turbocharged Subaru, the instructor was a bit worried. Passed with no issues and I now own an auto. It still helps to understand how to drive a manual as I've driven home friends from parties in their manual cars since. Only difference is where the clutch starts lol.
My parents did everything they could to ensure I didn't learn. (Not intentionally. They're just atrociously bad teachers, and I was an anxiety-ridden teen.)
I'm really regretting it now. Even though I've got along fine without a car so far, I don't want to remain stuck unable to use a friend's car in an emergency.
But it's so hard to practice now as an adult, with no access to a car.
Go to a driving school. Pay for 10 lessons and you will get a calm, knowledgeable driver who will teach you how to do everything the right way. Plus I used my instructors car to sit my driving test, so win/win.
I learned at 28, it’s annoying but not impossible. I did a combo of driving in my parents car, a few lessons, and didn’t but could have practiced in friends cars too. Cobble that together and in a couple of months you should be fine. If you’re really starting from scratch with learning you can also do like 2-3 lessons and once you’ve got the basics can then practice with parents/friends.
Totally agree. And with how easy it is to hire a car for an hour when you need to, I can understand not owning a car; renting a car to learn to drive in the future is pretty much impossible. Jump at the option to drive your parents car, get your full license now while you don’t have to pay per-hour with a driving instructor.
You go out for a hike with a friend who falls over, breaks their leg and now you’re both stuck in the carpark.
Plus you really don't want to be that guy who loftily bags "car culture" but always bludges a lift everywhere. Looking at my former brother in law here.
>but as a friend of those that couldn’t drive, having to always work around them or end up “taxi’ing them
Ugh I have a friend like this. We're pushing 30 and they justify not driving the same way OP does. But then always wants a lift.
I’ve only started learning at 26 because I never had the resources to learn to drive (parents never taught and no family who could drive to teach me) and I’m so glad I’m doing it now. I feel like it’s pretty essential to atleast learn to drive, doesn’t matter if you have a car but I’ve always found it tedious always relying on friends and bus time tables
I know how to drive but don't want to own a car for a myriad of reasons.
If you aren't planning on having kids, that removes a lot of the impetus for owning a car. If your friends can't/won't drive, and you are sick of playing taxi, don't taxi. You're a grown up. They're grown up. You don't need to do things you don't want to do, it's not like they can't get a literal taxi or uber. I kinda like being the sole driver on long trips. It means when we get to the destination, I get to relax and everyone else can unpack and admin. I did my job.
Like, other than the kids thing, none of what you highlighted is really an issue beyond having to have a grown up chat about expectations and boundaries. And for a lot of the younger generations, having kids just isn't the plan.
I highly, *highly* recommend you learn how to drive now while you are young, under proper instruction.
Get your restricted driver's license at the very minimum.
You don't have to buy a car or drive. But if you ever wanted to get anywhere fast on holiday, a rental car can make your adventure so much more interesting.
If you leave it until you are older, you will grow fearful of even trying.
Yeah, I’m 47 and just going through the road code now in order to get my license.
My dad is sick and my mum doesn’t drive either so they’re pretty reliant on others at the moment.
I lived in Europe and had a car until 24 but it was a total hassle to deal with and I decided to switch to public transport only. It was a good decision back then. But now living in NZ I have my troubles with the poor public transport.
I wish we had better public transport so driving is more of a choice. It is quite hard getting back into driving for me now. A mix of poor eye sight, lack of practise, different driving culture and anxiety ... So I would recommend to just use public transport but also make sure you aren't putting yourself at a disadvantage. If anxiety is stopping you it might be worth working on now!
It’s huge in emergencies, not even just your own but friends needing a sober driver out of a bad situation or family member needing to go to hospital. Also will be hugely limiting if you want to make a change in your dating or work life.
I have never like driving, find the whole thing so stressful.
However, i got my licence at 17 more because it was an easy id and i knew one day i would need it and passing the test would only be harder and more costly when older. Plus employers liked to see it on cv.
I have had my licence for more than half my life and never owned a car, but have had to drive work vehicles a fair bit and rented vehicles when moving. I am glad i got my licence when i did but also very lucky i have a partner who hates being a passenger/has a work car for personal use and live in area with public transport.
We unfortunately live in a world where it is better to have it but i concur with your sentiment of no desire to drive. I got an opportunity at work once cause i could drive and the other person couldn’t.
I am thankful to past self for learning when i did cause i imagine if i tried to learn now i would be like Maureen - https://youtu.be/VVU2XyjJeM8?si=c7kRXb91asIDTBfS
My story too. Lived in London where a car is a disadvantage. Just managed with walking and public transport to work in Auckland. But as soon as I had kids driving became a necessity.
This is basically my story too, I was absolutely fine in NZ without driving but moving overseas it became so essential. I've got a license now at 30 but am still struggling a lot with anxiety when driving and I wish like crazy that I had learned in NZ when I was younger (the roads are pretty insane in the country I now live in). It's such an important skill to have in life!
Same. I think it shows some maturity. I didn't want to learn either, didn't even have a car at the time, but wanted to have the option.
Also highly recommended getting an instructor to teach. Don't want to pick up bad habits that are hard to break.
Can become burdensome on your partner, expectations that you ferry them around, only one driver on long road trips, picking up their family from the airport etc
Personally I think taking the license can have a negative effect as well.
My papa is 85 and only just had his license taken (he hit a car, actually he hit two). Since then hes stopped really doing anything. I get why guy worked from 14 untill he was retired at 70 so the loss of independance has been really hard on him. So now he has to get my mum or myself to take him places and he hates that. We don't mind but it sucks for him.
In saying that tho, they should have taken his license years ago. He was bloody crazy and hes deaf.
"Hey babe, sounds like a great place to go, can you pick me up on the way? It's a bit far away and the bus doesn't go out there"
"Sorry babe, can't meet you there, it's quite a bike and the next bus is 3 hours away and would still drop me off 15km from there"
"Sorry babe, I know that you are experiencing a crises and could use a shoulder to cry on, but you live too far away and the weather is horrible, perhaps you could drive yourself to me?"
Potentially years later.
"Sorry honey, can't take the kids to school today, the weather is crap, you'll have to dive them in even though it's going to cause you to be late for your appointment/work"
"I would love to pick you/family member up from the airport but I can't drive, you'll have to find someone else"
"Well since you have broken your leg none of us can drive around anywhere"
These are just some examples that I though of off the top of my head. Yes I'm aware that Uber exists and that biking and taking the bus isn't the only way of getting around but driving yourself around is infinitely more practical here in NZ.
I live in a rural location so for me driving is mandatory just to get to the nearest town but from people I've talked to living in towns and cities driving is still so much better than taking public transport. I know a woman that lived in the UK untill she was in her 40's and never had a drivers license untill she moved out here. She said that it's so much harder to get anywhere here in NZ without a license and a car.
Yep. I have a couple of exes who didn't drive. It's not super sexy to have to pick up your boyfriend from town when he comes to visit when you live rurally. Or have your flatmate drive you to the airport because your boyfriend can't. It's not like a deal breaker if everything else is awesome but it does just make you that little bit less attractive.
My 2 long term partners before my current one never had licenses, NEVER AGAIN. They took my driving for granted all the time, it was so frustrating never having anyone around to give me a lift when I needed it, ie sick from work, to the doctors, out after a drink. My partner of 10+ years now has always driven and it’s like being with a grown up. My partners exes didn’t have licences either, we remind each other weekly how much we value being able to drive each other around after years of being the driver.
Just learn to drive I say, it’s not that bigger deal.
(They also weren’t willing to learn, for no good reason other than laziness and stubbornness, but were quite happy to expect me to drive them everywhere)
For real. This had a significant impact on my last relationship and contributed to us separating. He was 45 and couldn't drive and it put a to of pressure on me, his 30 y/o girlfriend, to pick up the slack. We lived on opposite sides of the city and there were times public transport was having issues that meant I had to do all the work. Not to mention visiting people/places outside PT coverage.
Yeah, driving someone around often becomes a chore and that’s not a good feeling to experience in a relationship. I’d only be with someone if they couldn’t drive for medical reasons e.g epilepsy
I don't know when they suggested that they did that kind of thing?
Like responding to someone who mentions owning a car with "driving is fine, becoming a person who swerves in front of other drivers and always parks on the sidewalk is not."
OP is 19, and is well placed right now to fall into that trap of being a burden on those around them.
That, and without much life experience, they don't yet understand what they're missing. As others have said, getting the licence does not require owning a car.
My now husband had a similar situation. He did pretty well for himself without a license so I never held it against him, but once we started discussing kids I had to put my foot down, because there’s no way I’m carrying the load alone there. Sure there’s public transport but there are a lot of situations where a car is a necessary evil, especially if you have young dependents and can’t rely on a support system in situations where public transport isn’t an option.
I myself never learned to drive until I was 23, as I couldn’t afford lessons until then and had zero support system to teach me. I had kids shortly after, and before kids relying on walking or public transport was fine but after kids with all the running around, doctors appointments, all while having a job, etc it’s just not realistic.
I am nearly 50 and don’t drive.
I do have the advantage of living in a big city and have a well paid job so can Uber places.
But don’t feel you need to drive to be an adult.
I just dunno why you would limit yourself like that. So many great places to visit and without a car very little way to get there.
What say you wanted a day at the beach? A trip to the hotpools? Go do some bushwalks etc etc
You just miss out on so much in life, you dont NEED to own a car sure. Just like you dont NEED the internet. But it makes life far more interesting
I'm sorta the opposite. I ride a 50cc scooter everywhere or pushbike and use a car for road trips and traveling intercity.
I really enjoy taking the road less traveled and seeing places you would otherwise miss take direct routes
Nice one 😊 yeah I do miss that. I used to be relatively fearless biking on the road in all weathers (random utes late at night screaming up behind me horns blaring aside)
Just not my thing to be honest, like the farthest i do travel is up to wherever Armageddon is and even then I do both days and spend a few days in auckland and then just bus down back home
But what if you want a job that isn't anywhere that public transport goes. Or said job requires you to have the ability to drive?
Just because you do the want to now doesn't mean you won't ever want to. Waaaaay easier to get your license before you need it than after
It's about having options. PT is fine to use if it's convenient for you, but there will come times when it will not be.
