Why does my USA relatives mock me because I don’t have a drivers licence even though I live in a big city in the UK?

[Anonymous]

[MuddyMole]

Because even if you live in a city, you still need to be able to drive - you don't necessarily need to own a car, but you need to be able to drive.
You may need to drive for work in future, or want to hire a car while travelling, or hire a van when moving house or some large objects, or maybe you'll want to take up a pasttime like paddleboarding, or maybe you'll have kids someday and need to drive them places.
It's much easier to learn while you're young, and (hopefully) financially stable - it's not uncommon for people to lose their jobs, and then find that not being able to drive seriously limits their job options, and having just lost their jobs, they can't really afford to be spending a lot of money on driving lessons.

[slatyb]

They are ignorant. There is no need to own a car in large European cities. Why do you remain in contact with them? What are you getting out of the relationship?

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Cars are a requirement to living in the US. As a result, the idea of being without your own independent mode of transportation is something worthy of shame in American culture.

[Asker]

I live in the UK….

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Lady, I’m telling you this is a CULTURAL thing. It’s not about the fact that you have objectively better public transportation in the UK.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

To sum up in a much more vulgar way: By American standards, people without cars are losers. As such your American FAMILY members think you’re a loser. Get it?

[Nikki1989]

I have no idea. There is a big trend now of people never obtaining driver licenses. Owning a car has become an unnecessary expense for many people.

[Asker]

Yeah it’s silly expensive the cost to maintain and keep a car nowadays

[Nikki1989]

Cars are one big money pit.

[Alex-Snow]

If you do not need one then good for you! I'm sure the Tube or a bus can get you around very well.

[Asker]

My flat doesn’t have parking as I live right in the centre it would honestly be a nightmare navigating the city looking for parking spaces

[Alex-Snow]

Good point and think of the money you are saving also.

[Asker]

Yeah they are expensive to maintain a car these days

[Anonymous]

Just be happy they're not making fun of your teeth.

[jahaims]

Only children don't have them