Can you learn to drive with ASD?
If you have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, this doesn’t necessarily have to be a barrier to freedom and independence. 1nfluence Driver Training know that Autism Spectrum Disorders are very diverse, and that it’s almost impossible to know what an individual will or won’t be able to achieve in terms of driving if they have one. Each person is different; you may find driving challenging, or you might find you pick it up quickly and that driving is straightforward for you.
Although we can’t make assumptions or predict how easy or difficult it will be to learn to drive with ASD, there is some basic information from The National Autistic Society and other organisations like it, with some general pointers if you have ASD and are thinking about learning to drive.
Do you have to declare autism to DVSA?
You do need to inform the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency if you have a health condition that affects your ability to drive safely. Failure to do this may leave you liable to a fine or prosecution if you are later involved in an accident as a result of your condition.
It’s a good idea to speak to your GP so you can discuss guidelines with them, as well as to ask them any other questions you might have about learning to driving safely with ASD.
How ASD can make driving a challenge
Common symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders are delayed decision-making skills, challenges with motor coordination, and problems with executive functioning (higher-level thinking skills like multi-tasking). Associated conditions like sleep disorders or ADD/ADHD can also make driving difficult.
You have difficulty with communication (either verbal or nonverbal or both) or take instructions very literally. For example, a road sign may use a common expression that’s meaning may not be obvious to someone with ASD, and similarly, another driver’s hand gesture or signal (such as waving you on) may not be easy to interpret.
How 1nfluence Driver training can help you
Some of the strategies for helping you learn to drive with ASD include:
- Social and hazard perception – Working through common driving scenarios and breaking them down into small steps to reduce frustration and build confidence.
- Running commentary – To help develop observation and recognition skills through speaking out loud the signs, traffic lights, pedestrians and other important observations which are needed to drive safely.
- Emergency readiness – Another helpful strategy is to be well prepared for situations where you might feel anxious or panicky, such as if you are seriously delayed in heavy traffic, or involved in an accident. By developing calming strategies, and creating a list of steps (such as calling a parent or other source of support), this helps to reduce any potential anxiety.
Single lessons are available from £58 per hour.
Click here to return to the Drivers with SEN and Learning Differences page, or you can find out more about driving lessons for nervous drivers or drivers with high anxiety.
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Testimonial - Sally Harper
Lin has given me so much more than the ability to drive a car and get from A to B. None of it came naturally to me but she was endlessly patient and made me believe I was making progress and could do it. She has more empathy in her little finger than most people do in their whole body and I know for a fact I wouldn’t have passed without her very unique brand of support and guidance. I will carry what Lin has taught me about not putting limits on myself into other areas of my life and will always be grateful. If you think you’ll never be able to drive or it’s not for you, Lin will prove you wrong. Thank you Lin for giving me the freedom to take my daughter out and make lots of new memories (at places that aren’t on the bus route!). I will miss our lessons and chats x
#drivecalm #coaching #relaxation #breathingexercises #breathingtechniques #selftalk #deaf #deafawareness #driving #drivinglessons #drivingtest #adhd #anxiety #anxietysupport #asd #confidence #deaf #dyslexia #dyspraxia #eastgrinstead #edenbridge #hurstgreen #neurodiversity #oxted #redhill #Sevenoaks #theorytest #tunbridgewells #westerham
Testimonial - Fiona Frapwell
Following a move to a more rural location, it was time for me to bite the bullet and learn to drive. I'd had lessons previously and got as far as sitting a test, but that was nearly forty years ago! I didn't just feel rusty when it came to what I knew about driving; it was so far in the past, it was like it had never happened! To say I was nervous about picking it up again was a massive understatement and just the thought of driving made me feel sick with nerves.
Luckily a friend had recommended Lin to me and she immediately put me at my ease from our very first email conversation. Lin has a real knack for making you feel comfortable in lessons whilst challenging you at just the right level. I would finish lessons amazed at what I'd achieved. Lin helped me to focus on the difference that being able to drive would make to me and to my family and keeping that goal in mind really kept me going through the whole process.
If anyone had told me in January this year when I had my first lesson that I'd have passed my test by November, I just wouldn't have believed them. Thankfully, Lin believed in me all the way and I'm eternally grateful to her for that.
#DriveCalm #coaching #relaxation #breathingexercises #breathingtechniques #selftalk #deaf #deafawareness #driving #drivinglessons #drivingtest #ADHD #anxiety #anxietysupport #ASD #confidence #deaf #dyslexia #dyspraxia #eastgrinstead #edenbridge #hurstgreen #neurodiversity #oxted #redhill #sevenoaks #theorytest #tunbridgewells #westerham
A very well deserved test result for Sally Harper in Sevenoaks today. What a lovely drive!! I'm so proud of you overcoming chronic anxiety to make this possible. Looking forward to meeting up with you after Christmas and hearing of all the places you have managed to get to with Cora. Congratulations..... enjoy your licence xx
#DriveCalm #coaching #relaxation #breathingexercises #breathingtechniques #selftalk #deaf #deafawareness #driving #drivinglessons #drivingtest #ADHD #anxiety #anxietysupport #ASD #confidence #deaf #dyslexia #dyspraxia #eastgrinstead #edenbridge #hurstgreen #neurodiversity #oxted #redhill #sevenoaks #theorytest #tunbridgewells #westerham
Did you know our Driving Mobility Centres offer an assessment to help older drivers update their skills or help with lost confidence.
As vehicles become more sophisticated and roads busier, the need for updating driving skills as we get older becomes more important and there is a clear need to help people maintain safe driving.
It can be particularly useful to have an assessment before applying to renew your licence as the report can be used to advise DVLA as to how safe you are when driving.
Our aim is to help older drivers continue driving safely for as long as they can.
👉 Read more about the assessment here: www.drivingmobility.org.uk/assessments/older-drivers-retirement-from-driving/
Find your local Driving Mobility centre here: www.drivingmobility.org.uk/find-a-centre/
#MyDrivingMobility #OlderDrivers #DrivingAssessments #DrivingSafety #DrivingSafely
Member of the Motor Schools Association
IAM Roadsmart Advanced Driver - Aiming to improve driving standards
Member of online site preparing drivers for the UK Driver Theory Test
Member of the Confident Drivers website - Offering additional support for nervous & anxious drivers
Driving Standards Agency
Fully Qualified & Approved Driving Instructor
ROSPA Advanced Driver - Encouraging an interest in road safety, standards and skills