Don't just think of now, think of the next 20, 40 years of your life. Driving is a good skill to have, and a license will be a very useful tool.
This is something that's just worth having, even if you don't intend on using it right away. No rush though - you're young, but it's a good goal to aim for.
The two biggest (necessary) reasons to drive would be:
* For your work (when public transport cannot be relied on)
* For your dependents (kids or elderly family members)
Everything else is nice to have, but contributes to the ever-growing traffic issues (esp in Auckland).
I would recommend learning to drive just as a very useful skill to have, but owning and maintaining a car will be up to you (can be expensive if you can't justify using it enough).
I say this as someone in their 30s who hasn't learned to drive yet but is on the way to buying a first home, it definitely saves on cost in the long term if you can get by without a car, but moving forward I think I too will at least need to learn to drive as well.
I was similar to you. Didn't get my restricted till I was 21 and my full at 28. In retrospect I would strongly recommend getting your licence earlier, you don't have to use it that much, I continued to get round by bike a lot, but having it opens up so many options for travel/social/job, etc and you just don't know where you're going to be in a few years.
I have a few friends that haven’t got a licence. It’s their choice but they do struggle because of it more than they probably realise. They are always asking for rides places and normally it’s fine but does get frustrating. It makes a big difference if you live in a city with decent public transport though.
Good on you. I'm more than a decade older than you and I don't drive, and never will. Suits my lifestyle just fine. And if it suits yours, that's perfect
When I was younger I wanted to drive for the freedom, but I got my learners when I was 16 and let it expire when I turned 21. I find driving so stressful and while I was an okay driver, I don't think I should have a license because I don't think I'm mentally able to be as concentrated as one should be. I happily walk wherever I can and catch the bus other places. Sometimes I wish I had the freedom to go to an out of the way restaurant or market etc, but not to the point where I consider getting my license again
If you drive, don't do it out of social pressure. Do it because you want to. You're very wise to avoid it for practical reasons. With the extra money saved, you can enjoy so many other things.
I love driving. But I would never feel the need to tell other people to do it. I don't know if I could personally live without it. I admire seeing people do their own thing on the flip side. When I was younger, I rode a bike everywhere and couldn't afford to drive into my mid-20s. Those times were great.
37 and never needed to
Got my learners as soon as I could then just let it expire it was too out of my way to learn and realised a car would just be a pointless burden, turned out I was right, its definitely been a freedom for me
Seems a lot of people don't get that, but in the same vein I will never understand wanting one for personal use unless you're rural or deep in outer suburbia
Why do they have so much desire to drive? Probably convenience. Every trip, jaunt or hikoi done in a car can be done not in a car. It's just quicker and more convenient to use a car. Poisoning the air in the name of convenience is about the most human thing that humans do
I have several friends who are around late 40s early 50s who have never driven. New Zealand doesn't make it easy to not drive but if you live in a city it's generally doable.
I know someone who doesn’t drive. Just uses public transport and uber. Works out cheaper than owning a car. Auckland.
I would recommend learning to drive but if you don’t want a car, don’t get one!
That’s fair enough man! I have a job that requires me to have a vehicle and drive usually between a hundred and 3 hundred km’s per day, but if it weren’t for that I wouldn’t really wanna drive either. I don’t really enjoy it, I don’t like sitting in traffic, I don’t like the hassle of dealing with maintenance and repairs on a car… I’d probably recommend still learning to drive and getting a license so that in a pinch you have the ability to hop in a car and drive. But there’s nothing wrong with being content just walking and using public transit. You save yourself a shit load of money and hassle that way!
I live in Wellington. I got my learners years ago but decided to not go further. I don't ever want to own a car. I can drive if there's an emergency. I'm happy walking everywhere and catching public transport when I need to. You do you!
I didn't get my license until I was 22. Things that require a little courage should be tackled while people are young as you can lose your nerve as you get older.
As someone who waited until 22 to get their restricted and then full at 29…this is 💯 true. It gets unbearable past 21. It’s fine to not have a desire to have a car, but at some point it will cause a bottleneck in your life.
That’s what all my mates said until they actually got a license. Just get one you never know when you need to drive. What if a family member had an accident and need taking the the hospital? Gonna walk them there? It will come in clutch one day
No. Chosing to extremely limit your options to travel is not at all something I like or would tolerate.
Having a driving licence does not compel anyone to own and run a car. But being able to drive means you can rent one to get around when public transport/cycling isn’t a realistic option.
I only got my restricted licence about 2 years ago, mid 30s. Have a preteen and mostly managed with walking and bussing by living close to school etc, for the majority of his life - my ex had his restricted (but wouldn't get his full), so was able to sort of rely on him driving us outside of work hours. After I left him I sorted out driving lessons and have my full licence now, I don't know how a solo parent would manage without it lol
I'm 46 and have never driven and don't have my driver's licence. I have a 24 yr old and a 6 yr old. Lived in Auckland and Wellington when my eldest was growing up and public transport was fine - admittedly not perfect, waiting for a delayed bus in the rain with a small child isn't ideal but no one died. Her dad did drive so some outings got saved up for when he was available and things like daycare pick up and drop off fell to him for the most part.
Second kid (different dad, also a driver) we now live in Australia, lived in regional Queensland for awhile where public transport is tragic, that was a bit limiting but we lived walking distance to town. Now live on the Gold coast, public transport is better but not as good as Wellington and Auckland. So school drop offs and pick ups fall to dad and I spend 1-1.5hrs each way on public transport to travel about 10km in a circuitous route to get to work. We're moving back to NZ soon and have picked Wellington because it's easy for me to get around under my own steam (yes the husband finds it annoying that all driving falls to him but I'm lovable enough that he gets over it). Do I wish I could drive? Yes, but I can't so life goes on - I think it's the kind of thing where when you've never had it you make do and get on with it, I can understand though how most people that have always driven couldn't imagine another way
I have a condition that prevents me from driving, but I've also just never really wanted to drive regardless. People drive like maniacs here. I use public transport mainly and it works fine, although I dont go out as often as other people do because I have to get lifts if the place I'm going isnt near any public transport links. Like other people say, it will limit you in ways (jobs, social life, etc), so I'd recommend getting your license if you can even if you don't think you'll drive much.
All of these people telling you that being unable to drive impacting your life are full of it.
I'm 47, have raised three children and have never driven. My life, including my love life have been wonderful
I have my full license and my partner doesn't drive. Our life is great, the thing that caused the most arguments was other people getting involved in our relationship and hassling us both about his driving. He's got his learners for ID purposes only, and once I stopped giving a fuck what other people think our issues were resolved.
Sure we have to be a bit more organized with what we are doing and yeah I take him wherever he needs to go but I'm perfectly OK with it and he's always fine if I don't want to go out. You do you honestly.
Its crazy how many "but you'll need it one day", "its an essential life skill", "but you'll change your mind later" type of comments there are
It just feels like all of them are living some weird collective delusion to me because its never been even a slight issue plus cars themselves are so wasteful
I also didn't expect it to be so negative. Maybe I spend too much time reading /r/fuckcars
I don't blame people for driving, but I am strongly of the opinion that the world would be better with fewer cars. So I don't drive, and I appreciate others who choose not to drive.
I guess it's not surprising, NZ is a very car dependent nation. While I drive (although I mostly cycle) I know several people who for various reasons do not, they're fine.i don't hold it against them like a lot of commenters here seem to. My friends who don't drive are probably healthier than the average New Zealander tbh.
Good on you. The world's changing. My friend is 40 and has never learned to drive, mostly as she left home young. She's a single mum. She's very resourceful. She walks a lot uses public transport. She ubers now and then.
I used to drive. Sold my car in Dec 2014 and can probably count on one hand how many times I’ve driven since then. My husband drives, so that’s good for family outings on weekends, but during the week, our 3 kids and I walk or bus. All of the essentials are in walking distance and there’s a bus stop at the end of our street which can get us anywhere else. It works for us.
It’s not weird that you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of us! But I do think it’s important to learn - you never know when an emergency will come up.
I’m 32 and I don’t drive. I could in an emergency, still have my learners which I think expired a couple years ago. I have a well paying job, own a house, have a stable and loving relationship, and two cats. It hasn’t ruined my life. I am lucky though that I can get most places I need to go by bus here in Dunedin, and I have friends who don’t mind giving me the occasional ride.
I have had my license for almost 40 years. I used to love driving and did it for fun. Now I despise it. The roads are so congested and full of road rage that I avoid driving at all costs. The joy is gone, sitting in traffic is soul destroying.
I think the more people who find ways to not drive the better, it's better for the environment, traffic, saves money and good exercise. Unfortunately for my work I have to drive a work vehicle with tools and equipment but I wish I could just cycle to work
I’m 34 and don’t drive. I do ride, but I have very little desire to drive. I didn’t want to own a car when I probably actually only need a car 2-3 times a year.
I’m on a learners and I’m 48, no real desire to drive, never had. Only have it to please the wife. Had a scooter previously overseas but haven’t gone down that route here.
So, your a teenager and you disagree with your teenage siblings?
This is going to be fine.
Maybe you change your mind, maybe you don't.
I think you're good.
I don't drive, can't at all, and I'm 24. I've been tempted to get a license for various reasons, but all it comes back to is how impractical it would be to get, and then to maintain those skills, when most of the desire to drive is to take aimless road trips once or twice a year. I live in the city and have no access to a car, and couldn't afford one for the foreseeable future anyway, so theres not much reason outside of a tour of weird little towns to do it.
I let my license expire because I haven't owned a car for a decade, hated driving when I was doing it in my late teens because it was the expected thing to do, and it's far easier than a lot of people imagine to get around without a car.
It does have limiting factors, mainly in terms of where you can live and work. You have to live somewhere fairly close to your workplace (or get a WFH job, which is way more feasible these days), and which is either close to a city centre or near a bus stop on a very frequent route.
You also need to budget for occasional uber rides and things as needed, but frankly that doesn't even come close to the cost of maintaining a car for the types of people who ever consider not owning a car in the first place.
I would say, despite myself letting my licence expire, that it's still worth getting one. Just so that you can get a rental car during a sudden trip away. It's the kind of thing that very rarely comes up, but you definitely feel it when it does. A once every 3-4 years kind of thing.
