Drivers With Autism: Achieving Success on the Road
Driving can be a challenge for anyone, and especially young drivers, when learning in high traffic areas or a big city. For potential drivers with autism, it can be an extra nerve-wracking because there are so many factors that come into play.
Drivers with Autism: Can an Autistic Succeed Behind the Wheel?
Parents may wonder if their autistic child will be able to drive when they are of age.
Driving is associated with independence, especially in areas without mass transit options, and parents may worry whether their child with autism will be able to drive. In most cases, they can.
As with every other topic on my blog, first and foremost, when asking whether someone with autism can drive, however, it really depends on the person and his/her unique abilities.
There are no legal restrictions against drivers with autism. According to some research by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, two-thirds of teens on the spectrum between the ages of 15 and 18 years old and who don’t have intellectual disabilities drive or plan to become drivers with autism.
Additionally, 1 in 3 without intellectual disability become licensed drivers with autism by age 21. Having said all that, not only is it not for everyone with autism, it’s not for everyone in general. Some people never learn to drive at all. And that is okay too.
What Are Some Concerns for Drivers with Autism?
For those who may be on the fence about someone with autism being able to drive, a bigger consideration is that problems aren’t typically mastering the physical part of being behind the wheel in terms of navigating the controls and driving on the road.
The potential issues and safety risks come with being able to interpret the actions of other drivers and challenges.
Driving correctly and being able to quickly adjust to ever-changing conditions such as road obstacles, hazards, detours, and issues like sudden lane closures or pedestrians walking out on traffic is definitely unnerving with even the best drivers out there.
While it is true that some drivers with autism may have fixations or anxiety or inability to read social cues well of other drivers, avoid stereotyping what an individual on the spectrum can and can’t do. 
By the time a teen or young adult is of age and maturity for driving to be a consideration, parents or loved ones should be well aware of their abilities and know whether driving is something they can do.
If they are confident of their abilities, then by all means let them try to be among the drivers with autism!
(Learn more about the top 10 autism stereotypes and unveiling the truth.)
My Driving Story
I learned to drive when I was 16. I had some anxiety just like any other typical teenager, autistic or not, but had no problem with training and learning the skills needed.
I had to learn a sense of the road, traffic, and caution. Sadly, I also got my first speeding ticket at 17, only going 5 miles over the limit, but it was a good lesson to be learned.
The one cool thing about my speeding ticket is that I went to teen court, was able to work it off by volunteering, and ended up liking the teen court process so much that I stayed with them in a volunteer capacity throughout high school.
So, not only did I learn that I had to really watch how fast I was going, I learned the consequences of getting a ticket, but ended up doing a volunteer job I really liked.
(Learn more about autism volunteer opportunities.)
Drivers with Autism: Improving the Driving Experience
If you are the parent/guardian of a new driver with autism, you will want to make sure your teen/young adult has a good experience as much as possible to build confidence and make them a successful driver.
If possible, make sure newbie drivers with autism have a calm road to drive on (avoid major highways and rush hour traffic, please!), no wild drivers that might hit them as much as you can control that, and no distractions.
(Keep the radio turned off and don’t have other people in the car other than the instructor, for example.)
My parents used a professional driving school and instructor for me initially. This approach is common for new drivers with autism.
They told me they did that so I wouldn’t be distracted with parent-teen dynamics and so I could focus on what the instructor was saying.
Beyond the driving classroom time, they drove with me as a student driver for about a year. At that time, I had a very positive experience learning the rules of the road and my driving skills were all the better for it.
By the time I had to take the driving test at the Department of Public Safety, I was ready. While nervous, I was successful with a DPS officer in the car with me and I was able to parallel park on my first try. Whew! That was a good feeling to have that driving test over.
My 4 Tips To Help Drivers With Autism Learn to Drive:
If you seek some advice on what the best way is to teach a future driver who has autism, my recommendations include:
- Determine if the driver is ready to drive and actually wants to drive. It is important that the driver feels ready to learn and is not overly anxious about it.
- Make sure the driver has the emotional and intellectual requirements to be a safe driver.
- If driving is a goal, set ground rules and establish a relationship between instructor and student driver.
- Determine whether it will be more successful to have a parent be the teacher or if a professional driving school instructor is a better option.
If you do opt for a professional driving teacher, you will still want to practice with your student driver until everyone feels ready! My parents spent countless hours with me and tried to prepare me for any possible situation.
