[Belleluvly]

ok so, I feel very ashamed and lazy because I'm kinda scared of getting my drivers license and driving in general.
alot of my friends have been in accidents, a couple of them died and I just have this..trauma when it comes to driving.

why do you guys think it's so imperative for young people to drive these days?
being that I'm 19 years old, it's embarrassing when nearly all my friends are drivers and I'm the only one still coping rides from my rents.
it's alot more freedom and all..but I just feel terrible, I took the driving test once and failed ( damn parallel parking) and I'm just....gah so confused.

[Antz]

i really want to drive because i'm sick of asking my parents to take me somewhere. and i can go anywhere i want, really. it gives me more freedom to do things.
not everyone passes on their first go. just takes lots of practice. you'll get there some day. a lot of my friends failed on their first go, but they got it on their second. ^^

[kdclk313]

it's essential if you don't want to ask for rides everywhere

[v8subie]

recommend you take driving school.

[azn akira]

its not that big of a deal and its expensive. if you dont mind bumming rides and taking the bus then just go with that

[jphase]

i guess its only essential if you have a car to drive. Now that I attend college, I don't get to drive unless I'm home for break. When I'm home, it is essential since I need a way to get to places and hanging out etc. I guess it all depends on how much you go out and if you have a car or not.

[jasu]

it's more convenient to know how to drive...public transports just and don't have to ask your parents to drive you around...

[ohhlalakelly]

I think it's essential. You don't always have to rely on your parents because sometimes, they have other things to do. You're 19, you can take the handwritten test and then get your license. After that, you should take driving training and drive with your parents if you're scrared or whatnot. I just recently got my license = freedom. But I know i'll be lazy soon, haha.

[suzic87]

It really depends on where u live for example if u live in london there really isnt a need or in hong kong really as public transport is sooo good, but if your like me and lives in the country then hell yeah because to do things u have to drive everywhere!! However im at uni and dont have a car but it hasnt done me any harm as i just walk, its prob better for me anyways

[Clix]

I find it essential if you have places to go excluding school. If you have a job then you need a car.

[Pogichinoy]

Its totally fine if you don't have your license. I didn't get mine till I was 20.

But I see it as useful if you want to go to places.

[v8subie]

Since you live in D.C., I suggest you either walk or take public transportation to get to places as it will help your health and the environment. If you live outside of D.C. up in the suburbs, I recommend taking driving lessons as I have seen how people drive. They do not drive any better than the people in Virginia.

[ek9]

driving is fun, if you enjoy it then do it. 19 isnt that bad of an age not being able to drive, just shotgun lifts with ya mates, then you can drink etc and like not have to worry about driving drunk =).

[sus]

hmm not a big deal that u dont have license but its better to get it since u have a fear of driving
im scared of drivin too.. but it gets ok after a while..
more u drive more confident u are
drivin is pretti safe if ur not doing nething stupid... other then that its prob bad luck if u encounter bad drivers.... but yea if u dun get ure liscense now its just goin to get harder later on... so my advice do it now~! ull be thankful later

[brian032]

Buy a Vespa LX or a Piaggio Fly 50 and all your worries will go away. Personally, I'd take the Vespa. I'm actually going to buy a black or a red one in a couple of weeks. No need for a license either, as long as it doesn't exceed 50CC. Just pay for insurance. Which I'm sure won't exceed $150 a year, and with 80mpg you'll only be spending $10-$20 a month on gas, maybe not even that.

[hpnotiq]

I drive cus my parents are busy & they can't take me everywhere & even when they're not busy, I don't have to bug them for rides. It also allows me to go where ever I want to go. Plus I love driving.

But then again, I live in CA & our public transportation is pretty crappy.
Since you're in DC, can't you take public transportation?

[βεℓα]

I'm facing the same problem here except in my case my parents don't really want me to drive nearly as much as I do. I'm nearing 18 1/2 years old and I've only had a handful of lessons, and still no license. Also, my parents aren't willing to give me a car any time soon. I do think that it's important to have a car because I go to school, and then in the evening I'm also taking extra classes so I'm always depending on my parents or my auntie to give me a ride. If you have a trauma you shouldn't rush yourself but should slowly take lessons so that you'll feel more comfortable. I'm sure your parents are understanding, but seeing that you'll soon be 20 years old your inability to drive will soon become a burden to all that provide rides for you.

I hope you figure things out and get over your fears!

[Pink*]

Depends on where you live.
I live in a mid-size city with NO public transportation so it's much more convenient to drive.

[Vindictive]

i'm only 17 years old and i've been driving in 16 years old.
having a car makes it so much more convenient for me to do everything.
i don't have to wait for the public transportation that takes forever to come
nor for my parents to come home after work.

i'm in many extra curricular activities all over the places for school & out side of school plus work on top of that
and i also take an extra class in the morning at school

so having a car overall has it made it pretty convenient for me and my parents.

i lost my car for a month and i honestly almost died from not having one.. it was such a horrid month.

[some-azn-guy]

if public transportation is good where you live, that'll suffice. but if it sucks like here; then you need a car.
as for your perspective on driving, it all takes practice.