Autism and Driving: Will I be able to drive?

A surprising number of autistic adults do not drive a car at all. How does autism affect your ability to drive a car? It's normal to be anxious about when about to get your licence. But actually the world is getting more and more sensory overload, and I wonder if I'll be able to drive in the future.
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// WELCOME TO ASPERGERS FROM THE INSIDE!!
My name is Paul and I discovered I have Aspergers at age 30.
If you're new you can check out a playlist of some of my most popular videos here: / aspergersfromtheinside
Yes, I know, I don't look autistic. That's exactly why I started this blog, because if I didn't show you, you would never know.
As the name suggests, this channel is devoted to giving you insight into the world of Aspergers.
This blog started off being just my story, but I've learned SO MUCH about my own condition
from meeting others on the Autism Spectrum that now I make sure to feature their stories as well.
I've come a long way in my own personal journey.
Now I'm sharing what I've found so you don't have to learn it the hard way too.
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// WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS BLOG
You can expect me to get to the point with concise useful information.
I focus on what is most important and don't shy away from difficult topics.
The best way to learn about Autism is to see it in real life ( i.e. via the stories of many, many people on the spectrum).
In this channel I endeavour to show you what Autism and Aspergers look like in real people and to also give you some insight as to what's happening on the inside.
I upload a new video every weekend with some bonus content thrown in mid-week too.
There's always new stuff coming through so be sure to check back and see what you've missed. (Is this where I'm supposed to tell you to hit that subscribe button?)
Topics Include:
- What is Aspergers/Autism?
- Aspie Tips, coping strategies, and advice on common issues
- Learning Emotional Intelligence (this is my special interest!)
- Autism in real life: stories from special guests
Everything I do is and endeavour to go deeper and take you 'behind the scenes' to understand what may, at first glance, seem 'odd'.
oh, and I love busting stereotypes and turning preconceptions upsidedown :)
-----------------------------------------------
// ABOUT ME
I discovered I have aspergers at the age of thrity.
It has been my life's mission to understand these funny creatures we call humans.
My special interest is a combination of emotional intelligence, psychology, neuroscience, thinking styles, behaviour, and motivation. (I.e. what makes people tick)
My background is in engineering and I see the world in systems to be analysed.
My passion is for taking the incredibly complex, deciphering the pattern, and explaining it very simply.
My philosophy is that blogging is an adventure best shared.
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// EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING
I also run autism friendly online emotional intelligence training. So if you like my direct, systematic style, and would like to improve your own emotional intelligence skills, check it out here:
emotionsexplained.com.au
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// CONTACT
Blogging is an adventure best shared which means I'd love to hear from you!
Feel free to leave me a comment or send me and email at any time and I'll do my best to respond promptly.
Email: [e-mail]
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this channel!
I look forward to hearing from you!
Peace,
~Paul

[@JohnnyNilsson86]

Hyperfocus and daydreaming is my issues so need to be in the right state of mind to drive safe.

[@justjust8953]

Coffee really helps me deal with that. 😊

[@lovewins4436]

Same 🧐 I love looking at the clouds ☁️

[@vladtheinhaler93]

I drive pretty well when I'm in 'the zone', I just don't always stop when I'm supposed to..

[@pikarari]

get a manual

[@frederichcaetano7852]

sounds like you need to get in a couple of fender benders before your survival instincts kick in. try getting a stick shift

[@jmhaddon]

I really can't cope with other people not obeying the rules of the road and it makes me very angry and anxious

[@teemadarif8243]

same

[@shadowmystery5613]

Or you adhering to the rules and getting yelled at. One guy got so angry he wanted to beat me up because I only cross the street at green light lmfao

[@octoberdawn1087]

Same

[@bradyemily6082]

I totally agree with everything said. People are not citizen friendly anymore. A lot of selfishness unfortunately. Thank you for sharing with us all. My son had autism and I wonder if he could cope with it.

[@isimonsez]

The world is not black-and-white and you all seem to not view gray areas

[@sarahwebb5106]

I have severe issues with understanding where I am in space. And i especially can’t process using mirrors and reflections very well, so any time I have to back up I wind up extremely confused. And I can’t drive for any longer than 10 mins at a time or I space out. I genuinely can’t drive long enough to be an independent adult and I’ve just started to accept that, as much as it sucks sometimes.

[@nesha5852]

I am going through the exact same thing right now. You described my situation so well!

[@batteryacidbabies]

I go through the same thing too! I've also got adhd so it adds an extra layer of difficulty :(

[@sarahwebb5106]

Wanted to update this comment, I still can't drive lol. But I've gotten an ebike, and I cannot recommend it enough! It's given me independence, without the issues that come with a car. I can get to the store, I can get to work, I can get to bus stations! It was an investment, but still not nearly as expensive as a car. It's quiet too, the motor is almost silent

[@bunnyboo6295]

yeah sounds like not for you

[@listigerlurch4340]

I am glad that such advertisement is forbidden here in Germany.

[@backseatgaming9087]

Count your blessings it is. Here in australia it is only getting worse.

[@Astro-Markus]

Exactly. Never seen any of those around here.

[@ak5659]

That's one country that has some common sense.

