Should I buy my partner driving lessons for her Birthday?

[georgeyboy12345]

Considering buying my partner driving lessons for her Birthday this year. Not sure whether it's a wise move though.

We've been together ages, over 10 years. We both live together in Manchester. We are in our late 30s/early 40s.

On the one hand, it's a good life skill to have and may make things slightly more convenient for us both.

On the other hand, it'll cost me a load of money, take a long time, then we'll have to buy another car or she could borrow mine, though I wouldn't be pleased if she bumped it or anything like that. Then there's the extra insurance, servicing, tax, fuel, etc if we buy another car.

Since she works in the city centre, there is next to no benefit from a commuting standpoint, given the parking situation and traffic in town. Usually I either give her a lift when I'm on my way to work or she gets the bus/tram.

I'm not sure. Anyone done this kind of thing before? Did it work out or did you regret it?

[Leon R]

I wouldn't buy someone driving lessons unless they had expressed an interest in learning.

Has she?

[chelmclean]

depends. does she already have a licence?
if so, you may soon have a black eye

[ApexCult]

Leon R said:

I wouldn't buy someone driving lessons unless they had expressed an interest in learning.

Has she?

This in spades.

[Miserablegit]

Can’t you just get yourself a girlfriend who drives ? Even if only for weekend fun.
It’s the PH way

[soad]

chelmclean said:

depends. does she already have a licence?
if so, you may soon have a black eye

A motorbike one then?

[swisstoni]

I’m crap a presents and this sounds like the sort of thing that I’d think was a good idea.

Therefore it isn’t.

[Triumph Man]

If someone gets to that age without a licence is that not because they have decided driving is not for them?

[Jamescrs]

Unless she has suddenly expressed a burning desire to learn to drive it's an awful idea

[Pica-Pica]

There will come an occasion when you want or need someone to drive you or drop you off somewhere (pub, cinema, station, football, hospital, share a long journey). Immensely practical from that point of view, but, if she has not expressed a wish to drive, then no.

Now flying lessons are another thing. My wife bought me a single lesson for my 40th, it was nice, but not something I wanted to pursue any further.

[swisstoni]

Personally I really dislike gifts that require me to go somewhere and do something.
Things like a hotel break or an ‘experience’ for instance.

Although very kind and thoughtful of the person.

[SidewaysSi]

I bought my wife driving lessons instead of an engagement ring.

Go for it.

[anonymous-user]

Belgium chocolate, fine wine, and a hello magazine?
Book her a spa day: pedicure, manicure, and a massage.
Or do something fun as a couple. Mine took me axe throwing yesterday. It was dangerous but ruddy good fun.

[InitialDave]

I wouldn't buy them yet.

Maybe get her a nice "treat" gift and a copy of the theory test book and a provisional licence application form?

That lets you sound our her reaction to it without having spent a load of money on something she doesn't want.

[mickyh7]

soad said:

A motorbike one then?

You can do what you want with my Chick.
But never try to ride my Bike!

[Hackney2]

Absolutely not!Take her out for a nice meal!

[freakybacon]

Absolutely not. In my experience, if they don’t drive before they become your girlfriend, they will never learn to drive after. Why would they bother? You are their chauffeur now!! Get used to it.

[PDP76]

freakybacon said:

Absolutely not. In my experience, if they don’t drive before they become your girlfriend, they will never learn to drive after. Why would they bother? You are their chauffeur now!! Get used to it.

This lol !

Just for the record, I’d never ever got out with or be with a woman that doesn’t driver unless they lived in the next street ! Lol

[Racing Sombrero]

I think the gift of driving lessons is only for a 17 year old or someone who's really expressed interest in wanting it for their birthday/Xmas.

Its similar to the time where me and my now wife were buying our first home and her birthday was a few weeks before the move. I got her a DIY book and tool set as I thought she would like to do some DIY herself to make the place her own. I was very wrong.

I'd stick to a meal out or weekend away as a gift.

[eskidavies]

I done for my missus at the time now wife, passed first time and all that , put her on insurance ,only shed at the time , she now drives me around and I can get pissed , car now is a r32 Golf ,she drives it more than me .