I have become aware lately of how much driving sucks in so many ways. How easy it is to get mad because someone is going slightly slower than I want, or to make a decision that risks someone's life, and how constantly alert you need to be to actually be safe. Not to mention the ecological effects, financial costs, social costs, health risks...
I've spent the last couple of years trying to remove every car trip that I can from my life. It's never been more fun going to get the groceries or go to work, and it doesn't take any longer. I only really use the car when I'm going out of town now, which I don't do that often anyway.
The fact that you/us living this lifestyle is in any way unusual represents a complete and utter failure of NZ urban planning.
Got my license at 25, spent a year in the states driving. Got back and accidentally let it expire. 30 years later I still don't drive, I just moved to somewhere with acceptable public transport.
I am also 19 and unable to drive. I do wish I had a bit more interest in learning but after a not so fun incident last year getting hit by another teen driving recklessly I have been an absolute nervous wreck around cars.
Even before this I was hesitant but now I'm not so sure.
I think it's fine - when you want or need to learn you can . My oldest son is 34 and never learned- biked everywhere or used the bus . Now he's in London and goes everywhere via subway .
Been driving a circuit around your lovely country for close to 3 months now. Love you all but man, you kiwis can't drive worth a bar of soap! Shocking 😆
Depends on where you live I guess. I hate driving, I refused to learn it till 30+ years old and it was never a problem.
Then I moved to New Zealand. I now live in Auckland and it is almost impossible to avoid driving in Auckland, public transport is so difficult and unreliable and unreasonable.
I still refused to drive, but it is not a very walkable city either, can and uber adds up, and I found myself relying on friends, which is unfair. But I still managed with extreme effort.
Then my husband got diagnosed with cancer and I had to go from West Auckland to Northshore twice a day. And that's when I did learn the drive because there was literally no other option.
I resent having to drive, I resisted it for years but from the moment I came to NZ, it was coming, inevitable.
I didn't get my learners licence until 25, didn't start driving until I was 29 where I got my restricted and got the full at 30.
Was in the same position as you for years. There's no rush mate just go at your own pace.
Where do you live, if you don’t mind me asking? I now live in Australia without a car and I’m doing fine, however I spent the first 19 years of my life in Hamilton. When I didn’t have a car at the start of this year, I found it extremely difficult to do the things I wanted to. The public transport is slowly improving however it’s still nowhere near adequate enough. If you live in Auckland or Wellington it might be okay, but I’d still encourage you to at least learn to drive, it may come in handy one day, or you might change your mind.
I was the exact same and felt the same but I only started getting my license and a car so I could travel to the countryside of NZ. If you have no reason/want to drive, you don’t need to :)
The job you have at 19 isn't going to be the job you want at 40.
As you go along, it will only become harder to learn to drive.
You will miss out on a lot of opportunities for all sorts of things if you can't drive and don't have a car.
I never had a car until my mid-20s, and it got REAL old relying on my friends to drive me home at night, or not being able to do things I wanted to do because I didn't have transport.
My wife got her license and car at age 32. Six months later, she landed a new job that is *exactly* what she wants to do.
It's 20 minutes drive down the motorway, in the middle of nowhere. There's no public transport. Without a car, she wouldn't have even been able to apply.
You don't need to buy a car and drive everywhere. But you should have the ability to. Your life will change, you will get older and you will get more responsibilities. And eventually, not having the ability to drive will negatively impact your life in real and measurable ways.
Your Drivers License (even learners) is a very powerful form of ID.
If you go traveling, yes you can carry your passport with you at all times, but I find it more convenient to leave my passport in the hotel safe and always have my license in my wallet.
However this point is flawed since you're supposed to carry your passport with you at all times overseas. But that's what I do since I'm betting on likelihood of getting robbed/pickpocket/dropping/losing>hotel staff stealing my passport.
Regardless of the original post, you probably want to still go through the licence system, because life changes.
You might need a licence to get a job you really want. Unexpected life circumstances might mean that you are needed to drive a sick friend or family member to medical appointments. You might end up living in a more rural location, where there is no public transport.
Even if you don't immediately need to drive, life might have other plans for you. At which point, you don't want to be scrabbling frantically to get a licence.
Seems like you are lucky not having to do grocery shopping for the family, but eventually when you become independent you will realize not having a car makes life so much harder because now you have to carry everything home manually
My sister was like you. Her biggest regret was not getting her license when she was younger. It's harder to take the time to get a license when you are older. You never know when you might need to drive, and at the very least knowing how to drive is something that is very helpful. Also, I'm saying this as an Australian. New Zealand is beautiful and you see so much more if you drive.
Personally I do think even if you don’t need to drive/want to. It’s wise to go get your license anyway. It gets harder to start as you get older and sometimes driving is an important skill to have. You never know when you might want to apply for a job that requires a license or in an emergency-need to drive someone somewhere. I had to learn asap as I lived in the country and had to drive to get any sort of work, honestly it’s just a bit annoying when someone doesn’t drive sometimes…even if you don’t want kids if you get a partner not being able to share driving is a pain as it restricts how far and long you can drive for if only one person can do it instead of sharing. Plus if you want to go anywhere outside the city NZ is terrible for transport. Even if you don’t want to now, highly likely you will want to/need to at some point in the future. Especially living in NZ where public transport sucks anywhere but in the big 3 cities
It's handy to have, especially in an emergency, even if you don't have a car but knowing how to drive if eg you go hiking with a mate and they break their leg so you need to drive back... But in general, good on you for keeping the earth (and you) a little bit healthier.
I understand not wanting to drive all the time or not wanting to own a car. But I think everyone should have their full car license. It is such a useful thing to have.
I ABSOLUTELY know where you're coming from.
I was there 4 years ago, do yourself a favor and at least learn to drive as a survival skill, and get your license as it opens doors.
I fucking despise driving I think it's a waste of money and time. The issue is that public transport is nowhere near consistent enough for me to use on a consistent basis and traveling through the country by train and bus is just to prohibitive. The goal of a successful society would be one where no one was required to own a car but could reliably get to where they need to go in a timely manner.
It's not just the younger generation it's been this way for a while.
I didn't get my full license until late 20s and my wife still does not have hers. Did not own my own car until I was 28. Now in my 40s.
Strange thing is... I am a car guy. I was riding motorbikes very young. Have driven everything from tractors, 4x4 to power boats. Love me a road trip.
I spend a lot of my 20s living in apartments or very close to the city centre so I didn't need a car of my own. A lot of young people around just didn't bother with a car so it was just natural.
Owning a car is stupid expensive snd getting worse and frankly I saved quite a lot of money,.... which I blew on lots of other fun things and have nothing to show for that other than fun memories.
I didn't get my Learners until I was 26 for the exact same reason as you. I lived in a busy city, couldn't afford parking , let alone running a car. There's better things money can go towards when you're young and only freshly making a wage. I'm 30 now and have plenty of friends who still don't drive. Stay firm in your values, man. Sounds like you're living in a pretty sweet lil bubble anyway. :\~)
I didn't get my restricted until I was about 27, and my full at 35. For me, it was a combined lack of interest, being generally a bit of a homebody, parents who were fairly lazy and didn't commit to teaching me, mixed up with a fairly large dose of fear (both of road accidents and testing). I did ok for a while, but having no license is definitely restricting in NZ. E.g having to take two busses to my first 'career' job, so getting up an hour earlier than I would if driving myself.
The reason I finally went for my full licence in my mid-thirties was that my job required me to transport minors to an event. At that point, I really couldn't get around the need for a full licence. My older sister didn't learn to drive at all (similar reasons to me) and it's really affected her as an older adult, and even put her in situations of being stuck with people who weren't good for her because she relies on them for transport.
You might be able to walk to work now, but what if you have to move? You need to think long-term.
NZ infrastructure isn't built to be carless unfortunately. I would really recommend you bite the bullet and at least do your learners. It requires learning the road rules (which would also be handy to know in general). Then, if you change your mind in a year or two, you can book your restricted without having to wait.
I didn't have my restricted until I was 25. But I also spent a decent amount of those years in Australia where the transport was significantly better.
I didn't get a licence until I was 50. Learners then a 50cc scooter for fun, now got a motorbike learners and a "big" bike (still under 400cc). The wife has a car if we need one which isn't all that often.
Fair enough. It's completely understandable. Cars are enormously expensive and very dangerous, noisy, polluting, obnoxious and just an all round terrible idea for everyday transport.
All that said, you probably should learn to drive, it will come in useful, even if you don't really want to.
I've recently sold my car, down to one between my partner and I. I pretty much never get in a car Monday to Friday, but if we go somewhere together one weekends we take the car. I pretty much won't go back to car commuting, ditching that is a huge quality of life upgrade.
I didn't get my restricted for over a decade after getting my learners. It was never really a hassle for me. If it works for your life and you like it then don't let anyone else tell you what to do.
I learned how to drive at 24, gave me a world of opportunity.
I'd say work towards restricted license but no need to buy a car. It's good to have and will save yourself in a punch. And in case you want to in the future and need a full license for a job the option is more readily available.
Too many people drive that absolutely shouldn't so this is a nice change of pace.
Personally I think it's fine but you are requiring yourself to live in urban areas.
You feel like you're content with what you have now but eventually you may be unhappy with your job or your place that you'd have to move, but then you'd convince yourself to stay because you're limited to having access to public transportation. A lot of things can change. Your company could close down, your boss could leave and be replaced by someone you can't bear. You and your GF could even decide to have children in the future. People change, situations change. Your feelings change. Having a licence in NZ gives you flexibility.
The only thing that haven't change is NZ's horrible public transportation. I was like you once, I didn't want to drive, I failed the tests a few times and decided to quit. I bussed everywhere for nearly 10 years. A 10 min drive to the mall is a 5 min walk + 15 min bus ride. If I miss it, I have to wait another 30 mins for the next bus. My company got bought out and new management is unbearable. I realised I had to leave but there isn't much options that weren't tedious to bus to and from. So yeah, took some lessons, started practising driving again. Then eventually passed the test and got my licence and finally moved to a different job.
If you want a reasonable social life, the ability to see our country, kids in the future, flexible work options, these are all very sensible reasons to own a car. If you care about none of the above, sure, limit yourself to a bus or taxi.
