If driving stresses you out, it may be a sign of anxiety issues, or a sign that you are overwhelmed. If you struggle to handle the multi-tasking required for driving, then it may not be safe for you to drive. Keep in mind that driving can be tiring to a lot of autistic people, especially when you’re still new to it. It’s okay if you aren’t ready or don’t feel like it’s a good idea for you to drive.
Start observing the road and other cars when you’re a passenger, and watch videos on driving online. This will help you learn what the rules look like in action. [3] X Research source
Consider a special driver’s ed class for people with disabilities. Many driver’s ed services even allow you to take the writing test or skills test with them a certain number of times. Make sure your instructor knows how best to help and teach you. You may benefit if they offer you more breaks, write instructions down while teaching you, and break information into smaller chunks for you. [4] X Research source
You may need to schedule an appointment for this exam; check with your local DMV or other appropriate office. If you pass, you will be given an learner’s permit. You will then take a vision test and be asked you a set of questions about your health. It may be best to tell them during that time that you are autistic. They will understand and may give you certain accommodations, like extra time on the test or the ability to take the test verbally. [5] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source [6] X Research source
Start off on easier streets, such as your neighborhood, nearby parks, and school zones. This will be a good way for you to practice steering and signaling turns. Remember to stick to speed limits, and always yield to pedestrians or bikers. Practice on busier streets next. You don’t need to go to chaotic areas straight away - and in fact, you shouldn’t - but busier streets often have slightly higher speed limits, and allow you to get familiar with sharing the road, turning, stoplights and crosswalks, checking bike lanes, yielding to pedestrians, right-of-way, and changing lanes. Transition to practicing on highways, especially quieter ones. Familiarize yourself with how driving on the highway works, since it is a lot different than driving in a city. Highways can be very intimidating at first, especially for autistics, since it requires extra attentiveness and faster driving (many highways range from 65 to 75 mph, and that can seem a little distressing at first). Be aware of faster lanes to pass cars (almost always the lanes to the left of the right lane, or the far-left lane on a multi-lane highway), and the slower lane (almost always the right lane). Always check your mirrors and blind spot before you change lanes. Also be sure there’s a wide enough gap in front and in back of you. You need to allow enough space just in case you have to stop or slow down. Later on, you may want to practice going on interstate highways, which are generally busier than regular ones, and learn how to go on entrance and exit ramps. These will help you get into the downtown portion of a city. Practice going downtown. Driving downtown will be far more challenging, as traffic is typically more frequent. Use this time to practice more on changing lanes, turning, yielding to pedestrians, bikers, and oncoming traffic, the right-of-way, and parking. Ask your therapist, driver’s ed instructor, or a DMV worker before the test if you’re required to parallel-park for the test.
A good driving instructor will be able to tell you exactly what’s on the test in your area, and practice those skills with you. Ask them to do a mock test with you, and give you feedback just as an actual tester would.
Turning at unprotected lights (i. e. , the light is just a normal light and not an arrow) Making sharp turns, yielding at roundabouts, and U-turns Getting out of tight spaces and dead-ends Backing up Driving with reduced visibility (like at night or in the rain) Parallel parking
If you’re going to the DMV, bring a car with you. Make sure it’s in good working condition and insured properly. Make sure the headlights, signal lights, and tail lights work so that it’s street-safe. Bring your permit any any other required documents, like forms and proof of identity.
Be aware that you will be tested the same way as everyone! Disability or not, you will need to drive methodically like a safe driver on the road. Don’t get distracted by the examiner. They will only give you directions and times to change lanes. But if it’s giving you anxiety, just pretend that you’re the only one there, like you’re driving on your own for the first time. Looking at the examiner taking notes may make it more difficult for you to focus on the road and possibly fail your exam. Stay relaxed; you’ll do fine.
If you’re feeling very upset about it, just take a breather from driving. Watch a movie or listen to music to take a break from focusing on driving.
In some states, like Texas, you may opt in to have a sticker on your license to let officers know that you’re autistic, in case you get pulled over. [9] X Research source
Ask a family member, friend, or consult wikiHow on how to put in antifreeze for the winter months and windshield fluid for cleaning.
