My Partner Can’t Drive (Top 5 tips)
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In this article, we are going to look at why your partner can’t drive and to help you understand the possi
Why can’t your partner drive?
The fact that your partner doesn’t drive can be frustrating because it’s you alone who probably has to take up this responsibility. Let’s look at why they can’t get behind the wheel.
- They don’t have a car
- They have poor eyesight
- They are nervous about driving
- They have Amaxophobia
- They prefer to get driven around
- They like to use public transport
- They want to save on the additional cost
- They never learnt how to drive
- They do not have to
- They do not like driving
Why is driving so hard for some people?
- Operating the vehicle itself can seem overwhelming
- They get distracted easily
- Sharing the road with other drivers
- Other environmental factors
How can someone get over the fear of driving?
- They can a driver’s training course to gain confidence
- They can take someone along with them
- They should stick to day time driving at first
What can make driving easier?
- Finding the optimal seat position
- Planning the route in advance
- Avoiding driving in rush-hour traffic
Most people get their driving licence as soon as they turn 18. In some cases even earlier than that. Many think of driving as an important skill that brings along with it the opportunity for personal control and autonomy and of course, the means of easy mobility.
Lack of public transport, especially in sparsely populated areas may require one to own a car, and therefore the know-how to drive it.
However, an increasing number of people are opting out of driving or don’t find the need to drive at all because of financial constraints and health issues, for their own safety and that of others.
Why can’t your partner drive?
They don’t have a car
People without a car may not see the point in learning how to drive in the first place. If they do not own their own vehicle, it’s probably why your partner can’t drive.
This is a pretty logical way to look at it, especially if they do not have the financial means to buy a car in the near future and get by just fine without one.
What is paramount to understand is that not everyone looks at a must-have skill. They may have actively chosen not to own a private vehicle and instead use public transport whenever the need to travel does arise.
They have poor eyesight
Driving is a responsibility that no one should take lightly. Maybe your partner can’t drive because they have poor eyesight and do not want to put anyone at risk.
While people with less than perfect vision are allowed to drive, they may feel that their compromised vision restricts them from being behind the wheel.
Approximately 81% of road crashes involve drivers with poor eyesight. So if your partner is nervous about driving because of this, it may be advisable to let them be.
They are nervous about driving post an accident
Has your partner been in an accident or reeling from one their relative was in? If yes, this could be why they can’t drive.
To get behind the wheel after a traumatic driving experience can be nerve-wracking.
They may never be able to get over this, but it is also possible that they just need some time. Your partner may be suffering from PTSD or Vehophobia, which is the fear of driving.
This fear can immobilise them from driving entirely. The best thing for you to do here is be patient.
They have Amaxophobia
The pathological fear of driving is known as Amaxophobia. The very idea of driving can cause a person to suffer physical disorders.
Like most phobias, this is an irrational fear but a real one nonetheless. The causes of Amaxophobia can be anything from strong anxiety attacks during a traffic jam, the fear of lack of self-control, imagining things that could go wrong with vivid imagery.
If your partner is suffering from this condition and can’t drive, it is recommended to seek professional help as this is something that can affect other areas of their life as well.
They prefer to get driven around
Driving is and should be a thing of choice. It seems like something safe to do only when a person wants to and only when they truly enjoy it.
No one likes to be forced to do something and while driving may mean something else to you, it could be just as appalling to your partner.
If they can’t drive and feel at peace to be driven around, so be it.
They like to use public transport
If your partner has access to public transport and finds it easier to commute that way, it could be why they don’t drive.
The advantages of using public transport are many including it being cheaper than owning and driving a car around, no sitting in long traffic jams due to rush hours and the best of them all is that it reduces your carbon footprint.
When you weigh the pros and cons, your partner may find that it’s the better alternative.
They want to save on the additional cost
Owning a car can be expensive. The cost of fuel, insurance and upkeep of the vehicle will add to stress on their finances and can be why your partner has made the decision not to drive.
Unless you are both sharing a car, which begs the question why you really need them to drive in the first place, it may seem out of sorts for them to consider this unnecessary expenditure.
The stress of financial uncertainty could be driving them mad and be the reason why your partner can’t drive.
They never learnt how to drive
Yes, these people exist. Having never learnt to drive in the early years of adulthood may seem embarrassing for many individuals.
If your partner can’t drive, maybe they never learnt how to.
This self-inflicted shame brought upon from harmless jokes may be stopping your partner from getting behind the wheel to do so now.
Even if their actions are not dictated by chagrin, they may think the time for learning how to drive has passed.
Lend your emotional support and show them it is never too late to learn.
They do not have to
After one learns to drive, they should be able to use this skill they developed. If your partner can’t drive, stop to think if they need to.
Maybe they stay close-by to all the places they visit on a daily basis. If they go out of town, there are options they can rely on.
Better still, they can afford to be driven around or are part of a carpool.
Now if this choice affects you personally, for example, you both own a car and you would like them to drive it every once in a while, they may not find the need to because you are around.
If this is the case, tell them. It’s so much easier to convince them once they have seen your point of view.
They do not like driving
Let’s face it—not everyone likes driving. While some people may want to turn the ignition and go on a long drive, others would rather sit in the passenger seat and simply enjoy the drive without doing the driving.
While some do find it therapeutic and relaxing, driving may not be their idea of fun. In fact, they might find the very idea of it quite stressful and downright irritating.
If your partner can’t drive anymore, it could be because they have tried to before and now think of it as just a cumbersome task.
Conclusion:
While driving is definitely a good skill to have, there are many other ways to get around without actually having to get behind the wheel. If there is no concrete reason why your partner should learn how to drive, the choice is really up to them.
FAQs: My partner can’t drive
Is it normal for people not to drive?
Of course! While it can come in handy in emergencies, it’s not necessary that everyone should know how to drive.
Is not being able to drive a turn off?
This differs from person to person. Some people might find not being able to drive off-putting, but it doesn’t mean everyone feels that way.
How do I get over my partner not being able to drive?
This should not be that big of an issue in the first place, since it is only driving. However, if you do feel so strongly about it, try talking to them about the possibility of them learning to, if they don’t know how to already.
If there are other factors involved, try a solution that works best for the both of you like getting a driver or using public transport.
Is being able to drive important?
Being able to drive can be important in an emergency situation. On other days, not so much. There are plenty of alternate options available, but yes, it is a good skill to have.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/understanding-your-fear-of-driving
Why Is Driving so Hard? [and 7 Ways to Make It Easier]
https://www.leaseplan.com/en-gr/blog/driver-safety/amaxophobia-what-it-is-and-how-to-deal-with-it/