[@geem3021]

I'm 22 y/o and I am so terrified of driving. The possibility of hurting someone else or myself in a crash, because I zone out or don't constantly check my mirrors overwhelms me. When I was 17, my parents pushed me into driver's ed, I did all theoretical lessons without any issue, but when it was time to do the practical driving lessons, I went into a shock state. I actually refused to sit in a car with a teacher (I was massively uncomfortable around people I didn't know) unless one of my parents showed me the basics first. They didn't understand that, so not until 2 years had passed, my father finally agreed to go to a place where it is allowed for parents to teach their children how to drive (in Germany you can not just do this anywhere) and on our way there, I had a slight panic attack. When it was actually my turn to sit behind the wheel, I felt like passing out. My hands were sweaty, my heart was racing and I could not focus on anything. It got a bit better the second time my father and I went there, but I realized, that I sometimes forget to look at my mirrors, check my surroundings. I became really insecure even though my father told me and my mother, that I did good, except that I was sometimes going a bit too fast. The biggest problem was, we never went there again, so I never got the chance to really internalize the things I had to coordinate. I have never been behind the wheel since then, but my parents keep on pushing me to get a license, since it is a basic qualification. They don't understand why it is such a challenge for me and get really frustrated to the point where there is lots of yelling, which isn't helping in terms of feeling secure enough to actually pick up lessons. So to this day I don't know how to drive, even though I would like to and I fear I might never.

[@hczylos2432]

I too was, and still is like this. Currently I’m a driving test away from having my license, I’ve failed twice once being today the day i write this. I’m going for another test soon, i failed today due to nerves causing a lot of mess up i never had during my lessons. I’ll have the license, as soon as i get my nerves under control from having gone through a couple and feeling it out. I’m 22 soon, and have purposely waited until now with taking my license for the same reasons you mention. I feared i would be too distracted with what’s going on in my head, to actually focus on driving. I’ve almost got that under complete control now, it helps not having music on, and having an agreement with your instructor that he or she doesn’t talk unless absolutely necessary. This allow you to actually feel like you’re learning, and gaining experience rather than just following instructions at every step of the way. I’m from Denmark, and instructor cars here must be fitted with an additional set of pedals for the passenger side, which allows your instructor to intervene at any moment taking complete control of the vehicle. This help immensely, as a good instructor like mine will intervene as soon as there is risk, and explain to you why he did so, allowing you to immediately correct your mistake going forward. I’ve had to do some things over and over, to get it right… but I’m getting there. You absolutely can as well, you just need to allow yourself to accept that you can. It’s start in your head, and only you can actually change your own perception, and mindset on driving. You do this by taking two simple actions, and sticking with them no matter how tough it gets mentally to resist giving up. First thing you must do, is stop telling yourself that you can’t… this only further strengthens your subjective, and illogical thought of you not being able to do so. You can do just about anything, if you put your mind to it, and take action. Secondly, you do just that… take action. Get out there!!! fail, and fail again, and then finally fail some more… until you start learning and begin to feel that false belief of “I can’t” fade away into the past. This is the process for everything in life, you don’t get anywhere by not failing… and if you just mentally turn it upside down and begin to see it as gaining experience instead of failing then you’ll slowly begin to turn the whole thing into an actual legitimately positive experience. You got this, just start… that’s where it all begins. Fuck it if takes you years, so be it. Everyone has their difficulties, and there is no shame in that unless you’ve already given up. Fight for what you want, at last only you can do it.

[@user-mm2ru6vm6s]

we share the same problem it very frustrating even more so when people dont understand or even try to

[@abyss5883]

Im so sorry 😔 I have the same problem too. I feel so ashamed when I make a mistake and want to cry in my room

[@juliastoeckl3035]

​​@@hczylos2432Thank you for sharing your experience, i struggle sm atm with it and I feelt like i have to be able to do everything all at once. My driving instructors suck, they expect me to have been able to do it all right from thw beginning and it's stressing me out so much. They also keep telling me how bad I am and that I' never hoing to make it unless I'll be able to do it all right a away. But now I will just try to learn as much as possible and if I fail, I fail. I'll just try again. And again if I have to.

[@daymenleo6895]

Driving its a scar 😮

[@lynnstillwell2]

I don't even have autism, but I fully agree with you about moving ads and screens on the road.

[@AutumnRaine89]

Agreed! Screen billboards should only be allowed to change the display every so often to make them not distracting.

[@ak5659]

I agree. It's like a deliberate effort to cause accidents.

[@rakhin]

Yes its distracting for everyone. Austistics maybe have a stronger reaction to it, but a lot of neurotypicals seem to think they are not being distracted while in fact they were.

[@josiah42]

Thank you! This should be illegal. It's just not an enjoyable world to live in.

[@autisticheadscarf]

I’m an aspie and driving is beyond stressful for me. When I’m driving with others, I’m really distracted by their presence and our conversation. I drive slower, miss turns and exits, etc. I’ve had friends get really frustrated and say I drive “like a grandma” and just ask to drive instead. It’s really hurtful because they don’t know how tough it is for me to drive. When I’m by myself, it’s like I drive on autopilot and just daydream the whole way through. I also get distracted by scenery and signs a lot. I just moved from California to Virginia and the roads are so different here. I’ve been having so much anxiety on the roads out here. I’ve never gotten into an accident and am - in my humble opinion - a good driver, but nonetheless it’s a challenge and unfortunately I’ve grown to dislike it more as the years go by. Driving at night is the worst!

[@kennethtomaszewski3795]

Sweet, keep up the great work

[@CxlurZ]

I have aspergers I live in lunneburg Virginia I just got my learners and bought I car I worry about driving with certain people 😅 i only drove 3 times I haven't ever been thought bad bring up maybe we can talk if u have social media I'm 23

[@NilsWeber-mb5hg]

@@CxlurZ In Lunneberg VA? In the South? Not too bad. Virginia, from what I've seen, has a darn good landscape.

