On the Road: Getting Your License is a Serious Step Towards Freedom

Getting Your License is a Serious Step Towards FreedomNothing beats the freedom of having your own license. It’s another step in the direction of independence that permits you to go where you please, when you please. Even if you have no interest in owning a vehicle at the moment, having an illinois driver’s license (or license issued by another state) allows you to have an easy form of identification, as well as the ability to drive other peoples’ cars or to take a rental on a road trip.

Benefits of getting your driver’s license

While most people only associate having your license with your ability to drive, it actually serves many other purposes that many people don’t consider. Putting off getting your license if you have no interest or need to drive a vehicle may end up backfiring on you for reasons you may not have considered.

1. It’s your official ID

There are a surprising amount of reasons that you could be asked for your license when you’re not operating a vehicle.

If you want to open a bank account, get a credit card, enroll in school, or apply for government benefits, you will be asked for an official form of identification, which will most often be your driver’s license.

Why do people rely on driver’s licenses when there are other forms of ID? They’re the most easily recognizable. People will have an easier time spotting a fake license than they may with a different kind of identification.

2. It helps emergency personnel if you’re in an accident

While it’s not something pleasant to consider, there may be an instance in your life where you are unable to identify yourself. When that happens, emergency officials will use your license as the fastest way to identify you and get your contact name and address to notify family members. Hospital staff will also use your license to admit you for treatment.

3. It allows you to purchase restricted goods

Stores that sell alcohol, tobacco, and other restricted goods and services need a way to prove a person’s age before they can conduct a sale. Driver’s licenses are the most commonly accepted form of ID for these transactions, since they provide the person’s name, photo, address and proof that they are from the state.

4. Insurance

While you may not want a car now, there may come a time when you do. Insurance companies look favorably on people who have had their license longer, even if they did not have insurance.

5. Clubs and bars

When you want to go to bars or clubs, the fastest way to gain entry is with a driver’s license. Bouncers may not be familiar with other forms of identification and are always on the lookout for fakes, so something other than an official driver’s license may not get you in the door.

Getting your license

The steps to getting your license are simple and start with getting your learner’s permit. If you’re ready to get your driver’s license now, you’ll want to find an accredited driving school that can get you on the road to having your full license, and get you on the road in general!

Comments

  1. Jo-Ann Brightman says

    I can understand how important it is to get a license. It is the most used form of ID.

  2. Let’s see, I’ve had a license for 54 years. One thing: DON’T LOSE IT! It’s a pain to get it replaced.

  3. ellen beck says

    A license is usually the most accepted form of ID when it comes to voting, and almost anything else. For those that dont drive, here in our state they have state IDs which look just like a license and have much the same info. I know a number of elderly people who use the IDs since the dont drive anymore. Then too I know a few women who havent driven for 20 years who keep their licenses up!

  4. I enjoyed reading this post it look me back to when I first got my license a million years ago. This will be a fun one to share with the teens in the family.