Driver's License in U.S. (sales, transfer, taxi)

[kattwoman2]

I was born and raised in the U.S. To be honest, I prefer walking and using public transportation over driving. However, every single time I talk about moving to a city or suburb somewhere (such as Los Angeles or Seattle) I am told that I would need a driver's license in order to live down there. I figured they must have taxi's or buses, but I'm just relaying what I've been told: that you need a license to live there (I hope it's not true though). I've also been turned down in sales jobs because I do not have a license. I would prefer to work in journalism, media, advertising, marketing, etc. to be honest, but I'm a little worried that they might have the same opinion regardless of my experience and education.

So, I was wondering if it is possible to get a good job and live in a good city in the United States without having a driver's license. I've heard some people say that you don't need a license in Chicago, NYC, or San Francisco but I was wondering if that's true. I'm also curious as to whether or not there are good jobs out there in cities that will accept qualified people without a driver's license.

I know some might say, "Just get your license anyway," but that's not what I'm asking. I just want an answer as to whether or not you can get a good job and live in a good city without getting a driver's license. I'm hoping for some "Yes" answers, but the way some of my buddies have been talking it sounds like the opposite.

[blkgiraffe]

Originally Posted by kattwoman2

I was born and raised in the U.S. To be honest, I prefer walking and using public transportation over driving. However, every single time I talk about moving to a city or suburb somewhere (such as Los Angeles or Seattle) I am told that I would need a driver's license in order to live down there. I figured they must have taxi's or buses, but I'm just relaying what I've been told: that you need a license to live there (I hope it's not true though). I've also been turned down in sales jobs because I do not have a license. I would prefer to work in journalism, media, advertising, marketing, etc. to be honest, but I'm a little worried that they might have the same opinion regardless of my experience and education.

So, I was wondering if it is possible to get a good job and live in a good city in the United States without having a driver's license. I've heard some people say that you don't need a license in Chicago, NYC, or San Francisco but I was wondering if that's true. I'm also curious as to whether or not there are good jobs out there in cities that will accept qualified people without a driver's license.

I know some might say, "Just get your license anyway," but that's not what I'm asking. I just want an answer as to whether or not you can get a good job and live in a good city without getting a driver's license. I'm hoping for some "Yes" answers, but the way some of my buddies have been talking it sounds like the opposite.

Just get your license. Seriously though, you can live in the cores of cities like Houston, Dallas, Miami, or Atlanta without transportation because of the bus systems we have. However, having a license would come in handy imo. Just in case something goes on with the public transit; you'll have an alternative to get to work.

[Chava61]

You can live in NYC or San Francisco without a driver's license as both have excellent public transportation systems. Actually owning a car in either of these cities can be problematic due to parking issues. I find a driver's license in these cities is useful as a means of identification!

[Rachael84]

You definitely don't need a car in NYC. 24/7 public transportation, subways and buses to take you to any street you want.

[DailyJournalist]

New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and Chicago will allow you a drivers license free lifestyle.

[Rhymes with Best Coast]

SF is the most walkable city in the country. As a matter of fact, I walk to work and have no issues.

NYC has the most thorough subway system, with some lines running 24 hrs. You can get by without a driver's license in Chicago and Boston as well, easily.

There is no such requirement to have a driver's license to live in any city I know. This may have been a job requirement though, as you mentioned that you were looking for a job in sales, and that oftentimes requires some driving to meet clients.

[cpterp]

Live in DC, 2nd best transportation system (after NY). You won't need a car to go anywhere.

[shiver]

A driver's license is a good form of identification even if you don't drive. A passport can work too, but it's a pain to carry around and doesn't have your address on it. You were probably turned down for the job because many sales position require some degree of driving to visit customers; even if it's very occasionally.

You don't need a license per se since I believe all states can issue a State ID which looks similar to a driver's license. It's for people who don't drive. Life is tough without a government issued picture ID. A passport works to a degree, but on a day to day basis, the world is more comfortable with a state issued ID or license. A good number of people have gotten their DLs at some point and since they're pretty easy to transfer, it's just what people have even if they don't own a car anymore.

[tmac9wr]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and Chicago will allow you a drivers license free lifestyle.

I agree. You can add DC and San Francisco to that list too. Aside from that, I'm not too sure how great the options will be.

[nate14ri]

just go to Dept of Motor Vehicles to get an Picture State ID. Its just like that of a drivers Licence without including the driving part.