I don't drive, which is to say, I don't have a driver's licence and thus have never driven to work in my whole life.

I don't drive, which is to say, I don't have a driver's licence and thus have never driven to work in my whole life. Here is what non-drivers do: apply to jobs that are within reasonable commuting distance. When you get a job offer, immediately go on the transit website to find out exactly how to get there and how long it will take to get to your new place of employment on time. Take public transit, or occasionally take Rideshare or a taxi (when you have never owned a car, you think of all the thousands of dollars you've saved over the years). I was previously a teacher, and did all of the above for many years. Except for the years I taught for private schools, when a free bus was provided for employees. When you don't drive, you need to be independent and resourceful. Asking a co-worker for a ride should be a last resort and treated like the favor it is.

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

8 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    YUP. My spouse doesn’t drive, and when we bought a house, we deliberately bought one close to public transportation.

  2. Anonymous

    This was me throughout my 20s. I didn't get a license until 28 and a car until two months before my 30th birthday. You really have to be resourceful and take into consideration things drivers may overlook. The closest I lived was 4 blocks from work. When I moved for family I made sure I was in walking distance to the BART, where the express bus stopped.

    I was motivated to get a license because one of my dream jobs was to work in Outreach which required a car. So, I had to hire a driver's ed professional that specialized in working with adults, and folks with driving phobias.

  3. Anonymous

    I hope others see this post. These are some very good ideas for those who see not having transportation as a barrier to obtaining employment. Although I live in an area where public transit does not do a good job of connecting for longer distances, at several times in my employment history I have been able to piece something together to get to the various jobs on time. Sometimes it will take you more time, but I have found it possible even in the California Bay Area. Sometimes you just have to get creative.

  4. Anonymous

    I drove and commuted to work, sometimes in carpools. After having a brain tumor, I started having focal seizures, which caused me to "zone out." Although I am fully aware of my surroundings, I cannot respond to anything during one of these seizures, so even though it does not qualify me for a license suspension in my state (like it does in some). My medication controls them, and I choose not to drive as these are very scary. For the most part, my husband drives me where I need to go, and I have driven short distances when it is more urgent (like pulling the car around since my husband is mobility impaired when he is having trouble walking). I have also become quite adept at navigating and using the public transit system when traveling longer distances.

  5. Tara Bookard

    Hello Sue,

    I do not drive as well and I have never had a driver's license and I am about to turn 46 years old next month. To help others who do not drive as myself and applying for jobs always share this and let the employer know up front that you can only work when the bus is running and do not be afraid of saying what you can and what you can't do up front.

  6. Arsen Kowalski
    As someone without a driver's license, I rely on taxis for daily commutes. For airport transfers or special occasions, I choose a nyc luxury car service Their professional chauffeurs and premium vehicles ensure a comfortable and timely journey. Booking is straightforward, and the service offers personalized options to suit various needs. This approach provides peace of mind, especially when navigating New York City's bustling environment.
  7. Anonymous

    I traveled to Cyprus last year for business and had a tight schedule. When I arrived at Larnaca Airport, I needed quick and reliable transportation to get to my hotel. I booked a taxi through https://taxi-cyprus.eu/ and was amazed by how easy the process was. The driver was waiting for me right outside the terminal, holding a sign with my name. The ride was comfortable, and the driver gave me some great tips about the area. I also used their services to get around the city later in the week. Every time I called, the response was fast, and the taxis arrived promptly. It really saved me a lot of time, especially when I needed to get to multiple meetings in a short period. If you're ever in Cyprus and need a reliable taxi service, I highly recommend https://taxi-cyprus.eu/ .

  8. Anonymous
    Hello, Not having a driver's licence definitely changes how someone plans their daily commute, especially when relying on public transport or getting lifts. For anyone thinking about learning to drive someday, https://dmvverify.com/ offers useful information about licensing requirements, application steps, and state-specific rules. Having those details beforehand can make getting started much easier.

Browse recent posts

Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members