[@NilsWeber-mb5hg]

Virginia is still a lot better than California.

[@skyeiv8471]

I'd tell them no, but that they're welcome to walk if they think they'll get there faster.

[@MisterPjamas]

I am to afraid to fail, fear of failing the test, wasting money. I can’t really focus on multiple things, so massive traffic is scary. I can’t handle gears, so if I ever try it’s automatic car for me. 42 now and no licence.

[@whifflingtit9240]

Money spent on new experience and skill building is almost never a waste, and the cost of driving training and test-taking is trivial compared to what you could gain in the experience alone; who cares if you pass or fail the test? You'll have had a very valuable life experience and will have learned a lot, and that alone is worth the cost. Also to note, neuroplasticity declines with age, and the more skills you learn and new experiences you have the younger your brain will stay. Not seeking new knowledge and experience prematurely ages the brain, like lack of exercise ages the body.

[@srldwg]

@@whifflingtit9240 Great advice that is extremely helpful to me!

[@abyss5883]

​@@whifflingtit9240 autistic individuals usually have issues with employment and things are very expensive nowadays. Can't afford to waste time on driving when you need food and shelter. Buses/Uber are cheaper too

[@Jporiey]

I always worried about driving but my father insisted I learn, I ended up passing with 100% on the test. That's was two years ago, I haven't driven a car since but I do love my motorcycle

[@slogger1345]

Thank god you said that. This vid was scaring the crap out of me. I too ride a motorbike..

[@4g6335r]

I ride too! It’s fills my brain with stuff to pay attention too. At the same time, it lets me relax and drop my walls down from dealing with social interactions. I love my motorcycle

[@mdj864]

interesting perspective! my twins have great difficulty riding an ordinary bicycle. i suppose it has to do with their ‘wiring’ maybe the vibration and sway help awaken the senses in some autistics

[@mark675]

I ride too and fly paramotors 🙂 Autism shouldnt hold anyone back, ive always said we've a disability in some areas but huge ability in others, embrace it and shine bright 👏

[@IndustrialParrot2816]

i need to learn to drive so i can legally opearate a steam locomotive

[@goblinodds]

problems for me: - taking rules too literally and seriously -- an important part of driving is flexibility, which is uhhhh a challenge for some of us - light sensitivity; night driving is even worse than day driving bc it's constant bright lights shining into my eyes, and this plus fear of triggering a migraine gives me panic attacks sometimes - migraines and frequent brain fog, which can't really be timed *around* driving; even if I feel comfortable driving one way I can't predict how I'll feel when I have to drive back - if I want to keep my anxiety levels low, I need to block out external audio and blast loud music--but I'm also concerned about not noticing ambulances - sense of having to manually prioritize attention, especially at intersections; feeling like I have to remind myself the whole time to check the light, check the crosswalk, check oncoming traffic.... - stress over unpredictable parking situations, having to make decisions on the fly probably a few other reasons but that's what comes to mind, haha

[@goblinodds]

all that considered i'm a fairly good driver, but the amount of stress having to do it causes me is pretty intense i stopped driving entirely for about 2 years and my therapist helped me get back into the saddle but with covid i'm back out of practice :/

[@paxundpeace9970]

Night driving isn't that bad for me . My problem is the sunset or sunrise. I get tired. Easily when this happens

[@goblinodds]

@@paxundpeace9970 there's definitely something weird about the light at those times, i wonder if that's why? i get really spacy when i try to drive at dusk, the world feels less real

[@suzettesanborn5659]

I'm 48 and on the spectrum. I have stopped driving because of all the LED lights and signs and the giant moving screens in addition to the huge increase in everyone texting and driving. There's just so much distractions out there for everyone; but especially those on the spectrum. Everything just became to overwelming and dangerous.

[@Giuseppe1299]

I don't blame you I was dignosed with autism at 20 my parents they don't understand stand it till recently my mum brought a book of it from my helper I failed one of the real test spotting the hazard Passed the 50 questions Plus I was 19 when I Started learning to be honest I don't care too expensive and it doesn't help because I went to a special school Just blame my dad for he letting me doing it because when he did it was easier than it is now with the test wish he knew all along He was a bit of annoyed why I gave up it's my choice like as if for an example I can lay my bed the way I want it

[@bunnyboo6295]

So far haven't seen those bill boards.

[@artstudent6849]

Can't drive: I'm scared of hurting someone I'm very clumsy. can't even focus for 3 full seconds. It's tooooo stressful. And there are too many bright lights and zigzags and lines. Fits and seizures and meltdowns. But I would love to in a free open area with no people and no distractions.

[@whifflingtit9240]

The mind is capable of picking up nearly anything as a distraction or generating it's own internal distractions; the mind is the source of distractedness, not the environment. The environment plays a huge role, yes, but the point I'm trying to make is that it's impossible for a distraction-free place to exist, so that goal is unattainable and rephrasing it a little into something that is attainable will help you attain that goal. If you define what a reasonably distraction-free place would be for you then you can take steps towards finding that place. Living in a place without people wouldn't be practical or healthy either, rather you should set your sights on surrounding yourself with people who love and value you and want to nurture you, and you them. People aren't the problem, it's who those people are and what they do that can be problematic. Similar with distractions, actually... But, it's critically important to stay connected with as many safe, healthy people as possible for similar reasons that it's vital to eat a varied diet, but instead of a variety of nutrients it's a variety of experience with interactions. People who are well socially connected have access to more resources to have their needs met and to live a fulfilling life. Losing connection with people is losing connection to agency; it's hard to get what you want in life if you can't cooperate with people to help get you those things.

