Learning to Drive with PTSD

There are some instances where although there are no physical injuries, and experience such as a previous car accident can result in severe emotional trauma. The resulting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may last for many years, and have a significant impact on someone’s life.

Doing something they once enjoyed, such as driving a car, may seem no longer possible. And this may lead to significant changes to personal and family life; such as how to get to and from work, the ability to ferry children around, social life and more.

Driving with PTSD

Whilst PTSD doesn’t necessarily damage a person’s physical ability to drive, it can create a mental state in which they have a significant fear driving.

With PTSD, the thought of a past accident and the idea of being involved in another accident may mean that moment a person get behind the wheel of a vehicle they run the risk of reliving their previous trauma.

Do you have to declare PTSD to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency)?

It is important to inform the DVSA if you have any medical condition that affects your driving. Failure to do this may mean that you are liable to a fine, or even prosecution, if you are involved in a driving accident which is a result of your condition.

It’s recommended that you speak to your GP to discuss guidelines about driving with PTSD, as well as to ask them any other questions about learning to driving safely with PTSD.

Learning to Drive with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Having said all of the above, returning to driving with PTSD after an accident, or initially learning to drive with PTSD, is certainly possible. Lin Webb of 1nfluence Driver Training, who has experienced anxiety, lack of confidence and PTSD herself during the last 30 years, is a highly skilled driving instructor for people who are learning to drive with PTSD. Single lessons are available from £58 per hour.

For more information, return to the page about Drivers with SEN and Learning Differences, or you can discover more about driving lessons for nervous drivers or drivers with high anxiety.