no1mad 

I'm not taking credit for this question- it was posed by Wolfchild in the eye opener thread. Here's the pertinent paragraph that inspired this thread-

"I am begining to wonder what some car-free people think about this.. Is it ok for a car-free person to own a drivers license ?...I am car-free but I still have my drivers license because it's a very important piece of ID. Not only that, but I don't know what the future holds, maybe at some point I will need to get a car and become car-light, I like to think and plan ahead and be prepared, I do hope it never happens because I really enjoy being car-free."

Roody

I think it's up to you. Personally, I have had a valid DL for 39 years, even though I was carfree much of that time. I don't use it often theses days, but it's convenient sometimes.

lasauge 

A driver's license is very handy even if you never drive... how else would you prove you're old enough to buy beer?

Roody

Well, if you NEVER drive, a state ID card is accepted at the bars and liquor stores. It's cheaper to get, and you don't have to borrow a car for the road test.

bragi

In this culture, I think it makes sense to have a DL even if you're "car-free." There are times when you're going to have to haul heavy stuff or frail relatives, or go to a far-flung rural area hundreds of miles away. Given our infrastructure, cars are, sadly, inevitable sometimes. I'm very enthusiastic about bicycles, do not own a car, and really hate driving, but fundamentalism is at least as irrational in transportation as it is in other areas.

Artkansas 

To quote Martha Stewart, "It's a good thing."

Ekdog

I let mine expire.

I-Like-To-Bike

It is easier to be a "fundamentalist" and not see the usefulness of having a DL if a person eschews possessing or obtaining any "heavy stuff," eschews having or visiting relatives or friends that aren't on a public transportation route, or never travels to far flung rural areas, or far from an airport. Or depends on others to do all the driving for them.

plustax

Cars Trucks vans and SUVS aren't bad things, the current usage rates are.

Newspaperguy

Here in British Columbia, we can get a B.C. Identification Card from the province. It is government-issued identification for those who do not have a driver's license.

Roody

The same is true in all 50 states.

I notice not one person has said it's a bad idea to have a DL even if you're carfree, but there are alternatives for people who don't want one. I plan to continue renewing mine until I'm required to take another road test. I'll decide what to do when that happens.

Artkansas 

What is your own opinion about having a driver's license when living a car-free/car-lite existance? What do recommend? What you assume of other's thoughts is irrelevant.

Scheherezade 

Easier to get a job if you have a DL. Lots of applications ask for it.

TampaRaleigh

As shocking as this seems... Florida is strange. If a person has a driver license and doesn't own a car, they do not need to have any kind of insurance. HOWEVER... if they allow their license to expire, and then go to the DMV to get it reinstated, you need to obtain a "non-owner's liability" policy before the state will reinstate your license.

Soooo... there is another reason why a person might want to keep their DL active, even if they don't own a car.

I-Like-To-Bike

It is a good idea to have one on hand, as well as have the ability, knowledge and skill to competently drive a motor vehicle if the need should arise. Being prepared for the unexpected isn't just for Boy Scouts.

Robert C

Absolutely true. I have an MBA; but, without a current DL I can't even get get a job as an entry level security guard (yes, I interviewed last week. . . the call centers won't hire me because my previous employers wont call them back to verify my background. . . I lost out on a job as a dishwasher because I don't speak Spanish, Chinese - Yes; but, Spanish - No).

The real funny part is that I am current on my DL; but, I have to return to the state of issue to get a replacement. At the present I can't afford to do that. So, no job.

gerv 

I have a college degree which I don't use much any more either. Doesn't weigh much to carry them around.

Ekdog

You have an MBA, you speak Chinese and you can't find a job? Are you willing to relocate? One would think there'd be a lot of demand for someone with your education and linguistic skills.

Artkansas 

Have you checked on Proz.com? Freelance work in translation.

Chesha Neko

No DL here. Never had one, never will.

Artkansas 

Well said. When I had a girlfriend and a motorcycle, I taught her how to ride it just in case something might happen.

bighairbrian

we live "car light" and i drive to work enough times a year to dispell the rumours that i lost my license! So keeping the DL is a must!

krobinson103

I renewed my motorcycle/car licence last month. Don't use them, haven't used them for 2 years plus but it was a mission to get them converted in South Korea so I figured it was worth it.

charbucks

I've never considered giving up my driver's license. I like to go out to the mountains for various activities, and even if I'm not the one driving there's a chance the driver will feel too tired to drive. I've taken the wheel on several such occasions, and I'd hate to make someone drive when they don't feel safe doing so.

In addition, I'm probably one of the least dedicated car-free people on this forum, and I'll rent a car when I feel it's necessary. I promised myself that I wouldn't compromise my social life or hobbies for the sake of being car-free, and sometimes that means temporarily using a car.

bragi

+1. Cars are not necessary for the vast majority of local trips, and I personally dislike them, but when my 75 year old, not totally fit relatives are flying in for a visit, my dislike of cars tends to fade a bit.