[@lynnstillwell2]

Art Student, you certainly don't have to drive, especially if it's a huge stress and you don't feel safe. But perhaps you could go off with someone and play around in a huge empty parking lot. It could be fun, it would be safe, and over time, you'd get comfortable at least with the vehicle. If you could ever conquer the distraction problem, you might be able to drive in quiet, lower-speed areas. But if not, at least you'd get some pleasure out of it.

[@Dutch_bastard_23]

I've got the same problems and the same fears. 22 and I still don't want to risk it, eventhough I'll eventually have to

[@spongemaster]

This is exactly how I feel. I feel that if I were to drive here in the city it would be too stressful and I'd be worried about doing something wrong and being shouted at for it or worse getting into an accident or being stopped by police. I'd probably feel much more comfortable driving out in the countryside but even then I'd have to learn to drive first which would be hard because of my anxiety.

[@maylissbjerke9204]

Just to be a passanger is stressful.keeping my eyes on the road to be able to notise something the driver dont. I prefer the backseat..i never sleep in cars or planes or anything moving.

[@thehighwaycowboy2822]

Absolutely YES you can drive. I have Aspergers and I have been a HGV Lorry Driver for several years and also hold a bus and coach licence. If anything I find my Autism a big advantage as I notice more details, remember routes better and plan my journey to the finest detail. Trucking is the ideal job for me. On my own all day, preplan my journeys, don't have to talk to anybody else and In complete control of a lovely big truck listening to whatever I want to on the stereo. I also get pretty well paid for driving to some lovely places.

[@InimitaPaul]

I work in the recycling industry and have contact with truck drivers daily and SO many of them are on the spectrum to one degree or another, it’s great for me. No one else gets how they “work” but it comes naturally to me and I’m their go to guy when they arrive. Just smile, be friendly and polite, give them what they need and STFU! You soon make a few friends that way.

[@NilsWeber-mb5hg]

Nice truck.

[@PanthroSamah]

For me, the worst thing about driving is my hyperfocus. It's very easy for me to become completely absorbed by an idea and forget what I was doing at the moment, it happens many times each day. It's very useful when I need to solve a problem, because I became completely involved with the question, I can't even perceive any distractions, but when something is not intelectually engaging is very easy for me to escape inside. I wonder if it could happen while I was driving, so I decided not to try.

[@mouseclicksforu9724]

I have aspergers and adhd and Im an excellent driver! I just need to focus more than normal drivers and be careful! Im always safe and try to always be!

[@DylanT6791]

I'm autistic and can never see myself being safe to drive a car. My attention span is too poor and I also have an awful sense of direction, although I realize that the latter is less of an issue nowadays. I would like to learn to drive but my instincts tell me not to so I have decided against it. Maybe one day I'll change my mind but I doubt it. In any case, it pleases me immensely when I hear of other autistic people being able to drive. So glad it worked out for you so well, Paul! Hope you can continue to drive in the future.

[@cstspeedy]

I am a UK driving instructor who specialises in teaching autistic and anxious pupils. My experience has been that those on the spectrum are usually capable of being very good and confident drivers. The main issue has been overcoming initial anxiety to reach that stage. My autistic daughter was exceptionally nervous. During lessons she had a habit of abandoning the car wherever it was, including in the middle of busy junctions if she was stressed enough. We would have to have a very calm debrief and discuss how it would be better to deal with these situations. She was my pupil for my standards check, where my instructional skills were assessed by a senior examiner. He praised her driving and told her that she was nearly test ready. That spelled the end of the anxiety problems; it was like flicking a switch. She passed first time five years ago. No traffic tickets of any variety since and no safety-critical incidents either. She enjoys very low insurance for her age and experience. With my autistic son, he also gained enough confidence to pass once he had had a lightbulb moment and overcome doubts about his abilities. His record is equally good. It usually takes more tuition time to get an autistic pupil on the road than it does for a neurotypical, but the job satisfaction level is massively greater.

[@Beth_Yeshua]

I'm in the UK and struggling a lot to pass my driving test because I couldn't find the right instructor who is specialised teaching Autistic or (Adhd'er). Your children are blessed to have you.🙏🏽

[@SteveBenway]

I always tell new passengers, "If you don't want me to crash, don't talk to me!" It's an exaggeration, but the potential is there. Having driving lessons was super stressful, because the instructor simply would not *shut up*. I told him straight... "if it's not directly related to the lesson, please don't talk. I need to focus." Nope. Waffled away regardless. I'd have changed instructor, but... change.... *shudder*.

[@paxundpeace9970]

For me normal talking is fine but if someone is pulling you into a discussion it is bad. I take don't drive when you emotional involved very serious.

[@Iunanec]

The talking is part of the training. The instructor was testing your ability to focus. While I get where they're coming from, I think Aspies are self-conscious enough to know not to drive if they don't feel safe anyway, so they could do without that part of the training.

[@InshasChoice]

I changed mine about 4 times. Finally, I think I've found the one

[@christinamarin3492]

I don't drive, though I have driven. With Asperger's, it was always a fear of mine, too much going on, hyperfocusing makes it difficult. Though, when I lived up in northern Canada, it was much easier for me to drive, no traffic, less going on, less lights, e.t.c. In the city, it's a completely different story, it was never something I thought I was capable of so I just never have.

