Surprising Celebrities Who Don't Drive
Driving is an essential part of life for most people, allowing freedom and independence to get from point A to point B. However, some celebrities actually choose not to get behind the wheel. Despite having the means to afford any car they want, these famous figures opt for public transportation, rides from assistants, or having themselves chauffeured.
There are a variety of reasons why some celebrities don't drive. For those who grew up in big cities like New York, driving was never a necessity. Other stars tried getting licenses but just felt too anxious or unsafe on the road. And a few have lost their licenses due to DUIs or other traffic violations.
Benefits of Not Driving for Celebrities
While it may seem surprising, there are some good reasons why celebrities decide to forego driving themselves:
- No need to deal with paparazzi or fans following them
- Don't have to worry about parking, insurance, gas, etc.
- Allows time during commutes to make calls, check email, apply makeup
- Can relax and be driven if tired from long travel schedules
- Adds an element of privacy since windows are often tinted
For many celebrities, the convenience and privacy of being chauffeured outweighs the freedom of driving themselves. And celebrities with DUIs or other violations have no choice until their licenses are reinstated.
15 Celebrities Who Don't Drive
Here are 15 celebrities who you won't spot behind the wheel anytime soon:
1. Jennifer Lopez
Despite starring in songs like "Jenny from the Block," JLo herself doesn't drive around the block. Growing up in New York City, she never needed to learn. And with a packed schedule, she prefers to be driven so she can multitask.
2. Cardi B
The rap superstar failed her driver's test several times before giving up. With Cardi B's over-the-top nails and glam, driving herself was just too challenging anyway.
3. Ed Sheeran
British pop singer Ed Sheeran struggled to pass his driving test and still doesn't like getting behind the wheel. After his license was suspended for speeding, he prefers rides from his security team.
4. Shia LaBeouf
Known for his erratic behavior, LaBeouf had his license suspended in 2017 after getting charged with public drunkenness. His former co-star Zack Gottsagen said Shia just walks everywhere now.
5. Timothee Chalamet
Despite starring in the film "Little Women," Chalamet himself is still not a big man. The 26-year-old actor told reporters he failed his driving test several times and is "still chickening out" on getting licensed.
6. Rachel Bilson
The O.C. star Rachel Bilson grew up using public transportation and never learned to drive. She tried getting licensed as an adult but failed the test. Bilson relies on rides from friends and family.
7. Lucy Liu
According to the Charlie's Angels actress, she finds driving to be very stressful and overwhelming. Liu sticks to walking, biking, and using taxis and hired drivers in NYC.
8. Ben Affleck
Known for playing Batman, Affleck had his own dark night in 2020 when he relapsed into alcoholism. After crashing into a parked car while intoxicated, his license was suspended for a year.
9. Vivienne Westwood
The famous British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood has never learned to drive. She prefers public transport or electric vehicles for environmental reasons.
10. Ethan Hawke
Despite starring in car racing movies like "Need for Speed," Hawke himself does not speed around town. He relies on others for rides due to vision issues that make driving difficult.
11. Diane Keaton
The Annie Hall actress Diane Keaton said she tried learning as a teenager but was "an anxious person behind the wheel." She prefers walking or using hired drivers in Los Angeles.
12. Tyra Banks
In 2011, photos emerged of supermodel Tyra Banks getting into fender benders multiple times while attempting to park an SUV. She now avoids driving herself due to feeling flustered behind the wheel.
13. Steve Carell
He may have played crazy characters in cars during The Office or The 40-Year-Old-Virgin, but Carell himself never got a license. He gets anxious driving due to a car accident as a teenager.
14. Shailene Woodley
This Divergent actress chooses not to drive for environmental reasons. Woodley walks, bikes or takes the bus to reduce her carbon footprint.
15. Kate Winslet
Titanic star Kate Winslet failed her driving test not once but THREE times. She felt too nervous on big roads. With fame, hiring a driver became easier anyway.
Reasons Celebrities Give for Not Driving
In addition to DUIs and anxiety, other common reasons celebrities cite for not driving themselves include:
Never Learned Growing Up in NYC or London
Major cities with robust public transportation networks mean getting a license as a teen isn't always a given. If they become famous later on, some stars don't ever get around to learning.
