Can't remember journey

[weirdas]

I know autopilot is common when driving but has anyone experienced this?

I was driving home from work on the motorway. I usually get off at J1 but today I'm getting off at J2 . I left at junction 2 and got in the right hand Lane to turn right at the roundabout. A few mi utes later (between 2-4) I look round and I'm on the motorway! Signs for J1 are appearing which is probably 3 miles after J2. So either I left the motorway and rejoined the motorway rather than exiting (most likely) or I imagined leaving the motorway. But I have no recollection of getting back on the motorway whatsoever. Is this normal?

Not normal but not unheard of either. How old are you, do you have any underlying health conditions?

Yes, did it between limerick and Thurles once and had a passenger. Neither of us could remember leaving the motorway at all 10 minutes after we did. Really weird and don't like even thinking about it.

And we were both in our 30s at the time and in good health. We discussed it and neither of us could remember anything. We would both drive the journey very regularly and be very familiar with the junction and road.

40's autistic but no health issues

Do you often go on autopilot?

Yes, I used to drive on motorways all the time when I was working. I often got home and couldn't remember much of the actual journey.

If you normally get off at J1 then you probably rejoined the motorway instead of taking a different turning, as your brain has memorised travelling on that stretch.

I find it easier to concentrate when listening to music (I normally do two things at once), rather than chatting.

Try not to worry unless it becomes a more regular occurrence.

I drive to work, no motorways, 20 minutes, on autopilot occasionally, didn't think it was that rare.

Many years ago when I was late teens, driving home from work it was like I woke up, I was overtaking a parked car so had continued to drive normally. It was really strange as I didn't recognise where I was, continued on the road for a few mins then realised I had missed where I usually turn off.
I wasn't tired and it was only around 4pm.
Very strange as I had no memory of some of the drive, but it has never happened again.

I've always done it, ditto when I used to walk places ie school, as a kid. I'm known to zone out, much less commonly when driving but I get really funny about driving if I'm tired, stressed or getting easily distracted. I'm autistic with adhd, but I think it's less the adhd than the fact certain trips can become autopilot when repeated.

I do but I found it weird that I went back on the motorway after I left