[@beckerkorn1]

Same! Driving in rural Minnesota was fine when I was a teenager, even in the winter, but I can’t drive in cities as an autistic. Too much going on.

[@sarahmihuc3993]

Same here! Grew up in rural NY near the Canadian border, and could drive no problem in a rural area. Failed my test 5 times because I couldn't handle the traffic, pedestrians, & signs of a larger town. Now I live in a major Canadian city & eventually was able to pass after taking lessons in a suburb and taking my test there as well. I still can't drive downtown and get nervous any time I have to go on a big multi-lane road full of cars doing 20kph above the speed limit with pedestrians & everything else going on around the road.

[@ak5659]

FYI, many NT's are the same.

[@djk0n3x0]

When I drive, sometimes I go on "autopilot" and forget about the world. Still driving safe and stuff, but "away".

[@TheWhitePhoenix1]

Oh yeah I'm well aware of going into autopilot, oddly enough my ability to perform tasks can actually get better in this state of mind. I'd play video games sometimes and my mind would wander and before I knew it I'd blitzed through a difficult section in super mario without even remembering what I did in the game.

[@musicalaviator]

One time I jumped into the car thinking about the fact that it was unusual that I would have to go to the shops where Officeworks is instead of my normal shops. But I wanted to pick up a coffee first. Then I couldn't remember any details about my drive to the normal shops I was now at, which has no coffee shop.

[@deaner13]

I constantly go on autopilot. Quite often I drive past when I'm supposed to turn off

[@backseatgaming9087]

Happens to me sometimes when i have been driving for a long time, a good indicator to take a break i think

[@Luculencia]

I did that at night once on the motorway and then couldn't remember where I was or how far I'd driven, and since it was too dark to see any landmarks etc I had to keep driving and wait for a roadsign to tell me where I was. I try to be more present when I drive now so this doesn't happen again.

[@Samuel-ss1bp]

I don't like driving in the dark. But Im able to drive in the dark when i have to. Carlights of other drivers are very distracting for me.

[@memenazi7078]

Too bright!

[@autismenlightenment]

I have limited driving ability. I did it today and I had to come home a lay down completely exhausted just from going to pick up preordered groceries, going through drive through at bank and pharmacy and get dog food at the feed store. My skills went down w each stop. It took 2 and a half hours but should have taken half as long. By the end I was completely lost and had to use google navigation to get me home. I couldn't even bring the groceries in. Total sensory overload plus I have dyspraxia so it's difficult to gauge how hard to push the pedal, how fast or slow I'm going, I cant cross lanes without a traffic signal. Even just shadows on the street make it hard to sense what is going on. All the moving cars and hills and curves, not to mention the flashing billboards, etc. I hate it. It's very hard and super scary.

[@Wombatcausewhynot]

Driving is actually one of my stims! Yesterday, I drove the same route for 10 hours while singing to my songs. But I don’t know if I would be driving now if my dad didn’t take me to practice in empty parking lots as early as 11.

[@Solace6428]

Oh hey, same! When I'm really stressed or anxious I like to go for a drive along a specific piece of road and just listen to music. It's pretty helpful and quite comforting. No idea why or when it started, but it's great

[@TommyWashow]

bet that hobby came to a screeching halt (pun intended)

[@AoiLucine]

Oh hey, my biggest fear! My spatial awareness is my biggest weakness. I can barely get a handle of where my body is in space, how am I supposed to do that in a speeding giant metal rectangle around OTHER giant speeding metal rectangles? I don't really like the idea of driving, but I live in a province where it's almost necessary. It's such a hassle...

[@beasttracker]

Same here, it is a big issue for me. It is also hard to explain to others. I find my road position the hardest thing ever. I feel like I can't accurately perceive where the car is on the road, when on a dual carriage way I normally drive too close to the hedges because I'm so scared of hitting the oncoming traffic on the other side. Don't know about you but I also have a bad sense of direction as well so driving just seems impossible for me since it is so anxiety inducing

[@ak5659]

Can you play air hockey? Can you play football/soccer as long as the ball stays on the ground? Is ice hockey fine as long as the puck stays on the ice? If yes, then you'll likely be fine driving. I'm completely, totally hopeless at everything 3D. If I tried to play Quidditch I'd be dead in 5 minutes. An eye doctor once told me the reason my driving is fine is because driving is 2D activity. But still, I only have the radio on if I know the roads or of I know how many miles until the next exit.

[@shadowmystery5613]

I totally feel you and I don't wanna pay thousands of Euros to find out at that either.

[@ZTRCTGuy]

@OP Driving motorcycles might be an idea for you.

[@badhairday_24_7]

I´m an excellente driver and I think it´s BECAUSE of autism and not in spite of it. When Im driving I drive and nothing else. I follow all the rules dont speed dont go to slow and Im capable of taking decissions in certain situations where other people hesitate (for instance once I was with mykids in the back seat, someone for no good reason walked into the speedway from the right, I knew that if I tried to pull the brakes I would lose control of the car on the left I had a truck so I reduced the speed and got ready forthe worst, luckily this person got out from the road at the very last minute, I have a frine a NT one that once rolled with his car in a very similar situation and almost got killed with his partner just bc he couldn´t decide what to do when a dog cross in front of his car). Im capable of focusing in a way neurotypical ppl don´t. Also I dont get emotional with anything whilst Im driving, I compartimentalize just fine with good results. Does that make sense? What I cant handle arent machines but a Xmas party Lol

[@arasharfa]

this was me when I took driving lessons. I thought of every single thing so intentionally all the time.

