This sounds silly, but I haven’t gotten around to even getting my permit. My family is extremely low income and I don’t want to have them pay more in insurance, car maintenance, and gas. So I’ve decided to get a permit when I’m 18, practice for a bit, then get my license. I’ll be living on campus so I’ll take public transportation. My question is: will people laugh at me? I know it sounds silly, but it’s a real concern. Thanks!
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You should get your license as soon as possible, even if you won’t drive, so that when you finally start paying for insurance it’ll be cheaper due to your years of “driving experience.”
It partially depends on the college - if you go to a school where a majority / large minority own cars and use them to get around while on campus you might have a different experience.
I actually know a couple of people who don’t have licences (most of them live in NYC and never felt the need to learn to drive). Nobody really cares.
Some of my son’s friends did not get licenses until they were 18 because at 18, they no longer have to take a Driver’s Ed/Training course. I’m not sure if that is required everywhere, but in CA, that class runs hundreds of dollars, and is required for underaged drivers. I don’t think anyone cared one way or the other and I know that no one made fun of them.
No.
Also, if for some reason you can’t get a permit before you go to school, be sure to at least get a non-driver’s ID.
In Florida we did not pay extra for insurance until my oldest got his full license. For a permitted driver there was no extra charge (surprisingly). My youngest has his permit, but no license yet, even though he’s 18. I don’t think you’re alone at all; for some reason young people are not getting their driver licenses as quickly.
In Michigan it costs hundreds and is not required at 18 (drivers ed). I’m attending U of Michigan in Ann Arbor and it appears that many students don’t use their cars around campus. I do have a state ID
Neither of my older kids got their licenses until after they turned 18 and were out on their own. In Seattle there is wonderful public transportation, so there was really no need. Even in areas without great transportation, there is no rule that says EVERYONE must drive or own a car. My younger D has a low-income friend going to college in a remote area and has become friendly with those who do drive in order to get around. My younger one is just now taking driver’s ed and will get her license just before leaving for college-and she WON’T be taking a car. Do what works for you without worrying about what others think.
Check with the insurance company…like another poster said, I don’t think you have to pay for extra insurance for you until you have an actual license. So it might be best to get your permit ASAP and practice practice while you are at home (assuming your family has a car). I would do it now because otherwise it will be difficult to fit in and you would have to pay for lessons.
I’ll be 20 in March and I don’t have a license (mostly because I’m afraid of driving…I passed driver’s ed and had my permit for a long time and everything, but it never felt natural). No one cares except my mom, who really wishes I would get a license. 
Don’t worry, noone cares and you don’t have to concern yourself possibilty of some shallow ones wondering about it. Usually, it’s more in one’s own mind then in other people’s minds. Anyways, driving is an essential skill so learn it as soon as possible. If your campus has a good location and transport system then you may even prefer using that instead of having to waste money on car, insurance, registration, fuel, repair, tolls and parking permit.
Where will you be going to college? I live in New York City where many people never learn to drive. My daughter would like to get a license before she starts college next fall, depending on where she goes, but it’s not a high priority.
In any case I’m sure people won’t laugh at you for not having a license. Good luck!
I don’t think it matters, especially if you go to a large state school and live in a city with good public transportation, where that would save you hundreds of dollars each year. Driving is costly (not to mention dangerous in some places) and some people prefer it over others (ie; my older sister just got her permit (1 year older than me) and I already have my license.