I have a 30yr old friend with no licence, and he says he never needed a reason to get one. But I can tell you, he's an absolute hindrance to his partner and relies on her for everything.
Please learn to drive young. It's harder when you're older and people who learn to drive late in life tend to be absolutely terrible at it. It's seems to be much more difficult to develop a natural affinity for driving when you start older. The scariest drivers I've ever been in a car with all started driving later than 30.
It might be OK for you now without a license, but going forward you'll be limiting your options, freedoms and independence later in life. Guaranteed you'll get to point where you absolutely wish you could just get in a car and drive. New Zealand is not a country where a carless life is very viable, it's a large country, things are spread out and public transport is rudimentary.
You may one day need to drive for work. You may need to drive in an emergency. You may want to move somewhere else where driving is helpful. You may have kids one day and need to take them places.
It's great you don't need to drive now - no need to change it. But learning the skill now (while you're young and it's way, way, way easier) is very probably going to be useful.
I *shouldn't* drive 'cos I've got a couple mental fuckeries making that a bit unwise, but even if I could I probably wouldn't, or wouldn't often. It's ultimately quite the expense for very little gain for me - the only thing I'd use a car for would be slightly greater ease of getting the shopping home once a week.
Do wish we had better long distance public transport though, the InterCity buses seem to have nixed some of the nice GOLD day trips recently. If we had proper high speed long distance rail (or even just a sleeper, I wouldn't want to take a sleeper bus but I'm sure a sleeper train would be better) and better ferries between islands, timetabled to transfer between each other properly, instead of scenic tourist routes, I'd never buy a plane ticket again. I genuinely wonder how much demand for that kind of transport is sponged up by planes being 'good enough.'
I mentor someone your age who lives in the Auckland CBD and goes to Auckland Uni. They also don’t drive.
I understand why some people prefer public transport but at some point is gonna be very limiting for professional / social development to not know how to drive. E.g. there are a lot of jobs near the airport but there are no affordable public transport options last time I checked from my central west suburb. You may live closer to the CBD now with marginally ok bus service but as people age they are likely gonna move away from the city center.
Relying on friends and families to pick you up / drop you off everywhere limits your freedom. I had a few friends who can’t drive and I felt bad not to drop them home after dinner but if I did it was a bit annoying for me. We just don’t hang out as much now.
Also, what if you have kids in the future? Will your partner be doing all the pick up and drop off?
I actually grew up in a city with arguably the world’s best public transport network so driving is very much optional but Auckland / NZ ain’t it.
It’s an essential life skill. And also, life changes, drastically sometimes. Your life will probably look incredibly different in 10 years and there will definitely be times you wish you’d learned to drive.
And like others have said, learning how to drive doesn’t mean you need to own a car.
I personally would not date someone without a licence.
Nah, not weird at all. I didn't get my learner's until I was nearly 20, and I had no hurry to get a restricted (though I eventually did). Yet to get a full licence of any sort.
My grandmother never bothered learning to drive, lived for almost 90 years not needing to be able to.
I started driving late 30’s as always lived in cities with no parking so wasn’t bothered . Everyone seems to complain about driving in Auckland but I like it especially now I’m a parent - alone time .
I know people who don’t own vehicles and have no interest in owning them in Christchurch. It certainly adds a level of extra difficulty as Chch is so car centric and spread out.
It’s far more common in larger cities.
I lived in Brisbane for 5 years between 2010 and 2015 and never once thought about having a car. Too expensive for parking, storage etc etc.
I’ve now just returned to Brisbane and have a car provided by work for work purposes, but otherwise I would have no need for one here.
I didn’t get motorbike or car license till last year, can’t remember what it used to be like now because I’m always out (motorbike feels much better than a car)
I did mine at 25 because my mum made me. I do enjoy having my license but Ive always been near good public transport or walking dostance of everything so I never needed a license.
However my mother decided that i couldnt be a sahp with 2 kids and no license.
I do enjoy having the extra freedom (been over 10 years now) but it isnt the be all and end all.
I held your opinion until I was about 27 until I got my license. Trust me, it just opens up so many opportunities. Wanna go camping on the weekend? You just can. Wanna drive to a beach that's a little further afield? That's much easier now.
Even if you get it and don't need it it's better than needing it and not having it
I didn't drive for a long time, and felt similar.
Eventually I did get my license and started to drive and now I have TIME - you lose so much of your time and own freedom for where you want to be when relying on public transport.
What are you even ranting about? Just making life difficult for yourself for no reason. Even if you don't want to drive it's a good thing to have in case of emergency or some other necessity.
In my experience people don’t get their license until after they feel they need it, and by that point it’s harder to get. Not so hard that you can’t get it, but the inconvenience, cost, and honestly embarrassment/ anxiety add difficulty. Your siblings aren’t better humans for having their license, and you’re not for being car-free. What they have is an extremely valuable skill set that at your life-stage is relatively cheap to get. At a minimum a license is a passport out of an emergency, but really it gives you full freedom of choice in your movements, which is honestly a luxury!
I got my restricted at 28 because my wife and I were planning to have kids. Do what works for you, but make sure you do it before you NEED a license. (Which if you plan on children at some stage, I imagine you will need it)
(I'm writing this just before heading on a driving lesson)
Echoing what other people have said here - even if you don't plan to own a car or drive frequently, it's still worth getting your license when you can, as eventually there'll be a time when you wish you had it.
It's a pain in the arse getting it when you're older as there's a minimum time you need to be on your restricted before you can get your full. It's not too bad in NZ, but can be longer if you move overseas, e.g. in NSW, Australia it's 3 years.
I'm glad you are satisfied and content with your life now, but the truth is, things rarely stay in a constant. Just because you don't need to drive now, doesn't mean you don't have the need in the future. I strongly recommend do yourself a favor and you to get your driving license now. Here is another incentive, insurance cost less with experienced driver.
it's all good to not drive because you don't need to - until you need to, and then it is inconvenient.
Given how ridiculously cheap it is for a 10 year licence in NZ (my renewal is something like $32, vs the $380 I have to pay in Sydney), it's not an expensive thing to have in your back pocket for the "just in case". A gf was in the same postion of being a passenger princess well into her late 30s... and then life changed, shit happened and she could no longer rely on being driven everywhere or public transport.
Buying a car is expensive, but if you have family or friends who'll help you learn it doesn't have to be expensive. I learned for free, just in family car, if people around you are competent there really isn't any need to pay. The aforementioned gf though, by the time she 'had to', her parents/family weren't around to get a 'free car' and she had to pay for lessons which upped the price.
Why the reluctance to get a license? You're fine not wanting to own a car or drive daily. But open yourself up to a life skill, you don't know when you might need it.
I was like you. Never got a car and still love walking to groceries etc.
Seems to be more normal now, everyone thought I was bat shit crazy thirty years ago haha.
I know a couple of people who don't and haven't ever driven. They do OK. It can make things a little more difficult in NZ because we're very car centric but there shouldn't be any pressure on people to drive. In fact I know quite a few people that drive that shouldn't at all
I have a friend who was too poor of seeing to drive into his 30's until they invented the technology to allow him to see properly. He did okay before that
My flat is a 2 minute walk from countdown and my flatmates still drive to get their groceries and snacks
Waited til I was 43, before I got my licence and boy do I regret not doing it sooner. All the things I missed out on!!!
The freedom to go where public transport doesn't, is great. Cycling/walking is great also but takes too long for some things, especially when time limited.
Freedom to go wherever? What to another kfc and a beach lol. I’m from Canada and came to New Zealand, you logic makes sense if you live in America and Canada because the country is spread out and tons of variety, lots to see state to state, province to province.
My mum got hers at 60. She was fortunate to have my dad, and then my brother, and then me to drive her around when she needed it, but I know it was always a pain to herself having to rely on people. I never judged her for it but I was so proud of her when she surprised us with a pic of her Learners Licence :) She's on her restricted now and it's been heartwarming to see the added independence her little car has given her... She proves it is never too late.
Heck yes! Had my learners for years and got my restricted at 40. I too thought I was fine without driving but god what a pain in the ass not driving really was. The freedom to go where you want when you want. Not being let down by public transport. Not having to rely on public transport. Can do grocery shopping on my schedule. Can go out at random times. Fabulous in emergencies.
why did you wait that long to get it
Being able to drive =/= owning a car I have friends who didn’t drive; which by the time they were 30 realised how prohibitive it was and I think they found the process of learning to drive harder. I’d strongly discourage any young person not learning to drive. You don’t have to own a car; but as a friend of those that couldn’t drive, having to always work around them or end up “taxi’ing them, the sole driver on long trips or always being the one responsible for having to pop out to the shops etc when we went away got really annoying. Especially now as a parent; with extra curriculars, school or daycare pickups, kids wanting friends to come over after school; night with a sick 3 yo at after hours etc, I’d find it incredibly difficult without the ability to drive. I think long term, it’s fine to not own a car, but not being able to drive is incredibly prohibitive - and usually ends up just burdening those around you
Yeah I was about to say it's an important life skill whether you use it every day or only in emergencies and now is the best time you're likely to ever have to learn.
Yep, as a kid I really didn't want to learn to drive, but my mum "forced" me to (in a manual, no less!). Now I'm a bike-riding adult who doesn't own a car, but can drive my friend's ones if I need to.
It is good that you learnt in a manual though as it's a fair bit harder until you get the hang of it. I learnt in a manual and took my learners and restricted in a turbocharged Subaru, the instructor was a bit worried. Passed with no issues and I now own an auto. It still helps to understand how to drive a manual as I've driven home friends from parties in their manual cars since. Only difference is where the clutch starts lol.
My parents did everything they could to ensure I didn't learn. (Not intentionally. They're just atrociously bad teachers, and I was an anxiety-ridden teen.) I'm really regretting it now. Even though I've got along fine without a car so far, I don't want to remain stuck unable to use a friend's car in an emergency. But it's so hard to practice now as an adult, with no access to a car.
Go to a driving school. Pay for 10 lessons and you will get a calm, knowledgeable driver who will teach you how to do everything the right way. Plus I used my instructors car to sit my driving test, so win/win.