[@kaorushiroe8414]

I'm exactly the same. And I actually really enjoy driving! Once, in a documentary on TV, there was this driving teacher who said that for him enjoying driving is making a good it. And I kind of get the same feeling. When I made a good job, I feel good and enjoy the drive. Respecting all rules and being courteous etc. 👍🏻 Let's continue this way!

[@Mrs.Silversmith]

My driving style is very similar.

[@zesticide1010]

I'm not worried about my driving, I'm worried about everybody else's driving.

[@knackeredrovers]

I’m exactly the same. Driving is one of my “special interests”. I have licenses for cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses and tractors. I also drive a passenger train for a living.

[@caven930]

I'm 26 with no license. I know how to drive but it's always been terrifying to me. It's the thought of hurting someone or my self that I'm struggling to get past. It seems to me from this video and others speaking on the topic that if I could just cowboy up and do it, I could probably learn it and be just fine at doing it.

[@Fair-to-Middling]

I am not autistic and those moving billboards drive me to distraction too! I actually have to take my hand and cover the billboard up in my field of vision.

[@ak5659]

Me too!

[@memenazi7078]

Is spencer making billboards again?

[@arikaGME]

I’m hoping that driverless technology improves over the next few years. If cars can recognize potentially dangerous situations without input from humans than more disabled people could gain some independence. My vision is -9.0 so a car that could recognize exits and park at the correct addresses would be great. I hate when GPS doesn’t prompt on time, because writing at distances is a challenge for me. I mobile groom dogs in a huge Sprinter van. I HATE how small the house numbers are written. At this point I’m still a safe driver, but as time goes and my eyes will get weaker. I welcome technology than can make my driving safer. I just hope technology will be ready when my eyes no longer cooperate.

[@MalcontentYouth]

Not diagnosed as Autistic, however your videos as well as Sammy's have been showing me many things that I've been dealing with my whole life. I broke down crying, feeling like maybe I had found what I couldn't put a finger on. I'm 40 yrs old and have never held a driver license. Just getting in the mode of doing the test makes me anxious, I finally passed the written over two years ago, but was as far as I have gotten. My family treats my quirks as "me being me" or I'm being told to "act my age". I'm just me, and I know some of the things I do are not "normal" for a 40 yr old man. Just trying to make it through...life is such a struggle. I'm diagnosed ADHD, been dealing with addiction problems my whole life, self-destructing relationships, and just bad self-care. I appreciate what you are doing and even if I am not on the spectrum, your videos are a light in a very dark tunnel. Thank you

[@InimitaPaul]

I’d be able to drive a car if I could just pass the bloody test, I’m a nightmare with tests, the anxiety is oppressing! The sad thing is, I’m actually a really good driver too. My driving instructor said the same of me when I did my lessons, he never could fathom how I managed to consistently fail my test 🤣 I managed to get a motorbike licence and never looked back, I love it! The advertising signs are a nightmare!

[@slogger1345]

Paul, Thanks for your comment bro...

[@SuckYourBone]

Hey, i drive for years, never had an accident. Took my test 10 times from reasons similar to what you describe. Do not give up man

[@InimitaPaul]

@@quantumcontactwithmckennajames I appreciate the advice mate but it’s the physical test that does me in. I went through the multitude of potential questions for the written part answering logically and then just memorised the one’s I got wrong. I could easily pass the test for an automatic car but I’m too stubborn, I wouldn’t feel like I had a proper licence without the gears. I’ve done the test enough times now to know I can pass it but I love the bike and living in London means driving a car makes no sense financially these days. I don’t give up on anything unless it’s for a logical reason, I have a sort of internal fire in my mind that would burn me alive if I gave in to it. 🤣

[@InimitaPaul]

@@slogger1345 No worries mate!

[@InimitaPaul]

@@SuckYourBone Never have, never will. 😉

[@thomasa5619]

I drive cause I HAVE to Not cause I want to I don’t like it, there’s too much going on Especially car parks where anything can jump out at me

[@rbrown4454]

Parking lots are hell on earth

[@raghavgopalakrishnan3318]

Yes it's difficult to drive through parking lots because there's no stop signs so a car can just jump out.

[@thomasa5619]

@@raghavgopalakrishnan3318 what? In a hundred meters I drive past like 70 parked vehicles who have little visibility when trying to reverse out of their park, and could be full of dumb kids or whatever. I weigh 3 tons. I don’t want to hit another car or a kid. When learning to drive they bash into our head “shoulder check!” And then the railway puts us in vehicles where you can’t see what’s beside you.

[@stacygreene2104]

Driving is second nature to me. It's instinctual. Professionally, it's the only thing I'm good at. I actually teach people to drive school buses. I'm too slow at everything else I do to be efficient enough to do anything else professionally. Don't get me wrong, whatever I do, I do well, it just takes me a long time to get there.

[@whifflingtit9240]

Might be obsessive-compulsiveness slowing your work. Would be worth looking into if you're interested, there's effective treatments available. As with any condition the longer you wait in life to start treatment the less effective it is, though.

