Mini vacation

[emeraldsedai]

The only real downside of non-car-ownership (for me) is that one's orbit contracts significantly: every now and then an urge to get out of the city strikes, and it's not easy to satisfy.

So when my good pal

Comments

[executrix]

Can't you get the license renewed by just paying an extra fee? Even if they make you take the test again, you still know how to drive.

[emeraldsedai]

There's a non-trivial logistical problem involved in borrowing a car to take the test with. Legally, the car's owner has to drive me to the DMV, then wait around while I go through the process. It probably also wouldn't hurt me to practice a time or two before trying to pass the test--I haven't driven now in over a year.

But yes, I can renew my license, and I probably will.

Want a Job? Get Some Experience

[executrix]

I've never learned how to drive, hence no driving test--I thought they would supply the test vehicle! Because I can easily imagine someone having a driver's license but no car. Can you get someone to get a ZipCar you'll pay for and drive you over? (Presumably on the way back you'll be a once-again-licensed driver.)

Re: Want a Job? Get Some Experience

[emeraldsedai]

As a backup plan, that would probably work. I don't know anybody with a Zipcar membership (because it's really only worthwhile if you have no actual car expenses of your own--and they won't renew my membership unless/until my I have a valid license again). But I've got a couple of sisters with cars, so I imagine we can figure something out.

Re: Want a Job? Get Some Experience

[executrix]

You're quite right that a lot very frightening people are allowed behind the wheel, but it's weird how "driver's license" is a proxy for "reputable member of the middle class"--I mean, why should you need a driver's license to cash a check or get on an airplane unless you're going to fly it? (And even then, I'd hope they'd demand specific aviation expertise.)

Re: Want a Job? Get Some Experience

[emeraldsedai]

The way the automobile has become utterly fundamental to American life is nowhere better illustrated than what you describe.

I've read a lot of hopeful (from the alternative transportation wonk-o-sphere's perspective) declarations of the US having reached "peak car" in 2008, some of the studies even correcting as much as possible for the recession. The deniers deny, the car lovers get all threatened and ranty, but there does seem to be some validity to the data. We'll see. Personally, I'm walking biking proof of peak car and peak population growth, and I don't need a trend to validate my choices, but it's sure easier living in a place where both choices are fairly commonly made.

Re: Want a Job? Get Some Experience

[emeraldsedai]

Also, I suspect that the whole licensing system assumes that first-time licensees are teenagers, and will use a parent's car to take the test. I think in most states, you don't have to take a driving test again after that.

Which is arguably a prime contributor to our nation's absymal traffic-safety record. Seriously, the more of a traffic and transportation wonk I've become, the more terrified I am of driving a car again.