geekesse, I agree- I always find it amazing. Of course there are reasons why someone just can't drive for health reasons. I am also amazed how many who do drive, and have been driving for a long time- will not drive into town, or abroad, or on Motorway, etc.
Many factors come into play- for women older than me (70) - it was often the men that totally discouraged them from driving, or were so critical and shouty when they were learning- that it put them off for life, and they lost all confidence. I do believe it was a form of control over the women - to assert superiority, control- and to stop wives from wanting the car for their own purpose. That was certainly the case for my ex neighbour. He made jolly well sure she was truly put off the idea!
Perhaps also a lack of rôle models - my mother always drove, she learnt very young and was a very competent and adventurous driver. She could drive long before my dad and had her own car before he did, for her work.
So, question - how many here had mothers who did not drive?
There is a nagging question in my head. If someone, of any sex- is not confident about driving to town or on MWay- should they be driving at all?