Ladies who like to be driven to places - why?

I'm 61 . I've never driven as either I couldn't afford the lessons or the time or both. I'm happy to get buses or trains or coaches. My husband drives but has different interests to me . He will drive me to places however if I ask . I live in a village but the bus route is quite regular so I have no real problem although I have joined a couple of veterans ( I'm ex WRAF) breakfast clubs that are not easy to get to and have asked if anyone is able to give me a lift if they're near me - I willingly offer to travel if possible to somewhere easy for them - I don't expect door to door service however I've sort of given up going as I feel really guilty asking .
I really think Margaret is taking the Mickey and needs someone to say something otherwise she'll carry on thinking she can

I only wish I could still drive. It`s a pain waiting for others to be able to drive me. I`m stuck in the back in my wheelchair!

I think she is a very silly woman, because one day she will totally lose her confidence to drive, and she might well have also lost a lot of friends by then. I’m in my mid seventies and I’m not happy driving in Glasgow but have no problem with Edinburgh. My friends and I take turns doing what we are comfortable with

I loved driving when I was younger and would drive all over the country but as I got older I began to hate it. There was no incident to cause my change of heart but by the time I developed arthritis I was relieved that I now had reason to not drive. Fortunately I have a husband who still quite enjoys driving so it's not a problem for me. At the moment he can't drive (eye problems) and I detest asking friends for lifts, although they usually offer anyway.
If I was 'Margaret' I would get rid of my car and maybe catch a bus, if that's possible, or at least keep my request to friends for lifts as limited as possible.

Just moved back to the uk after 21 years living in Europe all over the place ! Always drove everywhere (no choice ….no transport system !) but now, aged 72 and not having driven in the UK for all those years (visited, but used taxi or public transport) I am told I would be a danger ha ha ….those who said that are probably right ! and also, as I have various medical things that would probably need an assessment, (as well as a few driving lessons for the right hand drive car ...ha ha) I am SO tempted to buy a car ….but common sense tells me it would not be a good idea for other road users ..and me neither ! my friend says If youbuy a car I AM NOT coming anywhere with you ! that's nice isn't it …...I deliberately moved to a place with a bus stop outside the metro round the corner, and taxis galore …….bliss !

Now Margaret may be on tablets how many prescriptions do say if you feel drowsy don’t drive. Sensible
I would say I prefer not to drive rather than say I am on such medication

That just sounds weird?

Does she pay anythng for fuel, parking costs? Buy the driver a coffee? If not she is taking the p@@s and l would say this to her.

I would steer clear of this lady. She is just using people.
I am amazed to read how much some women like driving! I was taught by my father when I was 19 but always hated it. When my 3 children were small I drove but I was always a nervous wreck getting in the car and hopelessly indecisive at roundabouts, parking etc. After 10 years I decided not to drive any more and was nagged endlessly by my father in law and brother in law as if I had suddenly told them I was going to stop breathing. Now in my 60's and retired, I don't care what anyone thinks. There are plenty of places to go by bus, train or just walk. My husband drives everywhere and does not walk at all. I don't even like being a passenger and try to avoid lifts. Where I live it's endless traffic jams, road works, pot holes, pavement parking. I might drive again one day if it was like the TV adverts, a lovely empty road!

I would love to drive. Fifty years with not so much as a parking ticket. Had to stop when car failed mot. Too much to get repaired. Got a mobility scooter which is great locally. I can get to the place im going. No parking probs. Husband loved being driven about thank goodness. I really miss it but dont think i will have opportunity to dtive again. I dont expect people to take me out. My DD takes me out for lunch. Ido not go further than my town apart from that.

I don't think you are being unkind in not understanding this attitude.

I don't understand it either. We don't have a car and go most places on our bikes or by public transport.

We do sometimes ask a friend if she is willing to drive us somewhere if it is impossible to reach using public transport or if we are buying something bulky or heavy, but we always pay for the petrol. We would never expect other people to be at our beck and call and give us lifts for nothing.

I would rather get the train or bus than use someone for lifts. I don’t drive and couldn’t do it now due to being quite sleepy due to health reasons.

I prefer to be friends with people because I like them, and to be independent!

And these days there are always taxis.

Sadly, I have had Glaucoma for many years and even at 27 my eyesight was so poor that I could not read a number plate at the required distance and failed my driving test. For a couple of years now, I have no sight at all in one eye, and limited sight in the other. I would LOVE to be able to drive, and to share driving with my hubby - but it's simply not possible. I think it's an excellent skill to have, and applaud all those ladies who maintain their skills.

