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I can’t or don’t drive

I used to drive locally to get around. My parents were paying for my cars a few years ago but never let me drive long distance because they feared I would get into an accident or get lost. I don’t miss people on the road being aggressive and impatient drivers. Tailgating, cutting off, excessive use of the horn and screaming. I used to get really angry and anxious. But I also miss being able to get around even locally by myself and have a place to stash my stuff in my car when I was out. I have a license but haven’t used it in two and a half years or so. I am going to renew it for ID purposes. My parents think the way I dress is dangerous for driving being covered up reducing my vision and such ( give me a damn break) with my hats, hoods, and pashmina and blanket scarves used as headscarves for the cold. They also think I wear too much to move freely in the car and that with my mental health conditions it’s risky to drive. I feel restricted. My parents, sister, and grandparents would help take me where I want to go, but I miss being able to hop in the car as take myself places even if it was just within a half hour to forty five minute drive. My parents never let me drive to Boston on my own and they would never let me take a road trip with my car they bought for me on my own. So for example driving to New York or further was out of the question. I never could drive several hours to many hours on my own even with a gps. My mom thinks when I move out of their house it would be best to live in a place with public transportation to get around Day to day. My parents didn’t say I could never drive again but for right now it’s not happening. Maybe even the next few years it’s not happening. I sometimes feel controlled even if it is just for my supposed safety and others on the road. You know I really curse having mental disabilities. And there is nothing wrong with the way I dress. They also aren’t sure if dmv would let me drive with my mental health conditions or something.
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ArishMell · 70-79, M
Don't give up!

You need keep driving, and without your relations, to develop your experience.

I don't know why your parents are so worried about what you wear, as long as it doesn't interfere with your vision or cramp your control movements. I wear bulky jackets and hats in cold weather, but usually take them off for driving. The car has a heater, after all.

I don't know what they mean by "long-distance", but cultivate the ability to use sat-nav systems and printed road-atlases. (I carry both, and there have been occasions when I needed both.)

The only difference between driving 30 miles and 300 miles, especially on open roads out in the countryside is that the longer distance is more tiring - I take breaks when I need, and carry some food and a flask of hot drink with me.

I take it you live somewhere between Boston and New York: I do not know North America but I assume there are perfectly good, well signposted roads between those cities. You are more likely to get lost in a city than on a rural main road!

Don't ask your parents - or anyone here, really - for advice about your medical fitness. That is for you and your doctor, or the licencing authorities, to determine.

Do you have a friend or relation who is also a motorist, you can trust as a passenger to accompany you, to give you a bit of confidence?