Image by Gregg O’Connell on Flickr
You have just been accepted to college, and you’re daydreaming about your first day. Going to class, making friends, exploring the campus. But have you thought about how you’re going to get there? Now is the time to consider if you should be getting your driver’s license. Many people choose not to have a license because they live in the city and it’s less expensive to take public transportation than it is to pay for gas and insurance. However, not being able to drive can limit your freedom. It may be easier to live on your own with a driver’s license. Getting your license before college/university can be advantageous for the following reasons:
- Safety – Taking public transportation can be risky. If you have night courses, you may feel unsafe taking the bus at late hours.
- Moving or helping a friend move – Being able to drive makes it easier to borrow a truck or rent a U-Haul truck in the event you are moving or helping a friend move.
- Partying – You’ll have more responsibility when out with friends as you can assign a designated driver.
- Identification – A driver’s license is the most commonly accepted I.D. worldwide. You can present it when opening a bank account, going to a bar or club or applying for a passport.
- Rite of passage – Many people look at getting a license as a milestone. It makes them feel proud, like an adult and gives them a sense of freedom.
- Exploring the city – If you like day trips, having a license allows you to borrow or rent a car to explore the city you live in.
- Convenience – Being forced to adhere to a bus or train schedule is not always practical. Having a license allows you the convenience of being able to go wherever you want at the time you want to.
- Grocery shopping – Do you take a taxi or public transportation to carry your groceries home? That can become expensive. Driving can make it easier and a bit more affordable.
- Significant other – If you have a partner that does not live with you, driving can make it much easier to see them more often. Let’s not forget you don’t have to worry about how you are going to get home – some buses stop running early in certain cities.
- Sick family – If you are living at home with sick family, having a license makes it easier to attend to their needs, i.e. run errands for them or take them to doctor’s appointments.
Getting your license before college or university can make life more convenient. Although it is not crucial, it can make your college years much easier, so it’s worth considering!