If your friends have to drive you everywhere, read this before it’s too late
The non-driving life can be tough.
Whether you’re in the process of getting your licence or have two hours of driving experience to your name, the non-driving life can be tough.
Take my word for it. I’m 20 years old, don’t have a car, don’t have my L’s. It’s just me, myself and PTV.
But what I have come to realise is that your licence-equipped friends are your greatest resource. And one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to annoy the shit out of these special, god-sent people. You have to earn your shotgun spot and continue to maintain it.
So below is my fail-proof, play-by-play to ensure that you’ll keep your enemies close, but your driving friends closer. And if you screw up, just remember: it’s their way, or the highway (on the bus).
- Be ready to go before they arrive
- Don’t sit on their stuff (I once heard my friend sat on the driver’s tube of foundation and it splattered all over the upholstery of her BMW)
- Don’t have dirty shoes (especially if they’ve just cleaned their car)
- If they have an epic pile of empty Maccas takeaway in the backseat, don’t judge
- Make sure you organise on their terms, not yours
- Don’t assume it’s a return ticket
- Your life is in their hands. Don’t be afraid to speak up, but also don’t be a backseat driver (because you technically don’t know how to drive, remember)
- Wear nice perfume so you are positively adding to the sensory experience of the trip
- If they have an AUX cord, the least you can do is have decent music ready to play
- Don’t be on your phone the whole time, make sure your company is good value for money, otherwise they could’ve picked up a pile of bricks (and talk to a brick wall, ha, get it?)
- In saying that, make conversation, but don’t completely distract the driver
- If you’re asking them for a lift, make sure you at least offer to repay them in some way, shape or form. Even if your offer is neglected, it’s the thought that counts
- And last but not least, when you finally get your licence, don’t forget you are eternally in their debt (aka your ride is their ride).