Adjust the rear-view mirror and the side mirrors so you are able to see what’s to the side and behind your car. You will be looking at these often, especially when you’re changing lanes. Adjust your car seat so it’s a lot more comfortable to you when you’re driving. If you feel the seat is too far back from the accelerator, brake, and clutch (if you’re driving a car with manual transmission), you want to get it as close to the pedals as you can. If certain parts of the car feel uncomfortable to you (for example, if the steering wheel feels uncomfortable on your hands), see what you can do to make the car more comfortable. You might be able to do something like buy a steering wheel cover or put a cover on your seat.
Humming or singing to music Tracing or tapping your fingers on the steering wheel or the steering wheel cover Chewing gum or a chewy stim toy Tapping or gently shaking the foot you’re not using for the pedals (if you’re driving an automatic vehicle)
You can also use a map or GPS app on your phone. Make sure you have a safe holder or dock for your device. Don’t be tempted to pick up or hold your phone or GPS; you don’t want to be distracted from driving, and interacting with your device while you’re driving is illegal in many areas.
If possible, ask a family member or friend to ride with you so they can evaluate how far your driving is coming along.
In some cases, if you have sensory issues, having music on may be a good idea since it can drown out any disturbing background noise on the road. [14] X Research source If need be, consult your therapist or family member first before driving with the radio on.
In some cases, if you’re unable to change lanes, you might have to deviate your route so you can find another way to get to your destination. If you’re going to the movies, it may be best to go sometime late in the morning or around noon or maybe late in the evening when there’s less traffic.
Be sure to shovel any snow in your driveway if you’re completely blocked. Use a scraper to brush off any snow that is on the windshield and back window. Warm up the car for at least 5 minutes before driving off so the heater can keep you warm inside. Also put your car in defrost so it makes it easier and drier to see through your windshield and windows.
Scan the road ahead of time. If there are a bunch of traffic cones on the road, go in the path of the cones. There will be a construction worker directing the traffic flow in a construction zone. Obey them if they tell you to slow down; they will gesture and/or wave a “Slow” sign. It’s important to slow down so you get around the area safely without hitting anyone. Failure to comply can result in doubled fines among others. [17] X Research source If a street is completely blocked off, you may have to use a directed detour.
You will also want to turn on your high beams to read any road signs or to scan any obstructions on the road.
A copy of your car insurance policy (you’ll need this if you get into an accident) A first-aid kit Water and food that won’t go bad (e. g. granola bars) A spare tire and a jack (you can keep these in your trunk; even if you can’t replace the tire yourself, someone else can) A portable cell phone charger
Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself. (If you need to stim to calm yourself, use a stim that doesn’t interfere with your ability to drive safely or focus on the road. Don’t move around too much if you think you’ve been injured. ) Pull over and turn on your emergency lights. If safe to do so, make sure the people in the other car aren’t injured. Exchange your name and insurance information with them, and if you’re comfortable with it, your cell phone number. (Do not give them information like your address or social security number, for safety reasons. ) Call emergency services and your insurance provider. The police will need to investigate the damage. The paramedics may also need to show up in case of any injuries involved. Also call your insurance provider to see how much liability expenses will be added to the cost of the victim’s car, or if vice versa.
Immediately pull over to the side of the road or curb. [19] X Research source If you brought a jack and spare tire along, take it out and replace the tires. [20] X Research source Always pack a spare tire! If you don’t know how to change a tire, wait until a more experienced person comes along to help you, or simply call a mechanic. Mechanics will tow the car so they can change a tire for you. You will be charged for it though. If you can get by without paying for anything, try calling a family member for assistance. They can also demonstrate how to properly change a tire so you will remember next time it happens.
Call a mechanic, or a friend or family member who has experience in this area. The mechanic will give you a diagnosis on the problem and a quote on how much it will cost with labor. If your car is making black smoke, run away from your car and get to a safe distance. It may be on fire. If the problem persists, it may be that your car is on its last legs. You might want to consider getting a new car.
