Assuming you buy outright rather than take out a more expensive loan:
Entry costs:
Driving lessons and test/tests
Car price
Registration
Ongoing costs:
Fuel
Insurance
Vehicle excise duty
MOT
Servicing, repairs and enhancements
Cleaning and upkeep
Depreciation
Parking costs
Tolls and congestion charges
Fines, penalties and legal risks:
Parking fines
Speeding tickets
Red light violations
Drink/drug driving charges
Punitive driving courses
Accident liability
Theft or confiscation
Arrest/imprisonment
The true cost here can't be measured purely financially but also in time, energy, freedom, cognitive load and boredom or stress, as well as the personal risk of injury or death. Indeed, there is stress even if certain negative outcomes don't come to pass as there is always a risk of malfunction, fines, damage, theft, crash etc., as well as the loss of money, time and energy in trying to insure against them.
Car ownership is thus more a mark of slavery than freedom, especially in a world of planned obsolescence, increasing congestion, regulation/bureaucracy, surveillance, taxation, theft and lower speed limits.
However, having a driving licence increases your independence, status, confidence, competence, financial and social opportunities, so it's highly beneficial.
If necessary and possible, borrow a car. Otherwise, use your feet, a bike or bus.
Entry costs:
Driving lessons and test/tests
Car price
Registration
Ongoing costs:
Fuel
Insurance
Vehicle excise duty
MOT
Servicing, repairs and enhancements
Cleaning and upkeep
Depreciation
Parking costs
Tolls and congestion charges
Fines, penalties and legal risks:
Parking fines
Speeding tickets
Red light violations
Drink/drug driving charges
Punitive driving courses
Accident liability
Theft or confiscation
Arrest/imprisonment
The true cost here can't be measured purely financially but also in time, energy, freedom, cognitive load and boredom or stress, as well as the personal risk of injury or death. Indeed, there is stress even if certain negative outcomes don't come to pass as there is always a risk of malfunction, fines, damage, theft, crash etc., as well as the loss of money, time and energy in trying to insure against them.
Car ownership is thus more a mark of slavery than freedom, especially in a world of planned obsolescence, increasing congestion, regulation/bureaucracy, surveillance, taxation, theft and lower speed limits.
However, having a driving licence increases your independence, status, confidence, competence, financial and social opportunities, so it's highly beneficial.
If necessary and possible, borrow a car. Otherwise, use your feet, a bike or bus.
