Why it’s time you finally got your licence

Since I was 18, I have always been the designated driver in my friendship circle. Irrelevant of where we were going, I was always driving. Not because I was the chosen one or the best driver (even though I humbly am), but simply because I was the only one who had a licence.

When I first started driving I couldn’t get enough. I’d make any plan just so I could get in the car and take off! Midnight doughnuts, count me in! Late night Maccas run, I’m keen! But over the years and especially now that I work full time, I’m more conscious of my time, and definitely not in the mood to always be the official chauffeur.

So it happened. Last night I was getting ready to go to a friend’s party when I got the text. To be exact, I got the exact same four text messages I’ve been receiving for years from my four best friends. One friend took the subtle approach to ask “How are you getting to the party tonight?”. The other tried the suave, “I was thinking of having a drink at the party...”, while the other two just got straight to the point. And I lost it.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my friends and I love driving but in the words of George Horne, ask me for a lift once, shame on you. Ask me for a lift 520* times, shame on me.

*Based on a two night a week party, for the duration of 5 years (per friend!).

I understand that there are reasons to not get your licence, trust me I’ve heard them all. If you have financial or economic reasons to avoid driving, I completely understand, but these friends do not.

So to all of your amigos who have been dodging biting the bullet, it’s time. It’s time to set us, the long standing expected drivers FREE. The ones leaving home early to pick you up, awkwardly waiting in the car while we wave to your dad on the balcony and the ones having to listen to your tipsy rants home. It’s time you started pulling your weight. It is time that you take the (very minor) leap and go and get your licence.

It's not that scary and you will feel liberated to go explore the world whether that is taking fun road trips, heading to the shops at Christmas time and having car park rage or returning the favour and becoming the official chauffeur of your friendship group.

To get started, these are the L and P-Plate national guides to get you on your way, then advice on what's the best first car. And don't forget insurance!

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