Need advice for a driver's licence issue

[orange]

Hello, I am a 20 year old male who only has his learner's licence (excuse me for not being a teen). I'm pretty embarrassed about it and have to always feel nervous when the topic of driving crops up. My goal is to get my P plate before I'm 21 (in Sept) but I'm in a bit of a bind though so some advice would be well appreciated.

Firstly, my family isn't that wealthy and we struggle with daily expenses. In Australia, I need 100 hours of driving experience as a learner before I can upgrade and there is no way that I can afford 100 hrs worth of lessons with a driving school (which would cost several thousand $). There isn't anyone who can take me out on to the road to give me free experience either (dad is overseas and mum isn't capable).

I'm a full time science student and I have a full timetable this semester with uni 5 days a week, so I can't really earn much now. I intend to do some tutoring but I certainly won't certainly make enough to cover the 100 hrs of experience needed.

What to do? I feel like I'm missing out on a lot by not being able to drive

Thanks in advance

[Kate*]

Hello and welcome to TH, I'm 21 and I still don't have my license (it's a long story) I know it's kind of embarassing, but you shouldn't be embarassed about it. I guess it kind of depends what your reasons are, I have a good excuse. If your reason is financial then there's no reason to be ashamed of it. I just hate having to work my life around other people's schedules so I can get rides everywhere. It might be easier to do what I've done and put it off for now until you're able to make more money and actually have time to get the practice in.

[Thurineth]

to be honest don't worry about it.

I have passed my liscence but like you i'm in a science course at uni and am studying 5 days a week.

Yes its good to say you've passed and it is frustrating when your just learning.

BUT

I find the situation I'm in more frustrating. I've passed my test and with uni fees I can't afford a car. Just rubs it in more when I see my card. I'd say put off driving for now, wait till summer when you're off for a long period of time, get a job and maybe take some lessons then.

[Algernon]

I know a few people who are older than you who don't have a licence. I wouldn't feel bad about it. I didn't get my license till after I turned 18! Partly because I failed the test I believe.

You could put an ad out on craigslist and see if anyone wants to take you driving. Like... Offer to drive someone somewhere in exchange for lessons?

[Whisperer]

I have moved this to the General forum as I think it fits better there.

[i_like_black]

Hey,

I don't know why you've given yourself a time limit for getting your licence =)
It's an expensive thing to do, especially if nobody is able to take you out driving.

I'm 21 and have my Restricted which I think is the New Zealand equivalent of "P" plates. However it took 4 years before I went from being a learner to passing my Restricted.

I believe that learning to drive shouldn't be rushed, and that you should do it when you can relax and enjoy driving, and you can afford it.
Driving isn't really that huge - you're probably not missing out on as much as it feels like. Being able to drive gives you a certain amount of independence, but there are a lot of responsibilities and extra expenses that come with it.
I am one of four children and currently the only one who drives. My older brother is 23, nearly 24, and he doesn't even have his learner's.

While you're at uni, it's probably best to focus on your studies as opposed to getting your driving hours up. After all, once you're qualified you'll earn a decent amount of money and getting your driving hours will be easy and relaxing.

Don't pressure yourself too much about it and don't let others put you down for not driving.

[Dutchesslovesyou]

lol i'm 18 and my dad cant stop nagging me to do go rta and take my test. anyways, i feel you but if you need help financially, i think you need to have a casual job. If im not mistaken, they need workers for the coming easter show, and its during holidays so you wont be missing out in any uni work

[EightEleven91]

Im 18 and financially I cant take lessons yet, I have my provisional but thats mainly just to use as ID into pubs and clubs. Im not fussed, I live in a busy city where its actually EASIER and CHEAPER to use public transport!

Even people with cars here often dont use them, my uncle doesnt. He works in the city centre and its so difficult to park, once you have, its then about £20 a DAY. Now over 5 days a week thats £100! Or get a bus pass which you can use any time of the day or night, lasts a month and only costs £40 for that month..

So yeah, unless you live in the middle of nowhere its probably better, financially if you dont pass just yet.

[orange]

I read all the replies, thanks for them!

Most people are saying that I should wait until I'm in a better financial situation, I think this is what I'll have to do. I do intend to work during Easter and the long holiday breaks to earn cash to fund my lessons.

A driver's licence right now wouldn't be that useful to me anyway as I don't own (or can afford) a car. Having a bus stop outside home makes taking public transport seem like a more prudent choice.

About exchanging favours, I like this idea. I might try this with people at uni, exchanging tutoring for driving lessons.

Thanks again.