People who don’t drive often don’t realise just how much effort, money, and stress goes into getting behind the wheel every day.
And yet, some of the things they say can be surprisingly smug, completely clueless—or both. Not only is half of what they have to say downright wrong when it comes to the rules of the road, but it’s also incredibly obnoxious to the person behind the wheel. Here are some of the worst offenders.
1. “Driving’s not that hard, you’re just overthinking it.”
Easy to say when you’ve never had to parallel park in front of five people, navigate a confusing roundabout, or reverse out of a tight space during rush hour. Driving might seem simple from the passenger seat, but the mental load is real. Statements like this come off as dismissive and a bit patronising. It’s not about fear, it’s about awareness. And until you’ve been the one behind the wheel, maybe don’t judge how it feels.
2. “Why don’t you just cycle instead?”
Not every route can be replaced with a leisurely bike ride. Some people commute long distances, transport kids, or carry weekly shops, none of which fit neatly into a basket. This kind of suggestion often sounds like a passive dig, as if driving is a personal failing. For many, it’s just the most realistic (and sometimes the only) option that works for their life.
3. “You’re part of the problem, you know.”
This one usually comes with a side of environmental guilt. While it’s true cars impact the planet, shaming individuals who rely on them ignores the bigger issue: most towns and cities just aren’t built for car-free living. Blaming drivers directly feels like a shortcut to feeling morally superior. But it skips over all the systemic reasons people might not be able to switch to walking or public transport.
4. “You’re lucky you don’t have to deal with public transport.”
Yes, trains and buses can be a nightmare—but so can driving. Sitting in traffic, constantly watching fuel prices go up, paying for insurance, and trying to find parking in a city centre? Not exactly stress-free. This line assumes driving is a luxury, when for many it’s a financial drain and a necessity. Not all journeys are calm playlists and scenic routes—some are just survival mode in fourth gear.
5. “You should give up your car and try going car-free for a year.”
This suggestion often comes from people living in walkable cities with excellent transport options. For them, ditching a car might feel freeing. For others, it would mean losing their independence completely. The idea that everyone could or should live without a car ignores reality. It’s one thing to make a lifestyle choice—it’s another to expect everyone else to follow suit without context.
6. “You just don’t plan your day well enough.”
This is often said after someone complains about traffic, or how long it takes to get from A to B. The implication? That the driver’s just lazy or disorganised, not dealing with unpredictable roads and real-time delays. People who don’t drive sometimes forget that you can’t just “plan better” around roadworks, accidents, or inconsiderate drivers. It’s not always a time management problem—it’s life on the roads.
7. “Ugh, drivers are the worst.”
This is a sweeping generalisation, usually made when someone’s angry at a specific traffic incident. But saying all drivers are terrible is a lot like saying all pedestrians are clueless, or all cyclists are reckless. It turns a moment of frustration into a weird superiority thing. Most drivers are just trying to get through the day like everyone else—without being flattened into a stereotype.
8. “You’re so reliant on your car—it’s kind of sad.”
This one sounds casually cruel, even when said jokingly. Some people rely on their car because of work, health, family, or just where they live. It’s not a weakness, it’s practicality. Implying that driving is a sign of dependency or lack of imagination ignores that for many, a car is freedom. And if you’ve never needed one, you might not fully understand what it gives you.
9. “I just don’t understand why you’d want to drive at all.”
This statement usually comes from someone who lives close to everything they need or just really enjoys public transport. But not everyone’s lifestyle works that way. For a lot of people, driving isn’t a choice they’re wildly in love with—it’s just how they make life function. Saying you don’t get it doesn’t make it invalid—it just shows you might be lucky not to need it.
10. “I’d be terrified to drive—how do you even do it?”
This is sometimes meant as a compliment, but it still feels a bit awkward. It puts drivers in a weird spot—part hero, part lunatic—for doing something that’s a normal part of adult life. While it’s fine to admit nerves, making it sound like driving is some wild stunt show underplays how common—and sometimes exhausting—it really is. Most drivers aren’t adrenaline junkies, just people with somewhere to be.
11. “Petrol is so expensive—why don’t you just not drive?”
If only it were that simple. Yes, fuel prices are brutal, but suggesting people just stop driving to avoid them is like telling someone to stop eating to avoid grocery bills. This kind of comment ignores necessity. For many people, their entire routine depends on being able to drive—even when it hurts the wallet. Cutting it out isn’t a neat fix—it’s often not an option.
12. “You’re lucky you get to sit down all day.”
Sure, driving involves sitting—but it’s not exactly relaxing. You’re constantly checking mirrors, reacting to other drivers, and focusing for long stretches. It’s not a nap—it’s full-body tension with added steering. This comment usually comes from people who’ve never done a three-hour motorway trip in traffic. After that, even your legs feel tired. The “sitting” part is seriously oversold.
13. “Driving is just lazy—what happened to walking?”
This line is often framed like it’s about health or eco-consciousness, but it usually just sounds smug. Not all journeys are walkable, and not everyone has the time, energy, or physical ability to stroll everywhere. Calling drivers lazy for doing what’s necessary is a shortcut to judgement. There’s a big difference between choosing to drive and needing to—especially when time and distance aren’t on your side.
14. “Must be nice having a car—you can go anywhere!”
Technically true, but it leaves out the cost, stress, and planning that come with every journey. Owning a car doesn’t magically make life easier; it just opens doors that cost money to walk through. This kind of envy-flavoured comment overlooks what driving actually involves. Freedom’s nice, but it comes with insurance, MOTs, parking struggles, and plenty of potholes—literally and metaphorically.
