How to Get Around Without a Driver's License

Whether you're a senior citizen who wants or needs to give up your driver's license, or you otherwise lack a license to drive, you'll need to find alternate methods of transportation to get you where you want to go.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Comfortable Shoes
• Shopping Bags
• Sports Apparel & Shoes
• Walking Shoes
• Bus Tickets
• Light Rail

1. Walk as much as possible. Walking helps to keep you fit and healthy and can usually get you anywhere you want to go.

2. Take the bus. Get a current route map and schedule, and you will probably find that your local bus system can deliver you to all the places you regularly frequent.

3. Take the train or subway. Many major cities have subway or other rapid transit rail systems, and these can be a great way to get around. Most stations are also equipped for handicapped riders.

4. Rideshare or carpool. Even if you aren't driving, you can still contribute gas or coffee money to a carpool and let the others drive.

5. Arrange local transportation with a service that provides rides for people with physical disabilities if you are mobility impaired. Many of these services will pick you up and drop you off at your own home as long as you call in advance to arrange it.

6. Ask friends or family to include you in errands and grocery shopping trips whenever possible; many people will probably be glad to help out.

7. Hire a student with a good road safety record to drive you around or run errands for you once or twice a week. Contact the student employment center at your local college or university for information.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your voting power. Lobby your local government to make improvements to the transit system, or to provide more transportation services for seniors.
• Plan trips carefully in advance, and dress for the weather if you may have to spend time waiting at a bus stop. If you are mobility impaired, find out if the buses you need to take are equipped with wheelchair lifts.
• Some supermarkets will deliver groceries for people who don't drive ' you may be able to select your groceries at the store and have them dropped off, or to call in your order.
• Don't forget to be kind to your feet. If you plan to walk a lot, invest in some sturdy walking shoes or boots with good arch support and non-skid soles.
• If you spend a lot of time at bus stops or subway stations, especially after dark, try to stay in lighted, well-populated areas and avoid making yourself a target for thieves or pickpockets. Look confident, and walk with purpose.
• Be extra careful as a pedestrian if you have hearing or vision difficulties.

[Davepoordave]

on 10/8/2008 A bicycle is always an alternative if you are able to walk. Between busses,rides,companion program,and walking I've gotten away from having to drive, after a severe disability.

[marnell]

on 9/11/2007 for best results, complete step two (bus) ONLY after trying all other steps, and the one hidden step: Taxi.

on 11/22/2005 Rollerblades are slower than bikes, but I found them to be perfectly convenient. I used rollerblades during 3+ years at college, usually for grocery runs, but also for any kind of errand that didn't take me too far away. It's also decently convenient, if the nearest bus stop is far away, to rollerblade there then change into shoes for the bus ride. A big enough bag can carry the rollerblades while you're not wearing them. I usually wore a large backpack to help carry purchases.

on 11/22/2005 Your good old bicycle is a fantastic way to get around. It will keep you in shape and as long as there are plenty of signposts and skinny trees around, you'll never have a tough time finding a parking place.

on 11/22/2005 Ride a scooter! I get 60 MPG and reach speeds of 40+ MPH. I wear thermal underwear in the winter and water resistant clothing when it rains. It beats walking or biking.