Don't Need to with Personal Assistants or Drivers
Wealthy celebrities have staff who can shuttle them anywhere they need to go. Driving themselves loses appeal when you already have a hired driver.
Vision or Medical Issues Make Driving Difficult
Some celebrities like Ethan Hawke cite vision problems that impair their ability to see well enough to drive safely.
Prefer Walking for Exercise or Biking for Environment
To stay fit and keep an eco-friendly image, stars like Shailene Woodley embrace human-powered transport over driving fossil fuel vehicles.
Find Driving Stressful and Overwhelming
Panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and nerves behind the wheel lead some celebrities to decide driving just isn't for them.
Pros & Cons of Celebrities Who Don't Drive Themselves
There are some clear pros and cons when celebrities opt not to get behind the wheel:
Pros
- Don't have to worry about paparazzi following them
- Allows time for tasks like email, reading scripts
- Can have tinted windows for added privacy
- No risk of DUIs, speeding tickets, violations
- Chauffeurs know best routes around traffic
Cons
- Loss of independence and spontaneity
- Must rely on others' schedules for rides
- Can't take spur of the moment trips
- Hiring drivers costs money
- Paparazzi know they'll be exiting certain buildings
While the pros can make having a personal driver more convenient, the cons mean having to sacrifice freedom and flexibility.
5 Celebrities Who Lost Licenses from DUIs and Violations
Some famous figures can no longer drive legally due to losing their licenses from DUIs, traffic violations, and accidents:
1. Lindsay Lohan
The former child star had her license revoked for drunk driving and probation violations. She's been spotted taking the bus and walking.
2. Chris Pine
The actor had his license suspended for driving under the influence in New Zealand. He relied on taxis until it was reinstated.
3. Amanda Bynes
After multiple hit-and-run incidents while driving on a suspended license, Bynes has not been able to legally drive for years.
4. Brooke Mueller
Charlie Sheen's ex-wife Brooke Mueller lost her license after three DUIs and cocaine possession. She now uses a hired sober companion to drive.
5. Mischa Barton
The O.C. actress had her license suspended after getting charged with DUI, possession, and driving without a license. She sticks to walking and taxis in LA.
Tips for Celebrities Who Don't Drive
For celebrities who can't or choose not to drive, here are some tips to get around:
- Hire a personal assistant or driver for daily tasks and appearances
- Use ride sharing apps when privacy is not a top concern
- Walk or bike for short trips if possible
- Plan transit routes ahead of time using maps or apps
- Build time cushions into schedules in case rides are delayed
- Fly private to avoid rushing through airports and gaining flexibility
While some coordination is required, celebrities can get by perfectly fine without ever operating a vehicle themselves in most big cities.
Living in L.A. or NYC Makes Driving Non-Essential
Many celebrities who don't drive live in Los Angeles or New York City. With heavy traffic and abundant transportation options, driving often becomes more hassle than it's worth. Chauffeured rides and walking are far more common. For stars based in these cities, driving is truly non-essential to get through daily life.
FAQs
Why don't some celebrities drive themselves?
Reasons celebrities may not drive include growing up in places like NYC where driving wasn't essential, preferring to be chauffeured, failing driver tests, license suspensions, finding driving stressful, and vision/medical issues.
What celebrities lost their licenses due to DUIs?
Celebrities who lost licenses from DUIs and violations include Lindsay Lohan, Chris Pine, Amanda Bynes, Brooke Mueller, and Mischa Barton.
What celebrities don't drive due to anxiety?
Steve Carell, Lucy Liu, Rachel Bilson, and Diane Keaton are examples of celebrities who say they find driving too stressful and anxiety-inducing.
Which celebrity prefers walking for the environment?
Shailene Woodley chooses not to drive and instead walks or bikes for environmental reasons and to reduce her carbon footprint.
What tips can help celebrities who don't drive?
Useful tips include hiring drivers/assistants, taking taxis or ride shares, planning transit routes ahead of time, allowing extra commute buffers, and flying private when possible.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment