Penélope Cruz Considers Learning to Drive at 52 After Bono Gifts Her a Car

Actress Penélope Cruz, 52, who has never driven or held a driver's license, revealed on the show Hot Ones that she is now considering learning to drive. This change comes after receiving a car as a birthday gift from U2's lead singer Bono in April. Cruz explained that her fear of driving stems from a childhood trauma when her sister, actress Mónica Cruz, was hit by a car in front of her. Although Mónica fully recovered, the incident left a lasting fear for Penélope, who described anxiety even when riding with professional drivers.

Cruz said, "Every time I get in a car, I immediately think, 'Here we go. Will we get through this safely? Will I survive today?'" She acknowledged the deep-rooted nature of her fear but feels motivated to overcome it now, joking that receiving a car from Bono makes not getting a license "crazy." She also mentioned that this fear has a name, referring to terms like vehophobia, amaxophobia, and hodophobia, which describe various driving and travel anxieties.

Penélope recounted the traumatic memory of seeing her sister hit by a car when she was about eight or nine years old, recalling the moment vividly and the emotional impact it had on her. Her husband, actor Javier Bardem, also rarely drives and admitted he barely knows how to drive despite promoting his racing film "Formula 1."