6 answers
Ava
Student
New Bedford, Massachusetts
15
Questions
Asked
644 views
Should I start learning how to drive and and save up for drivers ed?
I am a sophomore in highschool and I am 16 and I was wondering if I should wait to get my licenses or work on getting it now. I want to become a surgeon so I am also saving up for that
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6 answers
Sherry Adamczyk
Administrative Assistan
6
Answers
Holmdel, New Jersey
Updated
Sherry’s Answer
Your ability to drive substantially improves your ability to make money. Yes, it may cost you some to get a license, own a car, etc., but without it, your opportunities for jobs are significantly decreased. You may need to rely on public transportation or ride share to get around, and those incur an expense. Having the ability to drive while in college may help you get a job to make money while you are in school. Go for it! Get your license; you will never regret it.
CATHERINE C
Investment Analyst
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
CATHERINE’s Answer
Yes - driving is a crucial skill for anyone as it offers you a lot of independence and it is a lifelong skill.
You do not have to get a car yet, but getting a license and skills to learn how to drive if you can afford it within your budget will be very useful. Easier to do it when younger and get it out of the way, as life often gets busy when you're older!
You do not have to get a car yet, but getting a license and skills to learn how to drive if you can afford it within your budget will be very useful. Easier to do it when younger and get it out of the way, as life often gets busy when you're older!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1730
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Ava,
When I was your age (lol!), my Dad told me "once you get a car, you never have any money." He wasn't exactly wrong!
Getting a driver's license and getting a car are two different things. But, if you get a license, and don't get a car, whose car will you drive? Will they have to add you to their insurance? Insurance is very expensive for younger drivers. Who will pay for the insurance?
It sounds like you will have to pay for your own driver's ed and testing? If so, yes, it is something you should do at some point. But, when? Do you have a good public transportation system where you live? Can you use alternate means to get around when the public transit doesn't meet your needs?
Cars offer independence. They are a symbol of adulthood. But, do your research first. Determine costs (insurance, registration, fuel, maintenance, warranty, etc), need, etc. The longer you can wait, the better off you will be!
When I was your age (lol!), my Dad told me "once you get a car, you never have any money." He wasn't exactly wrong!
Getting a driver's license and getting a car are two different things. But, if you get a license, and don't get a car, whose car will you drive? Will they have to add you to their insurance? Insurance is very expensive for younger drivers. Who will pay for the insurance?
It sounds like you will have to pay for your own driver's ed and testing? If so, yes, it is something you should do at some point. But, when? Do you have a good public transportation system where you live? Can you use alternate means to get around when the public transit doesn't meet your needs?
Cars offer independence. They are a symbol of adulthood. But, do your research first. Determine costs (insurance, registration, fuel, maintenance, warranty, etc), need, etc. The longer you can wait, the better off you will be!
thank you so much I think I will pay to get my license so I can have it because my family owns more than once vechile
Ava
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1849
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ava !
Great question !
New Bedford High School and Fairhaven High School in your town both do not offer Drivers Ed in high school as the state of Massachusetts is not required to do so. I will always have a special empathy about this lack of opportunity because when I was in high school and finally eligible for Driver's Ed, they eliminated it to instead buy an Olympic sized swimming pool. I and many other students petitioned to have Driver's Ed remain, but that didn't work. No one would teach me privately, like family, and I waited two more years when I moved cross country and took formal driving lessons from one of those driving school places. Lessons were not expensive at that time, though. Then I would just drive people around while having my permit and then I went for my driver's license after a few months.
You can actually obtain a Massachusetts State I.D. for now. At some point, you will learn how to drive and it's something that you will have to do repetitively, every day, to learn the many possible situations a driver encounters. If you can afford taking lessons from a driving school, that may be your best bet if no friends or family will take you out on the road to teach you. The driving schools in your town do not list their prices and that worries me a bit because that must mean they may cost a lot. The one school, A & M Driving School charges $60.00 an hour. Usually an hour per lesson is good, but you'll need more than a few lessons.
Regardless, definitely go to the Registry of Motor Vehicles in New Bedford and apply for your Learner's Permit. At least have that so that when the opportunity for lessons comes up, you'll already have your Learner's Permit. You can even apply for it on a Saturday (by appointment only) in New Bedford. I left the link below for information.
If and when you obtain your Driver's License is going to depend on when you decide the time is right. I left the information in a link below for you about applying for the permit. Your permit test consists of only 18 questions. Some states have a lot more questions on the permit test. The state I live in has 40 - 50 questions on the permit test. So visit your RMV and pick up a manual (or look for one online) and study for the permit when you get a chance.
