Reasons why it's better to be a non-driver:

At 40, I have never really considered it in my life plan to learn how to drive. It has never really interested me. Besides my dad, I come from a family of late learners, my mom and sister learned to drive well into their fifties and thirties, respectively, and my brother, in his mid twenties only drives on his computer games. Considering that our family has lived in England, Canada, America and Barbados and that I was also in the military only adds to the fact that driving, for me, is not an indispensable tool.

GENERAL REASONS
Some of you, like me, might like the look and design of a car, but getting behind the wheel does not give you the buzz, power or independence that others feel. Maybe you felt independent enough with your friends in your local community and did not have to venture far. If you did, you had your own personal chauffeur (mom/dad) to take you. Maybe you felt you were not mature enough in your abilities to drive, due to bad car experiences, or physical/mental inabilities. There are also no responsibilities of people depending on you for rides all the time. Also, if you want to move, you can choose a company that delivers boxes and packing materials, decent vans and drivers for an affordable cost. Whatever the reason, being a non-driver has suited you and you feel better for it and more self-reliant.

COSTS
Another obvious reason is the financial burdens a car brings with it. Initial sales costs, insurance, road taxes, congestion charges, toll booths, service and repair bills, parking permits and fines, refuelling, cleaning, baby chairs, etc are costs that accumulate over the years and can drain a person's or families' accounts. My job or lifestyle does not depend upon me having a car and I walk and use public transport, which for my part of London is not too bad. As a single person, a whole car for myself would be a waste of resources and money. Driving in any city is becoming more expensive and for me is not worth the cost and effort.

There are other costs, but ones that could benefit a non-driver. You can save money from such a heavy investment and divert it elsewhere more meaningful. If you have a house with a garage and/or driveway, but are not using them, you could rent them out to other drivers or use the garage for storage or convert it into a rentable space.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Being a non-driver means I walk a lot more and get more exercise. I get to see and experience my surroundings

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Reasons why it's better to be a non-driver?
We want to hear your view. Write now!