'Margaret' is a user.....she won't have many friends left....one by one, they will 'drop' her (excuse the pun).

how has Margaret survived “literally” exploding?

I think Margaret's taking advantage of people's good nature.
It's a bit of a cheek to have a lift with a friend and then go off on her own to do her shopping. Does she get a lift home too?
Time to make excuses I think.
I have never had any interest in driving and these days the roads are so busy. I'm a nervous passenger. My son and daughter drive and I often get told off. I'm like 'Hyacinth Bucket' .....mind that cow Richard.
I have always caught the bus. Only one every hour and the service ends around 7.30pm and so I'm glad of the occasional lift if it's convenient to them. If not, arrange for another day. I pay my way although not always accepted but I do offer.

Possibly a couple of refresher driving lessons to get your confidence back? Well worth the money!

For those worried about Margaret exploding, she was unhurt in the blast. HTH.

Thank you all for replies. I agree that some people will start to struggle with eyesight, medical conditions etc as we get older and not want to say; complete respect for that - there but for the grace of god etc. I'd also say its important to have independence if you can by any means, public transport or car, or even still being able to walk and move around easily _ I'm sure we would all want this.

Those of you who have touched on Margaret having other issues, I think you're right. I could tell you some outrageous stories but they'd be entirely outing. She definitely likes the idea of being looked after - "pampered" - as someone said earlier but equally she is losing confidence and many of us can identify with that.

I did like JayLucys account of a woman who only befriend those who had something though; I'm glad it's not only me who stumbles across people like that!!

Goodness, 50/60s should keep driving themselves unless they have a medical problem. To give up that sense of freedom for no reason seems silly. I am wondering what Margarets problems really are and her age, is it selfishness or a medical problem, I wonder if she is very lonely "a nice drive" sounds like a desire to get out in company. I'm well into my 70's and drive locally as much as I can. If you don't want to offer a lift just keep quiet or kindly refuse.

I'm 63 and have driven since I passed my test at 18. I've driven in different parts of the world and in rural areas and big cities. I wouldn't give it up unless I felt I was a danger to others. My DH and I share driving, though he prefers to but I don't like his style of driving - typical male going too fast, too close, impatient!

I'm happy to give lifts if I'm going to a place someone else needs to go - I prefer to be the driver as I find many women my age are anxious drivers and I can't bear it! I'm often offered 'petrol money' but won't accept as I was going anyway, often friends will buy me a coffee or lunch which is fine. I'd be unhappy and find a way of not offering lifts to someone who I felt was taking advantage

I used to be a rep years ago and enjoy driving on my own but never with DH in the car as he is so critical. He is also very picky about the state of our car and tuts at every little mark. He has just changed our car for a new one (I preferred the one we had but apparently it was getting old) and now I am putting off driving it in case it gets a scratch! I'll enjoy it though, once it's not so new.

Tanama
Tried driving on a three lane motorway,? getting out of a city during peak times ? Give me, at my age, a 'dodgy' single track any day.Take twenty years off now that would be a different tale .

My oh is just learning to drive at age 39. I have done all the long gruelling 6/8 hour drives I can take. Plus I told him when our baby is born I’m not driving myself home from hospital as I did with the other 2.
I think it’s a very important life still that everyone should keep in with until they are no longer safe to do so. Mil at 60 gave up driving when she re married and when she visits I’m the driver, plus head cook and bottle wash and I think it’s too much! I’m exhausted plus have to give up my bed and sleep on cushions in the living room. Which given my disabilities is no mean feat getting up again. She gave up because her new hubby can drive her around which I think is unfair to be honest, and more so to expect everyone else to do so too. Xx

As with everything practice makes perfect. I think if you can drive and can afford to own a car then you need to keep your hand in. You never know when you will be grateful for making the effort.

DH went to see his GP this summer, thankfully, with me with him, because when he had described his symptoms the GP told him what it almost certainly was, we too had reached the same conclusion, and then said that she had to officially advise him not to drive until the problem was treated. So I drove him home, and took over all the driving, in his car and mine for the next 2 months. That included two holidays in France, driving on the other side of the road, and several long motorway journeys in the UK.

I was very grateful that I had kept my driving up, not just pottering around locally in my own car but driving the bigger family car on long journeys and driving when we were in France, because I was able to immediately take on the full family driving load without any worries or problems.