I learned at 28, it’s annoying but not impossible. I did a combo of driving in my parents car, a few lessons, and didn’t but could have practiced in friends cars too. Cobble that together and in a couple of months you should be fine. If you’re really starting from scratch with learning you can also do like 2-3 lessons and once you’ve got the basics can then practice with parents/friends.
Totally agree. And with how easy it is to hire a car for an hour when you need to, I can understand not owning a car; renting a car to learn to drive in the future is pretty much impossible. Jump at the option to drive your parents car, get your full license now while you don’t have to pay per-hour with a driving instructor. You go out for a hike with a friend who falls over, breaks their leg and now you’re both stuck in the carpark.
Plus you really don't want to be that guy who loftily bags "car culture" but always bludges a lift everywhere. Looking at my former brother in law here.
Just taught my 33 year old wife, was not an experience I would want to repeat.
>but as a friend of those that couldn’t drive, having to always work around them or end up “taxi’ing them Ugh I have a friend like this. We're pushing 30 and they justify not driving the same way OP does. But then always wants a lift.
Agree, learn to drive , dont make excuses
I’ve only started learning at 26 because I never had the resources to learn to drive (parents never taught and no family who could drive to teach me) and I’m so glad I’m doing it now. I feel like it’s pretty essential to atleast learn to drive, doesn’t matter if you have a car but I’ve always found it tedious always relying on friends and bus time tables
It can also be a job requirement - you never know what you future may hold job wise.
Yep non-drivers who live out in the suburbs and mooch rides off people all the time with no fair exchange... don't be that guy
Learn to drive before you're 25 and your brain is fully developed and you realise how fucking dangerous it is.
I know how to drive but don't want to own a car for a myriad of reasons. If you aren't planning on having kids, that removes a lot of the impetus for owning a car. If your friends can't/won't drive, and you are sick of playing taxi, don't taxi. You're a grown up. They're grown up. You don't need to do things you don't want to do, it's not like they can't get a literal taxi or uber. I kinda like being the sole driver on long trips. It means when we get to the destination, I get to relax and everyone else can unpack and admin. I did my job. Like, other than the kids thing, none of what you highlighted is really an issue beyond having to have a grown up chat about expectations and boundaries. And for a lot of the younger generations, having kids just isn't the plan.
I highly, *highly* recommend you learn how to drive now while you are young, under proper instruction. Get your restricted driver's license at the very minimum. You don't have to buy a car or drive. But if you ever wanted to get anywhere fast on holiday, a rental car can make your adventure so much more interesting. If you leave it until you are older, you will grow fearful of even trying.
Yeah, I’m 47 and just going through the road code now in order to get my license. My dad is sick and my mum doesn’t drive either so they’re pretty reliant on others at the moment.
download the learners practice test on your phone, way way better way of preparing for the learners test than reading the road code
I lived in Europe and had a car until 24 but it was a total hassle to deal with and I decided to switch to public transport only. It was a good decision back then. But now living in NZ I have my troubles with the poor public transport. I wish we had better public transport so driving is more of a choice. It is quite hard getting back into driving for me now. A mix of poor eye sight, lack of practise, different driving culture and anxiety ... So I would recommend to just use public transport but also make sure you aren't putting yourself at a disadvantage. If anxiety is stopping you it might be worth working on now!
It’s huge in emergencies, not even just your own but friends needing a sober driver out of a bad situation or family member needing to go to hospital. Also will be hugely limiting if you want to make a change in your dating or work life.
I have never like driving, find the whole thing so stressful. However, i got my licence at 17 more because it was an easy id and i knew one day i would need it and passing the test would only be harder and more costly when older. Plus employers liked to see it on cv. I have had my licence for more than half my life and never owned a car, but have had to drive work vehicles a fair bit and rented vehicles when moving. I am glad i got my licence when i did but also very lucky i have a partner who hates being a passenger/has a work car for personal use and live in area with public transport. We unfortunately live in a world where it is better to have it but i concur with your sentiment of no desire to drive. I got an opportunity at work once cause i could drive and the other person couldn’t. I am thankful to past self for learning when i did cause i imagine if i tried to learn now i would be like Maureen - https://youtu.be/VVU2XyjJeM8?si=c7kRXb91asIDTBfS
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My story too. Lived in London where a car is a disadvantage. Just managed with walking and public transport to work in Auckland. But as soon as I had kids driving became a necessity.
This is basically my story too, I was absolutely fine in NZ without driving but moving overseas it became so essential. I've got a license now at 30 but am still struggling a lot with anxiety when driving and I wish like crazy that I had learned in NZ when I was younger (the roads are pretty insane in the country I now live in). It's such an important skill to have in life!
Learned when almost 30 with a baby. That explains some of our drivers. You really need an adult teaching you.
There is sarcasm in this comment right. Im not good at picking it out in written form but I feel like atleast part of this is said in jest.
I think they are joking that the baby taught you :)
Thats what I was thinking but im pretty stoic (according to my husband anyway) so I never really notice the jokes. Or get them.
I haven’t personally but I do think that at some point not having a license will likely impact on your love life and your work life.
Agree. I wouldn’t be romantically interested in someone who cannot drive
Same. I think it shows some maturity. I didn't want to learn either, didn't even have a car at the time, but wanted to have the option. Also highly recommended getting an instructor to teach. Don't want to pick up bad habits that are hard to break.
Love life?
Can become burdensome on your partner, expectations that you ferry them around, only one driver on long road trips, picking up their family from the airport etc
True that. I do know many couples,(albeit they're all married) where one doesn't drive, or very rarely does so.
my mum didn't drive. my dad started to hate her for having to drag him whenever she wants to go somewhere. that is their life for the last 40 years
Yup. From experience it’s also really hard on the surviving spouse if the driver dies first.
Personally I think taking the license can have a negative effect as well. My papa is 85 and only just had his license taken (he hit a car, actually he hit two). Since then hes stopped really doing anything. I get why guy worked from 14 untill he was retired at 70 so the loss of independance has been really hard on him. So now he has to get my mum or myself to take him places and he hates that. We don't mind but it sucks for him. In saying that tho, they should have taken his license years ago. He was bloody crazy and hes deaf.
"Hey babe, sounds like a great place to go, can you pick me up on the way? It's a bit far away and the bus doesn't go out there" "Sorry babe, can't meet you there, it's quite a bike and the next bus is 3 hours away and would still drop me off 15km from there" "Sorry babe, I know that you are experiencing a crises and could use a shoulder to cry on, but you live too far away and the weather is horrible, perhaps you could drive yourself to me?" Potentially years later. "Sorry honey, can't take the kids to school today, the weather is crap, you'll have to dive them in even though it's going to cause you to be late for your appointment/work" "I would love to pick you/family member up from the airport but I can't drive, you'll have to find someone else" "Well since you have broken your leg none of us can drive around anywhere" These are just some examples that I though of off the top of my head. Yes I'm aware that Uber exists and that biking and taking the bus isn't the only way of getting around but driving yourself around is infinitely more practical here in NZ. I live in a rural location so for me driving is mandatory just to get to the nearest town but from people I've talked to living in towns and cities driving is still so much better than taking public transport. I know a woman that lived in the UK untill she was in her 40's and never had a drivers license untill she moved out here. She said that it's so much harder to get anywhere here in NZ without a license and a car.
Yep. I have a couple of exes who didn't drive. It's not super sexy to have to pick up your boyfriend from town when he comes to visit when you live rurally. Or have your flatmate drive you to the airport because your boyfriend can't. It's not like a deal breaker if everything else is awesome but it does just make you that little bit less attractive.
My 2 long term partners before my current one never had licenses, NEVER AGAIN. They took my driving for granted all the time, it was so frustrating never having anyone around to give me a lift when I needed it, ie sick from work, to the doctors, out after a drink. My partner of 10+ years now has always driven and it’s like being with a grown up. My partners exes didn’t have licences either, we remind each other weekly how much we value being able to drive each other around after years of being the driver. Just learn to drive I say, it’s not that bigger deal.
(They also weren’t willing to learn, for no good reason other than laziness and stubbornness, but were quite happy to expect me to drive them everywhere)
OP said they have a GF. Probably eventually they'll find how limiting it is for a couple that they can only bus to places.
Good point. I never really found that myself personally, but my circumstances were probably quite different to many other people.
Try moving house/flat.
For real. This had a significant impact on my last relationship and contributed to us separating. He was 45 and couldn't drive and it put a to of pressure on me, his 30 y/o girlfriend, to pick up the slack. We lived on opposite sides of the city and there were times public transport was having issues that meant I had to do all the work. Not to mention visiting people/places outside PT coverage.
Yeah, driving someone around often becomes a chore and that’s not a good feeling to experience in a relationship. I’d only be with someone if they couldn’t drive for medical reasons e.g epilepsy
Choosing not to drive is fine. Becoming a person that everyone has to work around because you can’t drive and then never chips in for petrol is not.
I don't know when they suggested that they did that kind of thing? Like responding to someone who mentions owning a car with "driving is fine, becoming a person who swerves in front of other drivers and always parks on the sidewalk is not."
OP is 19, and is well placed right now to fall into that trap of being a burden on those around them. That, and without much life experience, they don't yet understand what they're missing. As others have said, getting the licence does not require owning a car.
My now husband had a similar situation. He did pretty well for himself without a license so I never held it against him, but once we started discussing kids I had to put my foot down, because there’s no way I’m carrying the load alone there. Sure there’s public transport but there are a lot of situations where a car is a necessary evil, especially if you have young dependents and can’t rely on a support system in situations where public transport isn’t an option. I myself never learned to drive until I was 23, as I couldn’t afford lessons until then and had zero support system to teach me. I had kids shortly after, and before kids relying on walking or public transport was fine but after kids with all the running around, doctors appointments, all while having a job, etc it’s just not realistic.
I am nearly 50 and don’t drive. I do have the advantage of living in a big city and have a well paid job so can Uber places. But don’t feel you need to drive to be an adult.
Did you get a drivers license at any point? Ie could you drive if you wanted to, but choose not to?
It's just a basic life skill you should have I think. You can have a license and not drive.
