My Autistic Perspective on Driving
Yay, I did it!
"Life is a highway, I wanna ride it all night long. If you're goin' my way, I wanna drive it all night long." - Tom Cochrane
For many 16-year-olds, earning a driver's licence is a coming-of-age rite of passage. However, as an anxious teenager with autism, I was too nervous to partake in this sacred high school ritual. I grew up in the big city, where traffic is always congested and chaotic, and streetcars, buses, and subways are only a stone's throw away. As such, driving was never a necessity.
Years later, after leaving the big city for a much smaller one, I reevaluated the benefits of driving. Transit is limited in a small city. I missed the freedom of visiting museums, art galleries, cinemas, the theatre, and shopping malls. Especially, when access to these places is at least one hour away. This convinced me to get out of my comfort zone and on the road to pursuing a driver's licence.
Where I live, the process involves reading a handbook and passing a multi-choice quiz to earn a G1 learner's permit. Then, practicing with a fully licenced driver and passing a city road test to earn a G2 licence. Lastly, you must have sufficient expressway experience to pass a highway road test and earn a full G driver's licence.
So, I read the book, took the quiz, and earned my G1. Then, the pandemic hit, putting the brakes on my driving endeavours. After a few scary years, I was finally able to get back on the road to Licence City. After researching driving schools that could accommodate my special needs, I found a suitable one with a knowledgeable instructor who was very patient and understanding. He realized that teaching me required a different approach and was up to the task.
I initially found the multitasking nature of driving comparable to patting your head while rubbing your belly. My instructor observed my struggles and taught me a cool technique that was great help: talking to myself aloud. He instructed me to say each maneuver while performing them, which worked wonders for me. This trick alleviated my frustration and made me a better driver.
He also encouraged me to chauffeur my parents around the neighbourhood and practice maneuvers with them between our weekly lessons. Doing so further built up my confidence and honed my driving skills. It took awhile for me to feel fully comfortable behind the wheel, but I kept at it and continued improving over the months.
When I was finally ready to take the city road test needed to earn a G2, I reminded myself of how far I've come, and that I'd earn my G2, without question. My parents and instructor were very supportive and had no doubts on my ability to succeed.
On Test Day, I was calm, cool, and collected. I pushed all negative thoughts out of my head and reminded myself that I was ready for this moment. My examiner was super nice, so I felt comfortable telling her about my autism and how I'd be talking myself through each maneuver. She was both understanding and accommodating. With that, we were off. The roads were quiet, and I remained relaxed and focused. Fifteen minutes later, we were back at the test centre. I calmly awaited the examiner's verdict...
Well, I'm proud to report that I passed my driving test with flying colours and earned my G2 licence! My examiner told me to keep up the excellent work. My final road test score was 94/100. I'm over the moon!
Now that I have my G2, I can practice driving on highways with my instructor. I'll do so in the spring when road conditions are safer. I'm officially in the homestretch of earning my full G driver's licence. I can't wait! For now, I'm going to relax at the pit stop, celebrate my victory, and enjoy the rest of the Christmas season. Boy, it sure feels awesome to accomplish your goals.
If you also have a learning disability and wish to learn how to drive, seek out driving schools and instructors that are willing to adapt their teaching styles to suit your special needs. Each time you practice, push yourself a little further outside your comfort zone, but not more than you can handle. Like a video game, gradually build up to the challenge.
Don't be afraid to disclose your disability to the drive test centre or your examiner if you require accommodations. Don't sweat small mistakes on your driving test. Everybody makes them, learning disabled or not. Remain positive. Pretend you're on a normal drive. Be observant and drive responsibly, defensively, and safely. As always, love, peace, and chicken grease!