For as long as I can recall, I’ve never had the urge to drive. Sure, as the years went by I did like all the new features which newer models of cars possessed. Though it never really persuaded me to go out and get a license, or to save up and buy the car of my dreams. A few times I have given into pestering from family, friends or boyfriends and have tried to learn (don’t think I did too badly either), but I never really thought to myself ‘Wow. This is the most amazing thing ever. Why didn’t I accomplish this years ago!’
Unlike most people, since I do work in the CBD I actually do love catching public transport wherever I go. Sure, I’ll admit there are a few pet hates about catching public transport, but never have I had an experience so bad that I reached boiling point and thought to myself, “That’s it! I’m going to start driving wherever I go!”
Because of this choice that I’ve made, it has amazed me how many people do not like this choice. They feel it absolutely necessary to voice their opinions very loud and very clear to me, that the choice that I’ve made on not learning to drive is the most absurd thing that they’ve heard.
I’ve been told countless of times over the years that driving is a necessity. It’s not something you want to do; it’s something that you need to do. If this is really the case, then please explain to me why I am not – nor have I ever - stood in the middle of a shopping centre with a trolley filled with purchases wishing that I knew how to drive as it would be a bugger to get all these home.
Another reason that people give me is that it’s the ultimate freedom. That if I was ever bored at home or with whatever situation I am current in, that I could just grabs my car keys and drive to any place your heart – and the road- can take you. The funny thing about this is that it usually comes from people who most likely have never left the state let alone the country. Whereas I have travelled almost all over the world and even had the opportunity to not only see but touch the amazing pyramids of Egypt!
My usual response though, is that my multipass ticket of allows me to catch whichever bus, train and ferry that I desire and go wherever I want to go. The even amazing thing about this wonderful ticket of mine is that not only do I not have to stop for petrol, but I also do not have to worry about traffic, idiots on the road who do not know how to drive and also many other countless things drivers complain about.
It is almost as if that learning and being able to drive or have a licence is part of a cult, which they quickly want to add more members to, so that everyone else can join in and complain about. Petrol prices, cost of insurance, registration, toll prices, bank repayments, and mechanic fees which it seems that a majority of people do not really know what they are being charged for, but will not only happily pay their mechanic (with a bit of a grumble), but feel it part of some invisible terms and condition clause that they must moan about for the next several weeks.
While they do all this, I am more than happy to catch public transport. The only real worry that I have is making sure that I am at the bus stop/train station a little early, finding a seat (which honestly doesn’t concern me), and what is going to be my entertainment for the 45 minute train ride to the CBD. A book to read? MP3 or MP4 player? Or what I love to call ‘entertainment’ within the train itself (though honestly that’s more for the evening journey home).
When I was confronted with the question “Why don’t you drive?” I’d try many excuses that I could think of. It’s environmentally friendly. I get to meet a lot of people on the train. It gives me time to unwind after a very long day at work. I have no need for it right now. None of these reasons were ever good. I have now simply decided to say the truth. That I don’t drive, because I choose not to.
I have always had the usual response that I will regret it when I am older. I am now in my 30s and my response still is, “Well when I start complaining about the whole driving matter, feel free to tell me ‘I told you so.’ Until then, leave me be.”
The usual misconception from everyone is that I either hate or fear driving. This is the furthest thing from the truth. I do not hate driving, nor do I hate people who do drive. Though I will admit that I do dislike seeing people who drink and drive and have total disregard for their fellow man. But honestly, you confront these type of behaviour no matter where you go, and whether it is behind the wheel of a car or within public transport you cannot escape people who do not think about the consequences of their actions.
I also do not fear driving, as I had been learning for almost a year. I just didn’t like that fact that I was trapped in metal box, alone with only the radio for company. Whereas on public transport, I am completely surround by everyday people, and my on the rare chance will bump into someone I know and start a conversation with them in the journey.
I can honestly say the one thing that I will not be doing on my journey to work, is be in the bumper to bumper traffic, yelling at someone who has just cut me off, be a victim of road rage, or be rear ended by some idiot who didn’t look where they were going. This would mean that I would have to pull over and exchange insurance details, to only find out they don’t have insurance.
So while all your drivers out there give me that little smirk about the fact that I do not know how to drive, I will also most likely be the one who will be at the shopping centre or concert on time, because you’re all too busy looking for a parking space.
Now if you excuse me I wrote this on the train home, and would like to go back to reading my book.