[@stacygreene2104]

@@whifflingtit9240 I was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder when I was a teenager. I was medicated for it then, but have chosen not to be for about 20 years. Mysophobia is the core of my OCD. I have always been slow though, at everything. Always had excellent grades growing up, but teachers were not happy about my slowness and spaciness. Some would even partition me off in a back corner of the classroom so I could "focus on my work." It never helped. I'd just focus on the fibers in the fabric that covered the partitions, gaps where individual threads had been separated by pins, stains from something splattering on it, etc. I have had many employers angry at me for being so much slower than everyone else (though in fast food, that could have been exasperated by my OCD). But driving! Oh driving! My vehicle is an extension of my body, whether it's my midsize sedan or my 40 foot bus. I'm actually much more coordinated and accurate with a vehicle than my own body. Thank you for your suggestion.

[@ak5659]

@@stacygreene2104 I saw a TV article about a woman whose army job in WWII was to deliver all sorts of vehicles. She instinctively knew how to drive everywhere land vehicle she ever sat in. She was the only girl with a bunch of brothers on a farm. She drove all the tractors, etc because her brothers were hopeless. She though she was normal and her brothers just slow until she got older then she found out her brothers were actually "normal".

[@mustpaike]

Have a similar thing myself. It has taken me years but I finally got there, and I can say I am a better driver and do know the capabilities and the physics of my vehicles better than most people. I have even dabbled in being an impromptu driving instructor for a few friends. And their skills certainly have improved. Never mind that I drive 'huge' American cars in Europe and now they have the skills and confidence to do so as well.

[@kennethtomaszewski3795]

School buses are safer than cars and more visible

[@justpassingthrough76]

I am 45 this year and never passed my test. I get overwhelmed by it all. I get frustrated with how bad other drivers are. I would have to drive properly.

[@nathandrake3712]

Dude my grandma used to be afraid to drive in her 30s she started driving before she was scared of semi.

[@memenazi7078]

45? You must’ve had some horrible experience sadly. fortunately you can just look up the answers and own the test with charm and confidence. I just let my instructor talk about his kids and politics while i go around the neighborhood.

[@justpassingthrough76]

@@_WindMy Wife is a driving instructor

[@rbrown4454]

I have very bad coordination, mobility, anxiety, spatial awareness, attention and reflexes. All the things needed for driving lol also it's extremely expensive and I don't want to have to work more to do something I already don't like. Also you can be doing everything perfect and still get into an accident or worse, that's just too much for me.

[@kam0406]

I agree that the billboards that are bright, flickering screens are very distracting!

[@justjust8953]

Yeah! And driving at night is so hard. Especially with bright headlights

[@thehighwaycowboy2822]

I also think that the flashing LED lights on emergency service vehicles can be far too bright and intense especially at night. I understand their need to be seen but they surely don't need to be visible from the moon

[@katywalker8322]

Small LED lights that flicker are a pain. Local buses here have a small red LED at each corner of the tail lights. These flicker very quickly, and glancing past them can leave a very brief set of red dots in my vision

[@sorrelk6926]

My mom is keeping me from learning and she seems to have a different excuse every time: "you have epilepsy" (i dont), "itll drive our insurance up" (get me a car thats cheap to insure maybe?) "im not paying 600 dollars for you to fail so you have to memorize everything with me first!" (All my friends said they got theirs for 300, and what do you think classes are for?) "you cant fix a car so why should i give you one?" (Maybe if i get my own car to work on i can learn?) Im so sick of her excuses, im taking the classes when im finally 18 in about 7 months.

[@backseatgaming9087]

Do what you feel is right for you. Do you think having the ability to drive will make your life easier? If yes ignore what your mom says and start working on it. Otherwise you can choose not to drive if you dont see benefit in developing the capability.

[@knut5328]

GO FOR IT! get the license regardless of her poor excuses it will really open up the world for you i got mine almost 3 year's ago (never regretted that decision)

[@Mohawk-Tuah_Tribe]

Buy your own car. Stop relying on others so much.

[@chimbo8741]

Your mom sounds controlling and maybe narcissistic. Find a way to be independent as soon as you can. Seems like she wants you to have to depend on her.

[@beckerkorn1]

My mother infantilized me too. We didn’t know I was autistic at the time, but she did it anyway. You have the rest of your life ahead of you so please don’t despair. I was able to finally get through to my mom in my 30’s and get across how I wanted to be treated, and now we are on better terms.

[@LostLuigiLassie]

I similarly worry that I won't be able to continue driving in the future if certain trends continue. I'm in the US and I'm starting to see more and more school busses and other public vehicles with full-on strobe lights on them. I don't know how it's legal. I have to literally put my hand up and block out the light to avoid getting a headache immediately and it's really unsafe. Side note, the LED headlight trend has already made it nearly impossible for me to drive past sunset, and it's awful.

[@Eddierewrwrwerw]

"the LED headlight trend has already made it nearly impossible for me to drive past sunset, and it's awful" Jeez! I can really relate to that, so frustrating Almost as frustrating as those people who can't drive without their brights on! I feel I have no choice but to throw on the hazards and pull over, but that's not always possible.

[@RaneBane]

Haha. My mom would tell me I'd never have a drivers license. Now I'm an adult I drive semis 🤷‍♂️

[@dianemcbroom3864]

It’s so nice to hear some else talk about these awful distracting billboards. I’d like to add one thing, the use of different colored headlights coming at me or the underneath of a car brightly light. I too have to focus intently and these added distractions need to be stopped.

