23M visually impaired. I've never been able to drive and I have traveled via walking, skateboarding, friends, family, uber, lyft, taxi, bus, and even complete strangers (though I would certainly advise against the last). The only thing that you can do is realize that your friends and family love you and are happy to help. You may think that you are burdening them by asking for rides but anyone who feels like you are doesn't deserve to be your friend. The sooner you become comfortable with asking for rides the happier you'll be. You can even pitch in some gas money if you feel that you would like to repay them. And be as open as you can with them. Let them know you struggle a bit with asking / accepting rides from others. You'll see whether they care depending on their reactions. If you've got a good group around you they won't. And if you don't, go find them because they're out there. It definitely isn't easy to get used to. I still sometimes feel like I burden my wife every now and then. But every time she sees me hesitate to ask to go somewhere she tells me she'll take me wherever I need to go. I am (and think you can be as well) a professional passenger. I help her navigate by using the maps on my phone, I play music we both enjoy, and I make sure to give her plenty of snacks amd sugar during road trips. I hope you don't feel like you have to walk long distances anymore. Be safe out there and stay blessed.

Can you afford a ridesharing service or a taxi?

Depending on where you live you may qualify for para transit. It’s either a minivan that comes to your house or sometimes they contract with Lyft and Uber. The rides are usually between $2-$5. Contact your local division of blind services and ask them about getting set up with the service. They may give you slack if you aren’t 20/200 if so contact paratransit in your area directly you can sometimes get approved directly through them with acuity of 20/70 or higher.

23m, 20/60 with macular degeneration.
You aren't alone, sister. It's hard to live with but the worst thing you can do is let yourself feel self conscious about it.
Find and hold onto friends who understand the hand you're dealt with and make sure you're accommodated properly. I've never had the chance to drive either, never got to have that sense of independence other got to have.
I've had to walk 2 1/2 miles to work at some points, but walking myself to work was worth it to me.
Do what you gotta do girl. No shame.

I'm 38 and lost my sight when I was 14.

It's great when a place has solid public transit like Boston, NYC, Seattle, or San Fran etc. Those places are really expensive though. Although I lived in two of them, I ended up moving because of the cost. It is hard a lot of places;especially in the US. I use lift or Uber these days and they are great but it's a drag cost wise because for someone who can drive, it may cost a few dollars for gas, even less, but if you're using something like lift or Uber etc, you can easily spend twenty or thirty dollars on a trip. Yes there is para transit but I have had awful experiences with them on many occasions.

I hate asking people for rides but sometimes you just have to.

Personally, I can't wait for self driving cars. The independence one of those would offer would be a real game changer and I'd feel far more equal to sighted people. I'm not holding my breath though because I'm sure they'll try to put in some sort of requirement in that would bar blind people from riding in one. We shall see I suppose...

I had a year of driving inbetween getting my license and very suddenly going blind so I know what I am missing, and yeah. I'm with you. My dad is an absolute star, retired, not in any financial trouble and totally willing, and they only live on the other side of town, and even then it sucks to ask. I know. Believe me.

I spend vast, ridiculous amounts of money on uber and taxis because of my stupid pride over this, when I'm sure people really wouldn't mind. But I totally feel you, and I am blind as hell and don't have the option to walk anywhere I haven't done a lot with a guide.

I was distraught when all my friends got their licenses because I felt alone in not being able to go places farther than the bus stop or walking distance.

I learned the hard way that I needed to adapt so I could live a fulfilling life without vision which meant accomadating my needs in a different way than my sighted peers.

I was always really conscious of asking for drives but I had a wonderful support system that helped me feel more at ease with asking for help.
ASKING FOR HELP ISNT WEAK.
Asking for help isnt a burden bc people who care about you would rather drive you 10min than have you walk an hour right?
There are plenty of strategies to make it more like a game than work for them if you are really uncomfortable asking for help with nothing in return (even tho your love is probably enough anyway)

Make a list of people you get drives from, after 3 drives your romantic partner could get a special date, your parents could get you to do housework for them. Etc

Make a group chat so your family/friends can compare schedules and see who it would be most convenient for to drive you.

Find other modes of transportation if no one is available!

I have a CNIB card which allows me to take the bus for free as a blind citizen of canada, see if there is anything similar in your area!
Memorize your most common places and find the most efficient bus route.

Get a motor run bike (I am not allowed to drive on highways with one but on city streets it's okay,)
Check the laws in your area and see what transportation is legal for visually impaired individuals

And so much more! If you need any other tips dont be afraid to private message me!

I'm 20/175 corrected. Electric bike. I started using them about ten years ago. Started with cheap Chinese ones but they would only last about 2.5 years. Five years I bought a good one from Prodecotec and it's worked great. I made saddlebags out of saddle leather. I have a trailer to tow behind it, though I barely use it. I carry the charger with me. I can ride 15 miles before the battery dies. I live in Phoenix so the cold isn't an issue but 115 degree days aren't exactly fun. I have a powerful CREE headlight for the evening.
Longer distance or if it's raining is Lyft.

Hi ! I have oca1B too and am in my thirties if you want to chat

I’m not visually impaired but I’ve dealt with anxiety my whole life over relying on other people too much. It’s okay to ask for rides, anyone who really cares about you won’t even question it if they have the time and means to do so. They’d much rather you be safe and get to things within a more reasonable time. If you’re still worried convey that to the person driving so they know you value them more then a taxi. You cam even offer to pitch in gas money if it’s a longer drive or a consistent set up. Best of luck xx

have you tried bioptics for driving? i’m not sure what the law is in canada but here in the US, we have bioptic driving laws for visually impaired allowing bioptics to be used for driving test. individuals with albinism are great candidates for bioptic driving and usually can get an unrestricted license.

I’m pretty sure your friends and family would be more than happy to help you out. Asking for help does not make you guilty of taking advantage. If you feel like that, you could offer to pay for the gas.