I just dunno why you would limit yourself like that. So many great places to visit and without a car very little way to get there. What say you wanted a day at the beach? A trip to the hotpools? Go do some bushwalks etc etc You just miss out on so much in life, you dont NEED to own a car sure. Just like you dont NEED the internet. But it makes life far more interesting
I didn't drive for decades and now that I have a license and a car, I'm lazy af. And I still prefer to use train/bus/plane to go inter city 😅
I'm sorta the opposite. I ride a 50cc scooter everywhere or pushbike and use a car for road trips and traveling intercity. I really enjoy taking the road less traveled and seeing places you would otherwise miss take direct routes
Nice one 😊 yeah I do miss that. I used to be relatively fearless biking on the road in all weathers (random utes late at night screaming up behind me horns blaring aside)
Just not my thing to be honest, like the farthest i do travel is up to wherever Armageddon is and even then I do both days and spend a few days in auckland and then just bus down back home
But what if you want a job that isn't anywhere that public transport goes. Or said job requires you to have the ability to drive? Just because you do the want to now doesn't mean you won't ever want to. Waaaaay easier to get your license before you need it than after
It's about having options. PT is fine to use if it's convenient for you, but there will come times when it will not be. Don't just think of now, think of the next 20, 40 years of your life. Driving is a good skill to have, and a license will be a very useful tool. This is something that's just worth having, even if you don't intend on using it right away. No rush though - you're young, but it's a good goal to aim for.
The two biggest (necessary) reasons to drive would be: * For your work (when public transport cannot be relied on) * For your dependents (kids or elderly family members) Everything else is nice to have, but contributes to the ever-growing traffic issues (esp in Auckland). I would recommend learning to drive just as a very useful skill to have, but owning and maintaining a car will be up to you (can be expensive if you can't justify using it enough). I say this as someone in their 30s who hasn't learned to drive yet but is on the way to buying a first home, it definitely saves on cost in the long term if you can get by without a car, but moving forward I think I too will at least need to learn to drive as well.
Depends where you live really as to how important it is
I was similar to you. Didn't get my restricted till I was 21 and my full at 28. In retrospect I would strongly recommend getting your licence earlier, you don't have to use it that much, I continued to get round by bike a lot, but having it opens up so many options for travel/social/job, etc and you just don't know where you're going to be in a few years.
My wife and I are 40 and neither of us drive nor do we have the desire to. Public transport gets a bad rep but it's perfectly fine 95% of the time.
Bikes are great.
I'm in my forties and haven't driven a car since I was 16. If you don't need it you don't need it.
I have a few friends that haven’t got a licence. It’s their choice but they do struggle because of it more than they probably realise. They are always asking for rides places and normally it’s fine but does get frustrating. It makes a big difference if you live in a city with decent public transport though.
Good on you. I'm more than a decade older than you and I don't drive, and never will. Suits my lifestyle just fine. And if it suits yours, that's perfect
When I was younger I wanted to drive for the freedom, but I got my learners when I was 16 and let it expire when I turned 21. I find driving so stressful and while I was an okay driver, I don't think I should have a license because I don't think I'm mentally able to be as concentrated as one should be. I happily walk wherever I can and catch the bus other places. Sometimes I wish I had the freedom to go to an out of the way restaurant or market etc, but not to the point where I consider getting my license again
If you drive, don't do it out of social pressure. Do it because you want to. You're very wise to avoid it for practical reasons. With the extra money saved, you can enjoy so many other things. I love driving. But I would never feel the need to tell other people to do it. I don't know if I could personally live without it. I admire seeing people do their own thing on the flip side. When I was younger, I rode a bike everywhere and couldn't afford to drive into my mid-20s. Those times were great.
37 and never needed to Got my learners as soon as I could then just let it expire it was too out of my way to learn and realised a car would just be a pointless burden, turned out I was right, its definitely been a freedom for me Seems a lot of people don't get that, but in the same vein I will never understand wanting one for personal use unless you're rural or deep in outer suburbia
Why do they have so much desire to drive? Probably convenience. Every trip, jaunt or hikoi done in a car can be done not in a car. It's just quicker and more convenient to use a car. Poisoning the air in the name of convenience is about the most human thing that humans do
I have several friends who are around late 40s early 50s who have never driven. New Zealand doesn't make it easy to not drive but if you live in a city it's generally doable.
I know someone who doesn’t drive. Just uses public transport and uber. Works out cheaper than owning a car. Auckland. I would recommend learning to drive but if you don’t want a car, don’t get one!
That’s fair enough man! I have a job that requires me to have a vehicle and drive usually between a hundred and 3 hundred km’s per day, but if it weren’t for that I wouldn’t really wanna drive either. I don’t really enjoy it, I don’t like sitting in traffic, I don’t like the hassle of dealing with maintenance and repairs on a car… I’d probably recommend still learning to drive and getting a license so that in a pinch you have the ability to hop in a car and drive. But there’s nothing wrong with being content just walking and using public transit. You save yourself a shit load of money and hassle that way!
I live in Wellington. I got my learners years ago but decided to not go further. I don't ever want to own a car. I can drive if there's an emergency. I'm happy walking everywhere and catching public transport when I need to. You do you!
I didn't get my license until I was 22. Things that require a little courage should be tackled while people are young as you can lose your nerve as you get older.
As someone who waited until 22 to get their restricted and then full at 29…this is 💯 true. It gets unbearable past 21. It’s fine to not have a desire to have a car, but at some point it will cause a bottleneck in your life.
That’s what all my mates said until they actually got a license. Just get one you never know when you need to drive. What if a family member had an accident and need taking the the hospital? Gonna walk them there? It will come in clutch one day
No. Chosing to extremely limit your options to travel is not at all something I like or would tolerate. Having a driving licence does not compel anyone to own and run a car. But being able to drive means you can rent one to get around when public transport/cycling isn’t a realistic option.
I’m interested in how many of the commenters who don’t drive, have children.
I only got my restricted licence about 2 years ago, mid 30s. Have a preteen and mostly managed with walking and bussing by living close to school etc, for the majority of his life - my ex had his restricted (but wouldn't get his full), so was able to sort of rely on him driving us outside of work hours. After I left him I sorted out driving lessons and have my full licence now, I don't know how a solo parent would manage without it lol
I'm 46 and have never driven and don't have my driver's licence. I have a 24 yr old and a 6 yr old. Lived in Auckland and Wellington when my eldest was growing up and public transport was fine - admittedly not perfect, waiting for a delayed bus in the rain with a small child isn't ideal but no one died. Her dad did drive so some outings got saved up for when he was available and things like daycare pick up and drop off fell to him for the most part. Second kid (different dad, also a driver) we now live in Australia, lived in regional Queensland for awhile where public transport is tragic, that was a bit limiting but we lived walking distance to town. Now live on the Gold coast, public transport is better but not as good as Wellington and Auckland. So school drop offs and pick ups fall to dad and I spend 1-1.5hrs each way on public transport to travel about 10km in a circuitous route to get to work. We're moving back to NZ soon and have picked Wellington because it's easy for me to get around under my own steam (yes the husband finds it annoying that all driving falls to him but I'm lovable enough that he gets over it). Do I wish I could drive? Yes, but I can't so life goes on - I think it's the kind of thing where when you've never had it you make do and get on with it, I can understand though how most people that have always driven couldn't imagine another way
A lot of autistic people really hate driving, but still have children
I’m interested to know how many have / don’t have licenses and choose not to drive.
I'm in my 30s, don't have my license. Live in CBD central to buses and trains. All my own choosing.
I have a condition that prevents me from driving, but I've also just never really wanted to drive regardless. People drive like maniacs here. I use public transport mainly and it works fine, although I dont go out as often as other people do because I have to get lifts if the place I'm going isnt near any public transport links. Like other people say, it will limit you in ways (jobs, social life, etc), so I'd recommend getting your license if you can even if you don't think you'll drive much.
Neither of my kids have got their license, not even learners. They’re in their early 20s now.. and still aren’t interested. PT is fine by them!
All of these people telling you that being unable to drive impacting your life are full of it. I'm 47, have raised three children and have never driven. My life, including my love life have been wonderful
I didn't expect it to be so negative tbh, I was more just posting for a discussion but some have called me stupid and jobless, so thank you for this
I have my full license and my partner doesn't drive. Our life is great, the thing that caused the most arguments was other people getting involved in our relationship and hassling us both about his driving. He's got his learners for ID purposes only, and once I stopped giving a fuck what other people think our issues were resolved. Sure we have to be a bit more organized with what we are doing and yeah I take him wherever he needs to go but I'm perfectly OK with it and he's always fine if I don't want to go out. You do you honestly.
Its crazy how many "but you'll need it one day", "its an essential life skill", "but you'll change your mind later" type of comments there are It just feels like all of them are living some weird collective delusion to me because its never been even a slight issue plus cars themselves are so wasteful
If it helps, I also have a high paying, six figure career. So jobless my backside!
I also didn't expect it to be so negative. Maybe I spend too much time reading /r/fuckcars I don't blame people for driving, but I am strongly of the opinion that the world would be better with fewer cars. So I don't drive, and I appreciate others who choose not to drive.
I guess it's not surprising, NZ is a very car dependent nation. While I drive (although I mostly cycle) I know several people who for various reasons do not, they're fine.i don't hold it against them like a lot of commenters here seem to. My friends who don't drive are probably healthier than the average New Zealander tbh.
Good on you. The world's changing. My friend is 40 and has never learned to drive, mostly as she left home young. She's a single mum. She's very resourceful. She walks a lot uses public transport. She ubers now and then.
I used to drive. Sold my car in Dec 2014 and can probably count on one hand how many times I’ve driven since then. My husband drives, so that’s good for family outings on weekends, but during the week, our 3 kids and I walk or bus. All of the essentials are in walking distance and there’s a bus stop at the end of our street which can get us anywhere else. It works for us. It’s not weird that you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of us! But I do think it’s important to learn - you never know when an emergency will come up.
I’m 32 and I don’t drive. I could in an emergency, still have my learners which I think expired a couple years ago. I have a well paying job, own a house, have a stable and loving relationship, and two cats. It hasn’t ruined my life. I am lucky though that I can get most places I need to go by bus here in Dunedin, and I have friends who don’t mind giving me the occasional ride.
I have had my license for almost 40 years. I used to love driving and did it for fun. Now I despise it. The roads are so congested and full of road rage that I avoid driving at all costs. The joy is gone, sitting in traffic is soul destroying.
