Why doesn't the government sponsor driving lessons?

[editor]

Until there's punctual, reliable and frequent public transport outside major cities then that's a bit unlikely.

I don't drive and i hope i never have to, but putting the blame at the door of people who have to make a living away from where they live is rather unfair.

Who am I 'blaming'?

I'm just against the proposed idea of free driving lessons being dished out wholesale or the concept that driving is some kind of 'right' (although I would support them in the case of long term unemployed workers where there really is absolutely no other prospect of work - but then why couldn't the employer foot the bill?).

 

[Badgers]

Until there's punctual, reliable and frequent public transport outside major cities then that's a bit unlikely.

This will get funding MUCH quicker if the government have to pay for people to learn to drive.





I think the government should pay for people to learn a musical instrument of their choice though

 

[baldrick]

Who am I 'blaming'?

I'm just against the proposed idea of free driving lessons being dished out wholesale or the concept that driving is some kind of 'right' (although I would support them in the case of long term unemployed workers where there really is absolutely no other prospect of work - but then why couldn't the employer foot the bill?).

It just seemed like you were getting angry at the wrong people, that's all.

I agree, there should be fewer cars and fewer drivers, but a lot of jobs do ask for it these days. The OP isn't the only one who has fallen foul of this preference.

Dunno why i'm bothering to argue, i have a headache.

 

[Oswaldtwistle]

I'm just against the proposed idea of free driving lessons being dished out wholesale ....(although I would support them in the case of long term unemployed workers where there really is absolutely no other prospect of work).

Great in theory, but a recipe for taking this piss in practice. Want free driving lessons? Stay on the dole for 6 months and you'll get them.

- but then why couldn't the employer foot the bill?

Nothing in it for them in the majority of cases- if you can't get to work when they want you to they won't fcuk about spending money and keeping a job open while you learn, they'll just find someone who can. Simple supply and demand. Heck, you'd be lucky if they would change a shift by 5 minutes to accomodate a bus timetable.

.............

Leaving aside the environment for a second, having your own transport can be as big a factor in finding work as your qualifications. (I'm talking outside London and maybe Brum/Manc here)

If anyone can borrow 20k plus on fairly easy terms to get a degree then why not allow anyone (in work or out of it) borrow a couple of k on similar terms to learn to drive and buy your first car (insurance can usually be paid by installments anyway)

Proberbly a million reasons why it is a non-starter, not least the higher accident rate amoung young motorists.

 

[_angel_]

It just seemed like you were getting angry at the wrong people, that's all.
I agree, there should be fewer cars and fewer drivers, but a lot of jobs do ask for it these days. The OP isn't the only one who has fallen foul of this preference.

Dunno why i'm bothering to argue, i have a headache.

Yep again.

We don't all live in London and have a bus service and a tube station.

 

[chymaera]

I'm pro public transport but still think this is an excellent idea. Driving is a good life skill to have for just practical reasons.

If someone has a car licence it makes it a lot easier for an employer to train and certificae them for other driving tasks, fork lifts and similar.
If you have a car licence, and a fork lift certificate, (there are several types) it makes your range of possible jobs far wider.