View from the Passenger's Seat: Why It's Been Great to Not Have a License

Go ahead and laugh. I'm 22 years old, about to be a senior in college, and I don't have my driver's license yet. I haven't even gone for my learner's permit, but with any luck, that will be happening very soon. As my 17 year old sister prepares to take her driver's test in July, I've begun to think about how I will soon be getting behind the wheel for the first time.

There are some reasons that explain why I've waited so long to drive. To me, these reasons are actually beneficial.. Here's what I've enjoyed most about not having my own set of wheels:

Not paying more than necessary.

Gas prices keep going up, and who knows what they'll be from one minute to the next. Also, insurance rates are higher for younger drivers, and then when you have your own car, you're making car payments every month. Maybe some kids have been fortunate enough to have their parents cover these costs, but my parents are not among them. I'm grateful that I was able to put my paycheck towards things I wanted to spend my money on rather than growing up too quick.

When you're at college, some campuses will probably charge you to park your car on campus. If you don't follow certain restrictions, you get a parking ticket, which has to be paid in a certain timeframe. It's pretty nice for me to not worry about moving before I get a ticket.

Oh, and before you think I'm just being spoiled, I have three credit cards and make payments on them each month. That's enough responsibility right now!

Extra exercise

When you don't have a car, you're forced to get around other ways. You can always ask for rides from friends or parents, or take public transportation when you can't get somewhere without four wheels. Other times, though, it's all about putting one foot in front of the other. This method can be unpleasant or challenging in various conditions, but most times, your body will thank you for the extra workout.

The risk of getting in an accident.

I actually don't know why I'm putting this down. I was in an accident as a passenger. It was a minor one, but obviously, anyone is at risk for a car accident. However, when you're the driver, you have to worry about paying for repairs and exchanging insurance information with the other driver. When you're the passenger, you just need to make sure you and everyone else in the car wasn't seriously hurt. I'd rather deal with that than all the complications that come later.

Avoiding careless or just plain stupid, drivers.

How do some people get their licenses these days? Honestly, by the amount of people I see who don't look before turning, take the wrong way in or out down a one way street, or take turns way too fast, I'm really glad I'm not behind the wheel. There are smart, careful drivers out there, but unfortunately, there are way too many stupid ones. I have a feeling I'd lose my patience way too quickly.

So now that my passenger only days are almost behind me, I think I'm going to miss them. However I view learning to drive and getting my license as one more step towards the real world. I can hardly wait for my first day behind the wheel and eventually, the day I leave a car lot in a vehicle that I signed away for.