Have to stop driving? Here are five unexpected perks

Giving up your car can be emotionally and practically difficult. Here’s how to make the best of a challenging situation.

It’s the moment many drivers fear: being forced to give up their car because of illness or age. Often, the decision is shaped by other people – medical professionals or family members concerned for your wellbeing and safety on the road. 

Necessity may force a tough choice, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Here we share some tips to help you cope with the initial disappointment, discover the unexpected perks and continue living life to the full.

Save money and enjoy the ride

A lack of personal mobility doesn’t necessarily mean you’re housebound. Even if you live in a rural area underserved by public transport, there are often council-run community transport options. Alternatively, the money you save by not owning a car could be repurposed for taxi fares.   

Take university lecturer Dr Dan Anthony as a case in point. He recently turned 60 and decided the time was right to do away with his car because owning it created unnecessary hassle. He’s been using his bus pass to the max and says he’s financially better off than when he ran his vehicle. 

“I reckon I save about £100 per month, even factoring in fares,” he says. “Plus, I don’t have the admin of car ownership. It’s actually quite liberating.”

Talk of liberation is fitting because running a car can be costly. Not only do you have to pay taxes, but you also have to take into account petrol and regular maintenance.

Boost your social wellbeing   

People can be reluctant to ask for help with transport but friends or neighbours may be willing to step in if you're stuck.

The Reverend Ian Gibson, who has been a Church of England priest for 40 years, says he frequently experiences this mindset among older parishioners. 

“It’s often the case that people in later life don’t want to be a burden to others,” says Reverend Ian.  

“But most of us are only too happy to help a loved one if they need transport to the shops, or for something like a medical appointment.

“I encourage anyone in this position to overcome their natural reserve. Indeed, such journeys can be a great chance to spend time with friends and family, or form new friendships.”

Meet fellow non-drivers

Many community groups offer transport to local people who don’t own cars. This can take the form of minibuses that volunteers drive for regular trips to local shops, garden centres or visitor attractions. It can also be a rota of car owners offering ad-hoc lifts. 

Reverend Ian’s advice is to identify community transport groups on the internet, social media or in local newspapers and parish magazines. “There’s often a band of volunteers who are happy to help you get from A to B,” he says. “Until you give up your car, you’ll probably have no idea they exist.”

Grow your local and regional connections and know-how

You may be surprised at what you have yet to discover in your local area, especially down pedestrian-only streets. New shops and cafes may have opened that you could have easily missed when you whizzed in and out of town by car.

Similarly, many communities and parishes are rich in social capital. Consider checking out clubs, societies and activities, such as exercise and fitness classes, arts and crafts workshops, educational classes and talks, walking groups and lunch clubs.

A visit to Age UK’s website is a great place to start – you may find ideas to help you make the most of life without a car.

Become savvier with online sources and transport apps  

If you haven’t already, familiarise yourself with mobile taxi and public transport apps to help you and your friends plan journeys together [1]. Often apps will highlight the best rates, especially if travelling off-peak.

Those in England can get a free bus pass when they reach the State Pension age. Those in Wales can do so at the age of 60. London residents aged 60 and over can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport, but only within the Greater London area.

You can also go online to find volunteer-run transport services through your local council or the Royal Voluntary Service [2].

Summary: the perks of giving up driving

Giving up a car can be a difficult decision. However, there are options out there to help you retain your independence. You may even find some benefit to a new approach to transportation, such as:

Financial savings: Eliminating car ownership costs, including taxes, maintenance and fuel, can save you a significant amount each month.

Improved social wellbeing: Asking for help with transportation can strengthen relationships with friends and family and create opportunities for new connections.

Community engagement: By using community transport and participating in local groups, you could broaden your social circle and find new activities and resources to explore with fellow non-drivers.

Exploring your local area from a different perspective: Discovering hidden gems in your neighbourhood, such as new shops on pedestrianised walkways that you may have missed while driving.

Enhanced digital skills: Learning to use online resources and transport apps can expand your social network, connect you with local events and make travel planning easier and more affordable.

[1] Guide Dogs: Best apps for navigating public transport

[2] Royal Voluntary Service