Story Should I.....?

[Joey]

I'm debating if I should drive and get my license. I'm 26 and I don't even have my permit but driving itself just scares the shit out of me. One wrong mistake can cause drastic consequences and I don't even know if it's even worth it..

I have a bit of a learning disability and my reaction times are slow and that probably means that I'm probably not meant to be out in the road. This severely limits me and it's going to make my choices so difficult but I just hate everything about cars. Damn this makes me wish I was born in the Netherlands or some amazing country which I don't even have to depend on cars. Always cycling and having amazing public transportation.

What should I do?

 

[GoodPersonEffed]

If you have slow reaction times then you would not be safe to drive.

 

[parasytes_]

I'm a few years younger than you and I don't have my license or anything either. I was planning on living a carfree lifestyle anyway, and move to somewhere that has great public transportation so you can get around without a car, like NYC, Chicago, or Philadelphia. Before the pandemic hit, I mainly used the public bus or Lyft to get where I needed to go. Driving scares the hell out of me too though. Wish we had self-driving cars to do the work for us.

 

[everydayiloveyou]

I have a vision impairment that affects my reaction time and depth perception. I was able to get a permit since I have the legal acuity, but honestly driving was really difficult for me. I got into a lot of close calls that usually involved almost crashing into things that I didnt see until I was right in front of them.

I really wish I could drive on my own though, it's a great step towards independence. If there's nothing limiting you from getting your permit besides your reaction times, then def go out and try it. Don't let fear hold you back. It's honestly not that scary if you just stay cautious. Sometimes the nerves make your reaction times worse, so it's worth practicing with a patient instructor from a driving school rather than your parents (who might get sensitive about the car or yell at you)

It's always worth knowing how to drive, especially in suburban America. And you'll open up a lot of job opportunities if you have your license too. If it turns out that you're unfit to drive, you can just let your permit expire and leave it.

 

[Wisdom3_1-9]

Before opining, may I ask, why is it that you want your license in the first place? Is it for freedom? Status? Convenience? Are there things you'd be able to do that you can't do now in some other way?

 

[socrates]

I'm in the same(ish) boat. I'm a year younger then you and I have my permit, but I haven't driven in months. It scares me half to death, but the ability to travel anywhere really is appealing. I'd like to live far away from people, and I feel like I'd need a car.

 

[Joey]

Before opining, may I ask, why is it that you want your license in the first place? Is it for freedom? Status? Convenience? Are there things you'd be able to do that you can't do now in some other way?

All of the above

 

[Wisdom3_1-9]

Well I was curious because you seem so apprehensive about it and almost combative to the idea. If riding around on a bike or something was positive for you, and if public transit in your area was good, then there'd be little need for a car. I live in a rather rural area and a car is almost a necessity, unfortunately.

When I started driving lessons, I actually used to be very scared of it. Eventually I got the hang of it. I've been driving now for 19 years and without any accidents or even tickets. We can get over our fears and anxieties at times.

As for your issues with reaction time, I expect that there are tests and practice opportunities in secure conditions to ensure that you figure out whether or not that is a challenge you can overcome, without risking the safety of you or others.

 

[so tired or manic]

I was an anxious driver until I took on a job where I drove rental cars to get them cleaned. driving constantly helped gave me the skills to be more alert and even spot out cop cars better. also makes buying cars easier since I have a good idea on how most drive.

I can't say much about slow reaction time. it's it possible it could improve?