9 Proven Tips If Parent is the Instructor for Drivers with Autism:
- Start slowly in a familiar area and gradually increase the complexity and difficulty in each area. I began driving in the high school parking lot after school hours to start getting the feel of the automobile I would be using.
- Use visual aids like pictures and diagrams and videos. Many people with autism are visual learners, so this will definitely help young drivers with autism.
- Provide clear instructions on what you are hoping to achieve with your young driver, so there is no confusion.
- Establish a driving routine for practicing. Some drivers with autism need a set routine so they feel more comfortable when learning to drive.
Maybe your driver-in-training won’t, but if they do, create consistency and structure. That lets them feel more comfortable and confident.
- Focus on safety… always. Safety while driving is always important, and you should emphasize the importance of it, discuss traffic rules, potential hazards, and defensive driving.
Explain that all areas are critical, especially when someone else is driving recklessly.
- Patience will always go a long way. Driving can be a trigger for parent and driver alike, and make sure you are able to handle teaching young drivers with autism without becoming upset.
- Consider practicing on how to talk to a police officer just in case they get pulled over. Role playing can help the inevitable time go more smoothly.
Many drivers with autism have trouble communicating with others, and talking to a police officer can be a big problem. They need to know how to stay calm and above all, cooperative.
- Consider practicing what to do if and when an accident occurs. Young and inexperienced drivers with autism need to learn the steps to take, the actions needed, how to exchange information, and above all, what to do to remain safe following an accident. Make sure they know to remain calm and respectful.
(Tip: My parents told me to take photos of the individual’s license plate, car, driver’s license, and insurance card. I did that and it was so useful following my first fender bender because otherwise I may not have had all the information I needed to gather.)
- Use positive reinforcement. This is an important one! Rewarding your fledgling driver for doing well will boost their confidence and will help them believe in themselves so they can drive on their own.
It be a proud moment for every parent when their child with autism gets their own driver’s license. It is another milestone toward independence, and you will be so happy! And I promise you they will be appreciative as well.
(Learn more about autism and independence and 7 skills that empower individuals to thrive.)
Teaching your teenager or adult with autism how to drive isn’t really that much different from teaching a neuro-typical teenager how to drive, so keep that in mind. It’s scary for anyone of any ability at any age, but the reward is worth it!
Wrapping It Up About Drivers with Autism
I believe that having autism is no detriment at all for me as a driver. In fact, I even got my boating license when I was 17 years so so I could drive a boat or jet ski. (Note: It is so much fun!)
While everyone is different, and this is only general advice, autism was not a problem for me learning to drive at all. And, other licenses are also available depending on ability and interest. Your teen/young adult can get a boating license or a motorcycle license.
I’m even thinking about getting my pilot’s license some day because I’ve always loved the idea of flying. You or your child (depending on who is reading this) can do the exact same things! Just don’t you doubt it!
Parents wonder if their autistic child will be able to drive when they are age. In a large number of cases, they can join the ranks of driving with autism.
(Learn more about autism family support and 5 ways for a happy household.)
Driving is associated with independence, especially in areas without mass transit options, and they may worry whether their child will be able to drive themselves and be independent with transportation when the time comes.
Driving can be a challenge for anyone, and especially young drivers, when learning in high traffic areas or a big city. For those with autism, it can be an extra nerve-wracking because there are so many factors that come into play.
It is worth noting that the Americans with Disabilities Act states that an individual cannot be denied a driver’s license simply because of a disability. Although my article focuses on autism, there are numerous other disabilities people have who are still able to drive.
This article does a good job explaining various disabilities as well as driver licensing requirements.
Autism in Adults: Living, Learning, and Overcoming Challenges for a Fulfilled Life
Autism in adults requires additional support and coping skills to achieve independence in today’s world. Learn more about ways adults can live fulfilled lives and the challenges they face.
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- Autism and Independence: 7 Skills That Empower Individuals to Thrive
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- Autism Volunteer Opportunities: 5 Ways Helping Others Fosters Acceptance
- 8 Heartfelt Ways Autism Emotional Support Animals Transform Lives
- Autism in the Future: Optimism for Improved Perception and Embracement
- Autism and AI: 7 Discoveries About the Surprise Pairing and Profound Impact
- Are You An Adult With Autism? Here Are 6 Signs
- Autism After High School: Is College the Next Step?
- Autism vs Asperger’s Syndrome: What You Need to Know
- Autism Disclosure: Is Revealing Your Disorder Helpful or Hurtful?
- Work and Autism: What Employers Should Know About Hiring People Like Me
