I’m mostly thinking about insurance here. I’ve been told conflicting information. I live in Florida.
I live with someone who has a driver’s license and a car, but I don’t have either. I’ve avoided getting one because I have no interest in car ownership, and I feel like if I started driving regularly I’d probably die - I have driven before but I really don’t think it’s something I’d ever get good at.
It’s undeniable that having one would be convenient though - for rare occasions like emergencies at a minimum but also other scenarios.
I know almost nothing about how this stuff works. If I get a license, am I required to acquire and pay for insurance, even if I don’t own a car or regularly drive? Or will the person I live with have to pay more for their insurance? Are there any other costs or downsides associated with it that I might not be thinking of?
Thanks.
Insurance is a complicated issue and it varies by state.
Generally, though, no, you won’t have to pay anything.
If you live with others who drive and do have insurance, they may need to add you as an excluded driver on their policy to avoid affecting their rates, but that, again, varies by state, and also, insurance carrier. I would just talk to an agent in your state.
If you just want an ID, most states offer essentially an ID card that’s exactly like a license, but just the ID part. Might want to look into that, too.
State ID is an option that would come with the risk of having to retake the tests if the DL lapsed long enoug.