Turning 16 is a big year for most people. The day they get their driver's license marks the start of their independence. Never again having to ask for a ride from your mom or having to get picked up early because your dad doesn't want to be out too late is what every teenager wants.
Turning 16 was a bit different for me. Sure I went in and got my driver's permit like everyone else and did the classroom hours, but as soon as I sat down in the driver's seat of a car, I knew that driving was not for me.
As a 21-year-old without a car or license, I have learned how to be the best co-pilot for the people that drive me around. I have actually heard that driving with anyone else in the passenger seat is torture, so I would say I'm doing a good job. Driving with me in the passenger seat is the complete opposite of torture. I make sure they know what exit to take and make sure to always have a playlist loaded up and ready. Being a permanent passenger isn't always an easy job though.
A lot of the time you can't really choose where you end up going since you're just along for the ride. And you have to deal with a little bit of road rage here and there. But it really isn't all that bad. Car rides as a passenger are much more relaxing. If a storm hits or a deer runs across the street, I'm always there to calm down the driver and make sure they keep their cool in scary situations. I would hate going places by myself anyways, so this way I'm always at least with one other person. And we make simple trips into adventures.
I still get the same question over and over again from family and friends, "When are you going to learn how to drive?" But see—that's the thing—I know how to drive. Driving isn't that hard, I just don't want to do it. There are so many people out there that love having me tag along and I love hanging out with them, so why would I take that away? Also, I'm saving so much money by just not driving. I don't have to buy a car, pay for the gas or the insurance.
The second question I'm always asked is, "Okay but when you get a job, how will you get there? And what if you need to go to the hospital?" I have always planned on living in a big city anyways and public transportation in most cities is reliable. It never really seemed like it would be a problem for me now or in the future.
I am happy being a permanent navigator in my friends' cars. As long as they keep wanting me there, I will keep riding with them. One of my friends has even said that driving without me in the passenger seat just seems wrong.
I just hate driving. I don't trust myself or anyone else on the road, so why stress myself out by getting a license? What I have going for me right now is working just fine, so why change it? But a real big shoutout to everyone who has driven me places over the past 5 years. You guys are all the real MVPs, and I hope you don't get sick of me anytime soon because I love being your co-pilot and navigator.
