10 Stars Who Never Got Their Driver’s License

10 Stars Who Never Got Their Driver’s License

Most people see getting a driver’s license as a major milestone in life, a symbol of freedom and independence. But not everyone feels the same way, including some of the world’s biggest celebrities. Whether they live in cities with great public transportation, prefer being chauffeured around, or simply never felt the need to learn, these famous faces have managed to navigate their successful careers without ever sitting behind the wheel. Their stories prove that you don’t need a license to make it big in Hollywood or beyond.

1. Anya Taylor-Joy

Growing up between Argentina, London, and Miami might sound glamorous, but for Anya Taylor-Joy, it meant relying on public transport rather than personal vehicles. The Queen’s Gambit star has openly admitted she never learned to drive, despite her skyrocketing fame.

Living primarily in cities with excellent transit systems made driving unnecessary for her lifestyle. She’s comfortable being driven to film sets and events by professional drivers. Her focus has always been on perfecting her craft rather than mastering parallel parking.

Anya jokes about her lack of driving skills in interviews, showing she’s perfectly content without a license. Her success proves that wheels aren’t essential when you’ve got talent and determination propelling you forward.

2. Kate Beckinsale

British elegance meets practical city living in Kate Beckinsale’s approach to transportation. The Underworld actress has spent much of her life in London and Los Angeles, both cities where driving isn’t always the most convenient option.

Kate has mentioned in various interviews that she never felt compelled to get behind the wheel. Her busy filming schedule means she’s often transported by studio vehicles anyway. Plus, growing up in London meant excellent public transportation was always available.

She’s embraced alternative transportation methods throughout her career without any regrets. Being chauffeured allows her to prepare for roles, rest between takes, or simply enjoy the scenery. Her choice demonstrates that personal preferences matter more than societal expectations about driving.

3. J.K. Rowling

The magical mind behind Harry Potter never needed a driver’s license to transport readers to Hogwarts. J.K. Rowling famously doesn’t drive, a fact she’s shared openly with fans over the years.

Her writing career began in Edinburgh’s cozy cafes, where everything was within walking distance or accessible by bus. Even as her wealth grew exponentially, she maintained her preference for being driven rather than driving herself. This allowed her more time to think, plan storylines, and observe the world around her.

Many creative people find that not driving gives them valuable thinking time during commutes. Rowling’s choice fits perfectly with her contemplative, imaginative nature. Her billions in book sales prove you don’t need a license to go anywhere in life.

4. Ricky Gervais

With his signature wit and sarcasm, Ricky Gervais has turned his inability to drive into comedy gold. The Office creator has never obtained a driver’s license, something he mentions with characteristic humor during interviews and stand-up routines.

Growing up in Reading, England, and later living in London meant public transportation was always readily available. His partner Jane often handles the driving when they travel together. Ricky jokes that his anxiety levels would make him a terrible driver anyway.

He’s built an incredibly successful career in comedy, acting, and producing without needing wheels. His honesty about not driving makes him relatable to many who feel pressured to get licensed. Sometimes the best route to success doesn’t involve a steering wheel at all.

5. Barbra Streisand

An EGOT winner with a voice that defined generations, Barbra Streisand has one surprising gap in her skill set: she doesn’t drive. The legendary performer has lived most of her adult life in New York and Los Angeles, where drivers are commonplace among celebrities.

Barbra has spoken about how her busy performance schedule and recording sessions left little time for driving lessons. She’s always had access to professional transportation services throughout her decades-long career. Her focus remained on perfecting her artistry rather than navigating traffic.

At her level of fame and success, having a personal driver is both practical and safe. She’s proven that talent and hard work matter far more than a piece of plastic from the DMV.

6. Mariah Carey

Five-octave vocal range? Check. Multiple Grammy Awards? Check. Driver’s license? Not so much. Mariah Carey, one of the best-selling music artists of all time, has never learned to drive.

Growing up in New York and later living in Los Angeles as a superstar meant she always had transportation arranged for her. Her glamorous lifestyle includes being chauffeured to recording studios, concerts, and appearances. Mariah once joked that she doesn’t do things herself if she can help it, fitting her diva persona perfectly.

Her lack of a license hasn’t slowed down her incredible career one bit. She’s sold over 200 million records worldwide without ever needing to parallel park. Sometimes the passenger seat offers the best view of success.

7. Robbie Williams

From Take That heartthrob to solo superstar, Robbie Williams has conquered the music world without ever conquering the open road. The British pop icon doesn’t have a driver’s license, something he’s been refreshingly open about throughout his career.

Robbie’s rise to fame happened so quickly that learning to drive simply wasn’t a priority. He’s traveled the world on tour buses and in chauffeured vehicles instead. Living in London and Los Angeles, both cities with plenty of transportation options, made driving unnecessary.

He’s joked in interviews about his wife doing all the driving in their relationship. His massive success shows that sometimes it’s better to let someone else handle the wheel. Focus and talent will take you further than any car ever could.

8. Cardi B

Bronx-born rapper Cardi B went from reality TV to topping music charts, all without a driver’s license in her wallet. The Grammy-winning artist has been honest about never learning to drive, despite owning luxury vehicles.

Growing up in New York City, where subways and taxis are everywhere, meant driving wasn’t essential. Even after achieving massive success, she’s relied on drivers to get around. Cardi has mentioned feeling nervous about driving and preferring to be a passenger.

Her husband Offset and various assistants handle transportation duties for the superstar. She’s accumulated multiple platinum records and millions of fans without ever needing to merge onto a highway. Her authenticity about this quirk makes her even more relatable to fans worldwide.

9. Vincent Kartheiser

Mad Men’s Pete Campbell might have been all about status symbols, but actor Vincent Kartheiser takes a completely different approach to life. He’s one of Hollywood’s most environmentally conscious actors, choosing not to drive as part of his eco-friendly lifestyle.

Vincent sold his car years ago and relies on public transportation, walking, and biking instead. His decision goes beyond simply not having a license; it’s a deliberate choice to reduce his carbon footprint. He’s spoken passionately about sustainability and living consciously.

Living in Los Angeles without a car is unusual, but Vincent makes it work through careful planning. His commitment to environmental causes extends far beyond his transportation choices. Sometimes the most powerful statement you can make is choosing not to participate at all.

10. Lena Dunham

Creator and star of HBO’s Girls, Lena Dunham has always marched to the beat of her own drum, including when it comes to driving. The multi-talented writer, director, and actress doesn’t have a driver’s license, something she’s discussed candidly in interviews.

Growing up in New York City meant she never really needed to drive. The subway system became her primary mode of transportation throughout her formative years. Even as her career took off, she maintained her car-free lifestyle.

Lena’s openness about anxiety and personal challenges extends to her feelings about driving. She’s built an impressive career in entertainment while navigating life from the passenger seat. Her success reminds us that unconventional paths often lead to extraordinary destinations.