Importance of driving/transport in a relationship?

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Your mother is right, she knows pretty well that this will affect your chances of getting dates - and the more delayed the more they would be less tolerant to your non-driver status.

As with very much anything that involves not wasting time miserably, my experience is the opposite. When I was about to turn 18, it only occurred to me to get a driving licence because I accidentally overheard my peers talking about it and learned they were going to do it. My parents were quite reluctant to let me do it so "hastily", and it did me little good, because I had no car at all to drive for a lot of years, and then only for brief periods when my parents let me---warily, as I lacked experience---drive them around, till I finally failed to renew my licence for want of evidence that I'm sane enough to be trusted with a car.

Driving gives you the freedom to go to places which are inaccessible via public transportation.

There is social pressure to get your license at age 16 in most parts of the US outside the major downtown areas of cities. There are many restrictions to these licenses, though, until one turns 18. For example, one cannot drive in Manhattan, NYC at all until one reaches age 18.

Also: it's easier to get a job if you are able to drive. If you're really hard up for cash, you could drive for Uber or something.

How are gas/petrol prices in Australia? I should look that up! Here, it's not bad, but it's getting more expensive. We're getting close to about $2.25 a gallon on average.

All in all, I would say: if you have the ability to drive, you should learn to drive.

I didn't get my license until age 37.

Yep...probably closer to 3 times more expensive in the UK.

Personally, I'm not sure what to say as I've gotten a mixed response from those I've talked with. I don't drive either and I'm 24. When I brought it up with my mom, she said I'd need to get my license if I'm going to date. But my uncle is of the opinion that it's not absolutely imperative for me to be able to drive, at least not starting out. To him, the most important thing is being able to pay for her gas and eventually get my license after a certain period of time dating her. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm the best person to ask as I've never dated a girl before.

Kenya: is there any reason why you would have trouble learning to drive?

Mine was problems with things like "putting enough pressure on the gas pedal."

After a while, though, I did learn to drive, at age 37, and I've had my license for 18 years.

So don't give up the possibility of learning to drive eventually, if you have lots of trouble now.

And be grateful she thinks you have any business dating at all, let alone it's important enough to advise you on how to improve your chances---as opposed to thinking it's okay for you to have no chance because you shouldn't be doing it anyway.

She is down to earth.

And she doesn't talk nonesense idealism like some members here.

Right. I always multiply the litre cost by 3.76, then multiply this result by 1.5 to get the dollar per gallon cost.

About 2-3 years ago, gas was about $4.00 a gallon in the US, and about $10-11 per gallon in the UK.

Just got pressured today from some condescending old hag.

I am currently trying to apply for the Australian disability pension, and was at Centrelink (aussie social security) turns out my photo ID (student ID card) is expired so I have no form of photo ID.

She constantly repeated herself in saying "You should have your driver's license by now. You're the right age. You should be on track to getting that." etc.

How ignorant and patronizing.

I'm applying for the disability pension.

I gave her the forms, but she did not look at them, she is only there to pass them on to get them processed.

For all that dumb ignorant worker would know, I could have had a multitude of physical or mental disabilities that prevent me from operating a motor vehicle.

So think before you f*cking speak, Australia, because this social stigma for non-drivers or delayed drivers has got to go.

Don't worry about her.

Get your license when it feels right.

You'll be more inspired when you start University.

Do they not have drivers ed courses in Australia?

If you don't have a car in the Midwest, there's probably a high chance you're jobless, live with your parents, and are single.

Outrider, I know you had gfs before but when you were younger it was expected of you to not have a driving license.

Now, it won't work anymore.


If a girl on a date asks you "Why don't you drive yet?" and you are like "Well...because I am on a disability pension" then be assured she won't go on a second date with you.

Harsh - but the old lady is right.