to ask about autism and learning to drive?

[Tobythecat]

After having to rely on lifts from family and friends and feeling awful about it, ive come to the conclusion i dont have much choice but to learn to drive. I dont do well on public transport due to my autism.

I struggle with multi tasking and processing visual information and im honestly terrified to get behind the wheel because i dont even know if it will be safe considering my difficulties. I also suffer with derealization which is terrifying.

I was thinking of trying an automatic straight off but im not sure. Does anyone have any advice, particularly if you are autistic but have passed your test or are learning.

Fucking autism is shit

Search disability driving instructors - there is a website which lists specialist instructors in each area. I found a fantastic instructor, so patient and understanding, for my son. He deals with all sorts of people from autistic, physically disabled (to the point of only having one leg or none!) emotional problems etc. Try that, I have to travel to the next town for lessons but it’s worth it as he’s brilliant and my son is building confidence and I’m sure willl soon be independent! Good luck x

Oh and YANBU!!! You’re not alone - you can do it! 👍

Thank you there doesnt seem to be any in my area but i will keep looking. I think id feel more comfortable with a female instructor though.

I know a couple of autistic folk who drive just fine, both in automatics as it takes away the whole eye, hand, leg co-ordination thing at junctions.

My eldest son has Autism . We live in the Leeds area and paid for him to have a driving assessment, it was done by NHS OTs based at a disability advice centre.
They took him on the road in a dual control car and assessed whether or not he had the skills to safely learn to drive.
He passed but decided not to learn at that point. Maybe there's something similar where you live?

The National Autistic Society has some information about learning to drive on their website.

You can definitely do this! Believe in yourself

What is derealisation ?

I just googled derealization. I'm not sure that would be the best thing for driving. Speak to your doc.

It may help to consider that most people finding learning to drive challenging to start, I certainly did, but like many skills, repetition helps engrain good habits.
My DN who has autism passed his test first time, and drives a manual car. He uses his car to get to work mainly, but has occasionally done longer journeys.

I have aspergers and I drive. I had wanted to drive since I was a young child and it came very easily and naturally to me. My instructor said I had a natural ability.

I know it's the opposite to you but I posted it to show that people on the spectrum can drive.

If it's likely that you will really struggle though, I'd advise you don't drive as it could be very dangerous for other road users.

Google practical driving assessment OP. You can self refer for an assessment. You may have to pay. Worth doing if you are worried that you might not be able to drive.
DS is autistic and drives a manual car, and has travelled all over the country.