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DRIVING

LibstheHobbit

hello!

I would like some advice from some autistic people. 

I'm 21 and I have been considering learning to drive but I am anxious about pretty much every part of driving. 

If you are autistic and can drive could you tell me about your experiences?

Parents

  • My biggest problem when I was learning to drive was feeling really "visible" to other drivers and vulnerable to being judged. That feeling eventually went away and I just turned out the knowledge that other people could see me. 

    Also, taking my driving instructors instructions literally almost caused an accident. 

    Also, I'm teaching my autistic daughter to drive at the moment. She's been very anxious about it, but we've been taking it slowly and only doing what she feels comfortable with. She's gradually gaining in confidence, and is being patient with it. 

    I think you should do it. Just be patient with yourself and take small steps. You'll gain confidence as you progress. Every driver started as a rookie. 

  • in reply to JohnnyBeGood
    JohnnyBeGood said:
    Also, taking my driving instructors instructions literally almost caused an accident. 

    I lasted one lesson with a driving instructor - I was so uncomfortable with the instructor watching my every move and bossing me about.

    I subsequently learned how to drive in paddock with a farmer friends old banger. Once I had mastered the car driving bit, I went back to an instructor for a few lessons for the road-craft and test knowledge.

    Similarly, there are some driver training courses where you learn to drive, but not on public roads (race-track or dedicated training area). I did this for my motorcycle license.

    Much later I enjoyed doing some advanced driver & rider training days - these really boosted my confidence to deal with emergency breaking, controlled skidding, towing, driving in snow etc.

Reply
  • in reply to JohnnyBeGood
    JohnnyBeGood said:
    Also, taking my driving instructors instructions literally almost caused an accident. 

    I lasted one lesson with a driving instructor - I was so uncomfortable with the instructor watching my every move and bossing me about.

    I subsequently learned how to drive in paddock with a farmer friends old banger. Once I had mastered the car driving bit, I went back to an instructor for a few lessons for the road-craft and test knowledge.

    Similarly, there are some driver training courses where you learn to drive, but not on public roads (race-track or dedicated training area). I did this for my motorcycle license.

    Much later I enjoyed doing some advanced driver & rider training days - these really boosted my confidence to deal with emergency breaking, controlled skidding, towing, driving in snow etc.

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