Eventually you will learn how to drive but the timing will have to be right and depend on the best way for you to receive lessons. I hope that this has helped a bit and wish you well !
THE NEW BEDFORD REGISTRY OF MOTOR VEHICLES https://www.mass.gov/locations/new-bedford-rmv-service-center
NEW BEDFORD RMV INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING FOR YOUR LEARNER'S PERMIT https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-passenger-class-d-learners-permit
Great question !
New Bedford High School and Fairhaven High School in your town both do not offer Drivers Ed in high school as the state of Massachusetts is not required to do so. I will always have a special empathy about this lack of opportunity because when I was in high school and finally eligible for Driver's Ed, they eliminated it to instead buy an Olympic sized swimming pool. I and many other students petitioned to have Driver's Ed remain, but that didn't work. No one would teach me privately, like family, and I waited two more years when I moved cross country and took formal driving lessons from one of those driving school places. Lessons were not expensive at that time, though. Then I would just drive people around while having my permit and then I went for my driver's license after a few months.
You can actually obtain a Massachusetts State I.D. for now. At some point, you will learn how to drive and it's something that you will have to do repetitively, every day, to learn the many possible situations a driver encounters. If you can afford taking lessons from a driving school, that may be your best bet if no friends or family will take you out on the road to teach you. The driving schools in your town do not list their prices and that worries me a bit because that must mean they may cost a lot. The one school, A & M Driving School charges $60.00 an hour. Usually an hour per lesson is good, but you'll need more than a few lessons.
Regardless, definitely go to the Registry of Motor Vehicles in New Bedford and apply for your Learner's Permit. At least have that so that when the opportunity for lessons comes up, you'll already have your Learner's Permit. You can even apply for it on a Saturday (by appointment only) in New Bedford. I left the link below for information.
If and when you obtain your Driver's License is going to depend on when you decide the time is right. I left the information in a link below for you about applying for the permit. Your permit test consists of only 18 questions. Some states have a lot more questions on the permit test. The state I live in has 40 - 50 questions on the permit test. So visit your RMV and pick up a manual (or look for one online) and study for the permit when you get a chance.
Eventually you will learn how to drive but the timing will have to be right and depend on the best way for you to receive lessons. I hope that this has helped a bit and wish you well !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Risk Administration and Army Officer
201
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Ava, I definitely vote for getting your license. It’s a huge accomplishment that will stay with you forever. It’s nearly impossible to go through life without a driver license. You need an ID for most any job and this is an easy to keep with you. The cost for it is nominal and well worth it.
Some jobs even require you to have a license. Plus you never want THAT to be a reason you didn’t get a job. At face value, not having a license raises unwanted and unnecessary questions. Why doesn’t she have one? Is she afraid of taking tests? Afraid of the responsibility of operating a vehicle? Is she lazy? Does she not have the confidence?
Obviously wanting to be surgeon makes me think none of those apply to you BUT at face value, others wouldn’t know. That’s what this is about.
Some jobs even require you to have a license. Plus you never want THAT to be a reason you didn’t get a job. At face value, not having a license raises unwanted and unnecessary questions. Why doesn’t she have one? Is she afraid of taking tests? Afraid of the responsibility of operating a vehicle? Is she lazy? Does she not have the confidence?
Obviously wanting to be surgeon makes me think none of those apply to you BUT at face value, others wouldn’t know. That’s what this is about.
Melody Tharpe
Education - Teacher
166
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Melody’s Answer
Hello Ava,
Achieving your driver's license doesn't have to be a financial burden. Have you considered seeking informal instruction? It could be a cost-effective alternative to formal driving lessons. Even if you opt for professional lessons, view it as an investment towards your future. It's a stepping stone to greater opportunities, as transportation is a key aspect of many activities.
As a college student, owning a driver's license can unlock potential job opportunities that require driving skills. Remember, owning a car immediately isn't necessary. You can drive other people's vehicles, and their insurance can cover you, provided you have their consent. So, don't worry. Take this step with confidence and see it as a gateway to a world of opportunities.
Achieving your driver's license doesn't have to be a financial burden. Have you considered seeking informal instruction? It could be a cost-effective alternative to formal driving lessons. Even if you opt for professional lessons, view it as an investment towards your future. It's a stepping stone to greater opportunities, as transportation is a key aspect of many activities.
As a college student, owning a driver's license can unlock potential job opportunities that require driving skills. Remember, owning a car immediately isn't necessary. You can drive other people's vehicles, and their insurance can cover you, provided you have their consent. So, don't worry. Take this step with confidence and see it as a gateway to a world of opportunities.