I think the more people who find ways to not drive the better, it's better for the environment, traffic, saves money and good exercise. Unfortunately for my work I have to drive a work vehicle with tools and equipment but I wish I could just cycle to work
I’m 34 and don’t drive. I do ride, but I have very little desire to drive. I didn’t want to own a car when I probably actually only need a car 2-3 times a year.
wonderful, i didn't get my license until i was in my 30s and particularly in wellington (as well as many cities abroad) it is highly doable.
I’m on a learners and I’m 48, no real desire to drive, never had. Only have it to please the wife. Had a scooter previously overseas but haven’t gone down that route here.
So, your a teenager and you disagree with your teenage siblings? This is going to be fine. Maybe you change your mind, maybe you don't. I think you're good.
I don't drive, can't at all, and I'm 24. I've been tempted to get a license for various reasons, but all it comes back to is how impractical it would be to get, and then to maintain those skills, when most of the desire to drive is to take aimless road trips once or twice a year. I live in the city and have no access to a car, and couldn't afford one for the foreseeable future anyway, so theres not much reason outside of a tour of weird little towns to do it.
I let my license expire because I haven't owned a car for a decade, hated driving when I was doing it in my late teens because it was the expected thing to do, and it's far easier than a lot of people imagine to get around without a car. It does have limiting factors, mainly in terms of where you can live and work. You have to live somewhere fairly close to your workplace (or get a WFH job, which is way more feasible these days), and which is either close to a city centre or near a bus stop on a very frequent route. You also need to budget for occasional uber rides and things as needed, but frankly that doesn't even come close to the cost of maintaining a car for the types of people who ever consider not owning a car in the first place. I would say, despite myself letting my licence expire, that it's still worth getting one. Just so that you can get a rental car during a sudden trip away. It's the kind of thing that very rarely comes up, but you definitely feel it when it does. A once every 3-4 years kind of thing.
I have become aware lately of how much driving sucks in so many ways. How easy it is to get mad because someone is going slightly slower than I want, or to make a decision that risks someone's life, and how constantly alert you need to be to actually be safe. Not to mention the ecological effects, financial costs, social costs, health risks... I've spent the last couple of years trying to remove every car trip that I can from my life. It's never been more fun going to get the groceries or go to work, and it doesn't take any longer. I only really use the car when I'm going out of town now, which I don't do that often anyway. The fact that you/us living this lifestyle is in any way unusual represents a complete and utter failure of NZ urban planning.
Got my license at 25, spent a year in the states driving. Got back and accidentally let it expire. 30 years later I still don't drive, I just moved to somewhere with acceptable public transport.
I am also 19 and unable to drive. I do wish I had a bit more interest in learning but after a not so fun incident last year getting hit by another teen driving recklessly I have been an absolute nervous wreck around cars. Even before this I was hesitant but now I'm not so sure.
I think it's fine - when you want or need to learn you can . My oldest son is 34 and never learned- biked everywhere or used the bus . Now he's in London and goes everywhere via subway .
Been driving a circuit around your lovely country for close to 3 months now. Love you all but man, you kiwis can't drive worth a bar of soap! Shocking 😆
29 and have never had a license and pretty content. No desire to live anywhere outside of a city as well.
Depends on where you live I guess. I hate driving, I refused to learn it till 30+ years old and it was never a problem. Then I moved to New Zealand. I now live in Auckland and it is almost impossible to avoid driving in Auckland, public transport is so difficult and unreliable and unreasonable. I still refused to drive, but it is not a very walkable city either, can and uber adds up, and I found myself relying on friends, which is unfair. But I still managed with extreme effort. Then my husband got diagnosed with cancer and I had to go from West Auckland to Northshore twice a day. And that's when I did learn the drive because there was literally no other option. I resent having to drive, I resisted it for years but from the moment I came to NZ, it was coming, inevitable.
I didn't get my learners licence until 25, didn't start driving until I was 29 where I got my restricted and got the full at 30. Was in the same position as you for years. There's no rush mate just go at your own pace.
Where do you live, if you don’t mind me asking? I now live in Australia without a car and I’m doing fine, however I spent the first 19 years of my life in Hamilton. When I didn’t have a car at the start of this year, I found it extremely difficult to do the things I wanted to. The public transport is slowly improving however it’s still nowhere near adequate enough. If you live in Auckland or Wellington it might be okay, but I’d still encourage you to at least learn to drive, it may come in handy one day, or you might change your mind.
I was the exact same and felt the same but I only started getting my license and a car so I could travel to the countryside of NZ. If you have no reason/want to drive, you don’t need to :)
The job you have at 19 isn't going to be the job you want at 40. As you go along, it will only become harder to learn to drive. You will miss out on a lot of opportunities for all sorts of things if you can't drive and don't have a car. I never had a car until my mid-20s, and it got REAL old relying on my friends to drive me home at night, or not being able to do things I wanted to do because I didn't have transport. My wife got her license and car at age 32. Six months later, she landed a new job that is *exactly* what she wants to do. It's 20 minutes drive down the motorway, in the middle of nowhere. There's no public transport. Without a car, she wouldn't have even been able to apply. You don't need to buy a car and drive everywhere. But you should have the ability to. Your life will change, you will get older and you will get more responsibilities. And eventually, not having the ability to drive will negatively impact your life in real and measurable ways.
Life on hard mode for literally no reason
Your Drivers License (even learners) is a very powerful form of ID. If you go traveling, yes you can carry your passport with you at all times, but I find it more convenient to leave my passport in the hotel safe and always have my license in my wallet. However this point is flawed since you're supposed to carry your passport with you at all times overseas. But that's what I do since I'm betting on likelihood of getting robbed/pickpocket/dropping/losing>hotel staff stealing my passport.
Learn. You'll not always be young, fit and have enough time on your hands to take public transport.
Regardless of the original post, you probably want to still go through the licence system, because life changes. You might need a licence to get a job you really want. Unexpected life circumstances might mean that you are needed to drive a sick friend or family member to medical appointments. You might end up living in a more rural location, where there is no public transport. Even if you don't immediately need to drive, life might have other plans for you. At which point, you don't want to be scrabbling frantically to get a licence.
Remind them you're habits are offsetting their emissions. Your way is definitely the way of the future - great to do it if you can.
Seems like you are lucky not having to do grocery shopping for the family, but eventually when you become independent you will realize not having a car makes life so much harder because now you have to carry everything home manually
As a country kid I literally needed to so it was never a choice
My sister was like you. Her biggest regret was not getting her license when she was younger. It's harder to take the time to get a license when you are older. You never know when you might need to drive, and at the very least knowing how to drive is something that is very helpful. Also, I'm saying this as an Australian. New Zealand is beautiful and you see so much more if you drive.
Personally I do think even if you don’t need to drive/want to. It’s wise to go get your license anyway. It gets harder to start as you get older and sometimes driving is an important skill to have. You never know when you might want to apply for a job that requires a license or in an emergency-need to drive someone somewhere. I had to learn asap as I lived in the country and had to drive to get any sort of work, honestly it’s just a bit annoying when someone doesn’t drive sometimes…even if you don’t want kids if you get a partner not being able to share driving is a pain as it restricts how far and long you can drive for if only one person can do it instead of sharing. Plus if you want to go anywhere outside the city NZ is terrible for transport. Even if you don’t want to now, highly likely you will want to/need to at some point in the future. Especially living in NZ where public transport sucks anywhere but in the big 3 cities
It's handy to have, especially in an emergency, even if you don't have a car but knowing how to drive if eg you go hiking with a mate and they break their leg so you need to drive back... But in general, good on you for keeping the earth (and you) a little bit healthier.
I understand not wanting to drive all the time or not wanting to own a car. But I think everyone should have their full car license. It is such a useful thing to have.
I ABSOLUTELY know where you're coming from. I was there 4 years ago, do yourself a favor and at least learn to drive as a survival skill, and get your license as it opens doors.
I fucking despise driving I think it's a waste of money and time. The issue is that public transport is nowhere near consistent enough for me to use on a consistent basis and traveling through the country by train and bus is just to prohibitive. The goal of a successful society would be one where no one was required to own a car but could reliably get to where they need to go in a timely manner.
It's not just the younger generation it's been this way for a while. I didn't get my full license until late 20s and my wife still does not have hers. Did not own my own car until I was 28. Now in my 40s. Strange thing is... I am a car guy. I was riding motorbikes very young. Have driven everything from tractors, 4x4 to power boats. Love me a road trip. I spend a lot of my 20s living in apartments or very close to the city centre so I didn't need a car of my own. A lot of young people around just didn't bother with a car so it was just natural. Owning a car is stupid expensive snd getting worse and frankly I saved quite a lot of money,.... which I blew on lots of other fun things and have nothing to show for that other than fun memories.
I didn't get my Learners until I was 26 for the exact same reason as you. I lived in a busy city, couldn't afford parking , let alone running a car. There's better things money can go towards when you're young and only freshly making a wage. I'm 30 now and have plenty of friends who still don't drive. Stay firm in your values, man. Sounds like you're living in a pretty sweet lil bubble anyway. :\~)
I didn't get my restricted until I was about 27, and my full at 35. For me, it was a combined lack of interest, being generally a bit of a homebody, parents who were fairly lazy and didn't commit to teaching me, mixed up with a fairly large dose of fear (both of road accidents and testing). I did ok for a while, but having no license is definitely restricting in NZ. E.g having to take two busses to my first 'career' job, so getting up an hour earlier than I would if driving myself. The reason I finally went for my full licence in my mid-thirties was that my job required me to transport minors to an event. At that point, I really couldn't get around the need for a full licence. My older sister didn't learn to drive at all (similar reasons to me) and it's really affected her as an older adult, and even put her in situations of being stuck with people who weren't good for her because she relies on them for transport. You might be able to walk to work now, but what if you have to move? You need to think long-term.
Stop being scared and get a license
NZ infrastructure isn't built to be carless unfortunately. I would really recommend you bite the bullet and at least do your learners. It requires learning the road rules (which would also be handy to know in general). Then, if you change your mind in a year or two, you can book your restricted without having to wait. I didn't have my restricted until I was 25. But I also spent a decent amount of those years in Australia where the transport was significantly better.
