I feel embarrassed not having a drivers license yet!

[Anonymous]

I hate admitting this to people but I'm 21 and don't have my license yet, I feel really embarrassed and dumb for not having it. It also makes me feel bad about myself. This is going to sound dumb but it is almost a fear I have of driving, I know I need to get my license, I don't know if I'm afraid because of past experiences like when I was 12 I accidentally packed the car out of the driveway and the drivers training instructor I had yelled at me, swore at me and put me down. I know I really need to get it, any suggestions on how to get over it?

Updates

+1 y

thanks for all your answers, I really appreciate it :)

[ryanrhino]

My friend who is in his fifties doesn't have his license and never has. I don't care why he doesn't have it - he's a cool guy, he just doesn't drive. And it doesn't visibly affect him. I find it awesome that he doesn't have his license!

As long as you have public transportation, why get a license?

There are many people who have their license, but don't drive in certain conditions. My ex used to hate driving in rain or snow, so I had to drive.

It's NOT dumb to be afraid of driving - it makes you unique! We all have our fears. My friend is afraid of heights. I'm afraid of sharks and I live in the middle of the US. Based on your horrible experience with driving, it's definitely understandable.

Perhaps learn to drive with the most patient person you know who can teach you. There have to be some books to address this, much as there would be with tackling any fear.

Just do your best and you'll do great!

[TigerRoseBear]

My brother's the same. He's almost 20. And I don't think he has any intention of getting a license, even though he got his L and he spent a lot of time practicing. He just doesn't have any motivation to get one. We all think he should, though. And I think you should, too. Even if you don't get a car, at least you'll be able to drive (and it is nice being able to drive yourself places instead of catching the bus or carpooling or something). I think just going through the pros and cons of having a license will help you come to a good decision. And if the decision is that you should get your license, then just set aside a couple weeks to get your L again and start working on driving with a friend and get some support from your friends. Good luck :)

[TigerRoseBear]

You are most welcome :P

[Anonymous]

I just turned 21 today and I don't have my license and I don't plan on getting it for the foreseeable future. I think that the reason you're so afraid of driving is because of your past, negative experiences.

Find a new driving instructor or close friend or parent who you know will not yell at you and will remain calm while you practice driving. I had a driving instructor and he was perfectly nice and certainly never yelled or swore at me. Otherwise, my mom would've never given him his $300 for my 6 hours of training.

I've taken my driver license exam twice now and failed. The first time I hit the curb parallel parking and the second time I ran a stop sign. :S Driving isn't my forte and I'm okay with that. But if you really want the freedom, or perceived freedom (having the ability to up and go with your own car yet paying for it, its maintenance, gas, etc.) then go get it!

[lilmsmuffet]

Just do it. Get it over with.

I know how it is, but I'm the friend of someone who doesn't have her license at 21.

It's f***ing annoying having to cart her around everywhere we go. She doesn't realize how expensive gas is and she never appreciates it.

If you decide to hold off, make sure you chip in to gas when you're being driven somewhere by friends, money doesn't grow on trees.

[throwit]

im 18 and don't have it yet, I hate having to find people to drive me places. I can't even drive myself to work!

but its mostly my mom and dads fault because they NEVER want to take me driving when I ask.

and I don't know ANYYYY street names and ill never learn directions to places if no one teaches me!

>:(

[missjustina]

no offense but why were you driving at 12? here you need to be 16 to get a permit, and also you need a permit to take drivers ed..

My advice to you is maybe see if you can take a course in a driving school? unless you live in a city you really need to know how to drive ):

[Asker]

it wasn't on purpose I was in the car my mom went to grab something the kids that my mom babysat for were in with me they yelled drive and I stupidly listened

[sportdistant]

hey I'm 24 I don't have my license, I'm still learning. my neice and nephew who are 4 and 5 years younger than me is driving thanks to their mom who has a van, taught them, and I never really had anyone willing to help me out like that, so it really depends on your situation. plus, gas prices nowadays are skyrocking, so if you aren't driving, you are saving a lot of money. :)

[mrssynystergates22]

Hey I'm 18 and I don't have it yet. I don't really like driving. My friend's dad died in a motorcycle accident about a year ago. My dad drives a taxi so he gets in little accidents all the time, and he's been in a couple big ones. So honestly I'm scared too.

What I like to do is go out somewhere where there aren't many other cars and practice what I'll do around other cars. It sounds lame but I feel better like having a plan you know?

Just don't let it get the best of you (=

[NessielaKee]

I should get one but I don't really need it since I live in New York City (subway all the way for me). This might be an issue when I go to college but whatever, I still don't think I'll get a driver's license in the near future.

[TheAnswerer]

It's not dumb to not have a license.

You don't get a license if you don't need to drive.

I think I won't get a driving license until I graduate from the University (Age: 22-24 depending on graduate studies.)

[delicatedreams]

I got my license when I was 20. I found I've gotten over my fear of driving in time. Like a lot of other things, the more you practice, the more accustomed you get to it...

[AmberChick]

Why were you driving at 12? Yes, you should probably get a license. Just do it.

[Asker]

we were and the car and my mom ran inside to grab something and then kids my mom babysat were in the back and yelled drive drive so I stupidly did it

[Allix93]

My grandma is 53 and doesn't have hers and she doesn't want it, it's okay. Everyone is different :)

[moloz]

Lol, you Americans are always ashamed for not having a car/license.

[MikeK]

Eh, it's not as big of a deal if you're a girl... or if you live in an urban city.

[Anonymous]

I have a friend who's almost 30 & doesn't know how to drive yet. It's never too late. Just do it!

[bel42]

i also don't have mine yet.