Young people who need extra support at times, due to eg: autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and / or anxiety - are likely to find learning to drive more of a challenge too.
Being in control of a moving vehicle, while continually taking in new information about the intentions and actions of other road users, quickly processing the relevant information and then making safe decisions, isn’t easy - no wonder those with sensory, coordination or other challenges can find learning to drive much more difficult.
Most will learn to drive with a driving instructor - but finding the right instructor isn't always straightforward. Some may try manual and then decide they'll make better progress in an automatic, and some will find their first instructor doesn't have the patience or understanding needed to support them through to their driving test.
Learners may need to move from a manual car to an automatic, or on to a second or third driving instructor, before finding the combination suits them best.
The training to become a driving instructor doesn't focus on the needs of those facing additional challenges - but there are many driving instructors out there who do have the skills and experience needed, and it's worth taking the time to find one who does.
Common Hurdles
No-one was born knowing how to drive - it's a lengthy step-by-step process everyone has to go through, and some of our young people will find it more difficult than others.
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Driving theory test: extra support may be needed to prepare for and / or to take the theory test
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Driving instructors: there may be difficulties finding an instructor with the necessary additional skills and understanding
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Adapted vehicles: there may be difficulties finding a driving instructor with a car suitable for those with physical challenges
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Finances: if additional lessons are needed this will mean a bigger financial investment
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Practical driving test: extra support may be needed to prepare for and / or to take the practical test
Some resources are available for those with additional challenges, but it isn't always easy to find what is needed - a few key organisations stand out as good starting points for any search for relevant and useful information.
Useful Sources of Information
The main Gov.UK website is always the best place to start, and then add in the other organisations if you need more specialist guidance or support.
Gov.UK
Information and links to relevant pages in the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) and the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) sections.
Section main page with links for more information about: Driving with a Medical Condition and Blue Badges.
An A-Z list of health conditions with links to check if a health condition needs to be reported to the DVLA.
Information about the Standards of Vision for Driving which all drivers must meet.
Section main page with links for more information including: Get a Provisional Driving Licence, Take Driving Lessons, Book and Manage Your Theory Test and Book and Manage Your Driving Test
Usually driving lessons can start from age 17, those with a disability or long-term health condition who receive certain benefits may be able to start lessons age 16.
All driving instructors must be registered with the DVSA, once qualified they become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and may choose to be listed on the Gov.UK website.
Theory test support for those with a reading difficulty, disability or health condition.
Driving test support for those with a disability, health condition or learning difficulty.
Driving Mobility
Offer assessments plus information and guidance re: mobility and driving with a disability.
Information and assessments for those who have a disability.
A Special Educational Needs page with advice and links to other resources.
The Driving Mobility Theory Test Support Project: an assessment and one-to-one theory test training (a time-limited project).
Disability Driving Instructors (DDI)
"Providing a “one stop shop” to help disabled people get impartial advice about how to start to learn to drive, how to return to driving after accident or illness and how to keep driving safely."
Driving advice section main page with links including: First Time Drivers, Special Educational Needs and Hearing Difficulties.
A Find an instructor page to search for a driving instructor with specific skills or experience, or an adapted car.
Driving Theory and Practical Driving support
Current or ex-driving instructors who offer online sessions and / or 1:1 support.
L of a Way to Pass - focus on support re: test nerves and driving anxiety, and for those with dyslexia and dyspraxia.
Also have a Find an Instructor page of driving instructors who have completed their Driving Test Nerves Specialist training.
Driving Theory Workshop - online driving theory and practical driving workshops.
Theory Test Explained - focus on support for those with SEND, dyslexia, ADHD and autism.
Summary
If you know about another organisation providing guidance or support for those facing additional challenges with learning to drive - let us know, it could be just what the next visitor here needs.
Don't miss our other lists of useful links:
- Links re: Driving Theory Resources
- Links re: Road Safety Resources
- Links re: Road Safety Facts and Figures