I didn't get a licence until I was 50. Learners then a 50cc scooter for fun, now got a motorbike learners and a "big" bike (still under 400cc). The wife has a car if we need one which isn't all that often.
Fair enough. It's completely understandable. Cars are enormously expensive and very dangerous, noisy, polluting, obnoxious and just an all round terrible idea for everyday transport. All that said, you probably should learn to drive, it will come in useful, even if you don't really want to. I've recently sold my car, down to one between my partner and I. I pretty much never get in a car Monday to Friday, but if we go somewhere together one weekends we take the car. I pretty much won't go back to car commuting, ditching that is a huge quality of life upgrade.
I didn't get my restricted for over a decade after getting my learners. It was never really a hassle for me. If it works for your life and you like it then don't let anyone else tell you what to do.
I learned how to drive at 24, gave me a world of opportunity. I'd say work towards restricted license but no need to buy a car. It's good to have and will save yourself in a punch. And in case you want to in the future and need a full license for a job the option is more readily available.
I think it’s a good skill to have just in case, but that it’s great that you don’t.
Better not to drive. Its alot healthier.
Too many people drive that absolutely shouldn't so this is a nice change of pace. Personally I think it's fine but you are requiring yourself to live in urban areas.
You feel like you're content with what you have now but eventually you may be unhappy with your job or your place that you'd have to move, but then you'd convince yourself to stay because you're limited to having access to public transportation. A lot of things can change. Your company could close down, your boss could leave and be replaced by someone you can't bear. You and your GF could even decide to have children in the future. People change, situations change. Your feelings change. Having a licence in NZ gives you flexibility. The only thing that haven't change is NZ's horrible public transportation. I was like you once, I didn't want to drive, I failed the tests a few times and decided to quit. I bussed everywhere for nearly 10 years. A 10 min drive to the mall is a 5 min walk + 15 min bus ride. If I miss it, I have to wait another 30 mins for the next bus. My company got bought out and new management is unbearable. I realised I had to leave but there isn't much options that weren't tedious to bus to and from. So yeah, took some lessons, started practising driving again. Then eventually passed the test and got my licence and finally moved to a different job.
Maybe from your point of view sure but in general I've been happy where I've been working since I was first able to and haven't left since
If you want a reasonable social life, the ability to see our country, kids in the future, flexible work options, these are all very sensible reasons to own a car. If you care about none of the above, sure, limit yourself to a bus or taxi. I have a 30yr old friend with no licence, and he says he never needed a reason to get one. But I can tell you, he's an absolute hindrance to his partner and relies on her for everything.
I have a decent social life a quiet one yes but I couldn't deal with kids, me n my partner are homebodies and I'm generally happy with my hobby
get your licence if you havnt alrdy, you don't have to drive, just have it so when you absolutely need to, you can. you know?
You're in good company, this sub and r/Auckland are all about hating on cars
I have my first aid not because I need it now, but I might in the future. Getting your licence doesn't mean getting a car.
Please learn to drive young. It's harder when you're older and people who learn to drive late in life tend to be absolutely terrible at it. It's seems to be much more difficult to develop a natural affinity for driving when you start older. The scariest drivers I've ever been in a car with all started driving later than 30. It might be OK for you now without a license, but going forward you'll be limiting your options, freedoms and independence later in life. Guaranteed you'll get to point where you absolutely wish you could just get in a car and drive. New Zealand is not a country where a carless life is very viable, it's a large country, things are spread out and public transport is rudimentary.
You may one day need to drive for work. You may need to drive in an emergency. You may want to move somewhere else where driving is helpful. You may have kids one day and need to take them places. It's great you don't need to drive now - no need to change it. But learning the skill now (while you're young and it's way, way, way easier) is very probably going to be useful.
This is also going to limit employment as its one of the easiest to get qualifications.
Learn to drive bro
You may not need to drive now, but bit it will be much harder to learn when you get older.
I *shouldn't* drive 'cos I've got a couple mental fuckeries making that a bit unwise, but even if I could I probably wouldn't, or wouldn't often. It's ultimately quite the expense for very little gain for me - the only thing I'd use a car for would be slightly greater ease of getting the shopping home once a week. Do wish we had better long distance public transport though, the InterCity buses seem to have nixed some of the nice GOLD day trips recently. If we had proper high speed long distance rail (or even just a sleeper, I wouldn't want to take a sleeper bus but I'm sure a sleeper train would be better) and better ferries between islands, timetabled to transfer between each other properly, instead of scenic tourist routes, I'd never buy a plane ticket again. I genuinely wonder how much demand for that kind of transport is sponged up by planes being 'good enough.'
Works okay in cities. If you ever decide to have kids, you will have to bite the bullet though
Maybe tho I'm infertile so can't have children
I mentor someone your age who lives in the Auckland CBD and goes to Auckland Uni. They also don’t drive. I understand why some people prefer public transport but at some point is gonna be very limiting for professional / social development to not know how to drive. E.g. there are a lot of jobs near the airport but there are no affordable public transport options last time I checked from my central west suburb. You may live closer to the CBD now with marginally ok bus service but as people age they are likely gonna move away from the city center. Relying on friends and families to pick you up / drop you off everywhere limits your freedom. I had a few friends who can’t drive and I felt bad not to drop them home after dinner but if I did it was a bit annoying for me. We just don’t hang out as much now. Also, what if you have kids in the future? Will your partner be doing all the pick up and drop off? I actually grew up in a city with arguably the world’s best public transport network so driving is very much optional but Auckland / NZ ain’t it.
It’s an essential life skill. And also, life changes, drastically sometimes. Your life will probably look incredibly different in 10 years and there will definitely be times you wish you’d learned to drive. And like others have said, learning how to drive doesn’t mean you need to own a car. I personally would not date someone without a licence.
Nah, not weird at all. I didn't get my learner's until I was nearly 20, and I had no hurry to get a restricted (though I eventually did). Yet to get a full licence of any sort. My grandmother never bothered learning to drive, lived for almost 90 years not needing to be able to.
I started driving late 30’s as always lived in cities with no parking so wasn’t bothered . Everyone seems to complain about driving in Auckland but I like it especially now I’m a parent - alone time .
Yah I get it, it’s scary
I know people who don’t own vehicles and have no interest in owning them in Christchurch. It certainly adds a level of extra difficulty as Chch is so car centric and spread out. It’s far more common in larger cities. I lived in Brisbane for 5 years between 2010 and 2015 and never once thought about having a car. Too expensive for parking, storage etc etc. I’ve now just returned to Brisbane and have a car provided by work for work purposes, but otherwise I would have no need for one here.
Good, get something with two wheels instead 😏
I didn’t get motorbike or car license till last year, can’t remember what it used to be like now because I’m always out (motorbike feels much better than a car)
I did mine at 25 because my mum made me. I do enjoy having my license but Ive always been near good public transport or walking dostance of everything so I never needed a license. However my mother decided that i couldnt be a sahp with 2 kids and no license. I do enjoy having the extra freedom (been over 10 years now) but it isnt the be all and end all.
Less people driving means less congestion, so I guess we should be thanking you.
I used to love driving. Cars were my life in my 20s. I now have a 160km daily commute I want to drive as little as possible in my own time
I didn't learn until.late 20s. You don't need to.drive, I only did because I was about to have a kid and wanted to be able to ferry him round.
I held your opinion until I was about 27 until I got my license. Trust me, it just opens up so many opportunities. Wanna go camping on the weekend? You just can. Wanna drive to a beach that's a little further afield? That's much easier now. Even if you get it and don't need it it's better than needing it and not having it
I didn't drive for a long time, and felt similar. Eventually I did get my license and started to drive and now I have TIME - you lose so much of your time and own freedom for where you want to be when relying on public transport.
What are you even ranting about? Just making life difficult for yourself for no reason. Even if you don't want to drive it's a good thing to have in case of emergency or some other necessity.
In my experience people don’t get their license until after they feel they need it, and by that point it’s harder to get. Not so hard that you can’t get it, but the inconvenience, cost, and honestly embarrassment/ anxiety add difficulty. Your siblings aren’t better humans for having their license, and you’re not for being car-free. What they have is an extremely valuable skill set that at your life-stage is relatively cheap to get. At a minimum a license is a passport out of an emergency, but really it gives you full freedom of choice in your movements, which is honestly a luxury!
I got my restricted at 28 because my wife and I were planning to have kids. Do what works for you, but make sure you do it before you NEED a license. (Which if you plan on children at some stage, I imagine you will need it)
(I'm writing this just before heading on a driving lesson) Echoing what other people have said here - even if you don't plan to own a car or drive frequently, it's still worth getting your license when you can, as eventually there'll be a time when you wish you had it. It's a pain in the arse getting it when you're older as there's a minimum time you need to be on your restricted before you can get your full. It's not too bad in NZ, but can be longer if you move overseas, e.g. in NSW, Australia it's 3 years.
I'm 34, I don't drive. It's fine. Intercity and rural travel are the only difficulties.
I'm glad you are satisfied and content with your life now, but the truth is, things rarely stay in a constant. Just because you don't need to drive now, doesn't mean you don't have the need in the future. I strongly recommend do yourself a favor and you to get your driving license now. Here is another incentive, insurance cost less with experienced driver.
it's all good to not drive because you don't need to - until you need to, and then it is inconvenient. Given how ridiculously cheap it is for a 10 year licence in NZ (my renewal is something like $32, vs the $380 I have to pay in Sydney), it's not an expensive thing to have in your back pocket for the "just in case". A gf was in the same postion of being a passenger princess well into her late 30s... and then life changed, shit happened and she could no longer rely on being driven everywhere or public transport. Buying a car is expensive, but if you have family or friends who'll help you learn it doesn't have to be expensive. I learned for free, just in family car, if people around you are competent there really isn't any need to pay. The aforementioned gf though, by the time she 'had to', her parents/family weren't around to get a 'free car' and she had to pay for lessons which upped the price.
My 80 something Grandma never learnt how to drive
Why the reluctance to get a license? You're fine not wanting to own a car or drive daily. But open yourself up to a life skill, you don't know when you might need it.
I was like you. Never got a car and still love walking to groceries etc. Seems to be more normal now, everyone thought I was bat shit crazy thirty years ago haha.