[@TL-dr6sb]

I so agree, those colored headlights and all non standard lighting play havoc with my perceptions, they are dangerous and should be banned imo. Such a relief to hear other people have the same problem

[@inendlesspain4724]

I've been trying to avoid having to learn to drive as much as possible despite pressure from my family since I always thought it was pretty scary (doesn't help that here where I live people drive like madmen) and because I don't really have much use for it, but recently my father had a stroke and is now on a wheelchair, and even though he's recovering pretty fast (thank God) he won't be able to drive again anytime soon if ever, so the pressure to learn to drive is bigger than ever, and I can't say no, this time my family is perfectly justified to expect me to.

[@christofthedead]

in a perfectly ethical society, advertising would at least require consent for every single exposure to it, and optimally everyone that choses to expose themselves to it should be reimbursed for their time/attention by the advertisers. It definitely should not be allowed in public places, especially not roads, it's one of the most intentionally manipulative & toxic parts of our culture. We literally have giant TAC billboard advertisements distracting us on the road to remind us not to get distracted.

[@mayalua1]

I don't really think I would ever be able to drive. First I don't even have enough money to pay to the lessons, the license or the test... But second, is the anxiety and responsibility that that involves, it would make me nuts just to think about that every time i go out i'd have to think abou that many things, not just my driving it self, but the others too, 'cause others may not even follow the transit rules, and I would have to deal with that. Is hard enough for me to drive my just my bike actually hahaha

[@bienvejecer6247]

Driving is one of the scariest things for me, I'm so scared of killing someone. Also I'm clumsy and I think I have poor coordination. I can't ride a bike properly either. I just recently started questioning about my neurodivergence and your channel is helping me a lot to make sense of my own experiences. Will get a professional diagnose in 2 weeks so, kinda excited and anxious about it and what it will mean in my life either way. Thanks for creating this wonderful content.

[@BlindmanPepperspray]

This is a perfect time for a video like this for me since I’m 17. I say that it’s capable for Autistic people in simple, quiet, and peaceful road without too much light, sound, people, traffic, and surrounded in a crowded area. I think it is best to be in a rural area for Autistic drivers and a great place to practice driving. My only question is can someone with both Autism and ADHD (me) or just strong ADHD capable? Especially for ADHD people since it’s very easy to get distracted than someone with Autism and will likely be road raging on traffic due to the lack of patience.

[@ak5659]

Your advice for autistic people Is the same as all driving instructors give for NTs when they learn to drive. I had My daughter first start practicing with me in a cemetery!

[@coconuttcp2574]

I’m perfectly ok with driving, only issue is no music when I drive!

[@petergriffins-claw8574]

I was beginning to wonder how come this wasn't mentioned in the video or in the other comments. I quite enjoy driving, but have to be able to hear and feel everything the car does which sometimes makes it difficult for me to ignore even the slightest squeaks or "unusual" car noises and just enjoy the ride. I also used to love riding my motorcycle, but had to give that a rest after a few very lucky escapes within a fairly short time and though I still get the itch occasionally, I somehow couldn't be bothered to get back on the bike as I feel traffic has become even more antagonistic and everybody appears to be under tons of stress. Music is an absolute no-go or having lively conversations in the car, which can be a bit awkward at times for passengers. Driving through long, brightly lit tunnels is also extremely stressful, generating a feeling of rising pressure in my ears, which sometimes would literally drive me to consider jumping from the car. If this sounds all too familiar, you may already have anticipated that over time passengers have become ever less of an issue . Another debilitating annoyance is I find it almost impossible to be in a passenger situation myself, sometimes I can pull myself together for a while depending on the driver or the feel of the car . Short taxi rides can be just about o.k., provided we stay off the motorway. Buses, trains, tube etc. are a complete nightmare now. Funnily enough there was a time when I did really enjoy flying or being on a boat, and had no problem coping even when things got a bit rough, but all that went away, now on a bad day, I get uncomfortable even being close to water, not kidding. I actually have a successful engineering job in event production, or should I say used to, as that part of my life has now been put on hold as well . Should I be worried, am I "on the spectrum" ? .... No need to answer that. Sorry for the long rant, I tend to find it difficult to stop once I get going.

[@paxundpeace9970]

It is the opposite can't drive without music.

[@ak5659]

I'm the same unless I already know the roads.

[@mustpaike]

it took me about 7 years of driving until I could listen to music while driving and not having it distract me. Still cannot hold a conversation while driving though. Can have phone calls just fine though (at any speed under 100kph).

[@TheStitchedSeal]

I used to be able to drive comfortably but as traffic has increased/headlights have become brighter, I've started to really struggle with driving at night and even in the day to an extent (live in USA). I also live in an area where people tend to modify their motors so that they are really loud and the sounds overwhelm me. I also really struggle because people break the rules so much and I get so frustrated. I never realized I had those sensory issues until I was in my 20s and diagnosed, but I can remember having some of them when I was learning to drive and thinking everyone was that way....

[@kiri101]

Your worries about rambling are unfounded here, that was all beautifully relevant content. I always told myself I "didn't trust myself" to drive, now I'm realising I'm almost certainly an autistic adult it's starting to make sense why. My physical co-ordination has come far in nearly 30 years of life but attention regulation takes so much energy from me that I don't think I could drive home after a 12 hour work shift, or even an eight hour one!

[@Rasmus230100]

Been having a drivers license for two years, and I have never had actual issues with driving. I’m myself a aspie, but I don’t have any things that really distract me from driving. I say that it’s definitely possible!

[@Jer_Schmidt]

Before I was diagnosed I drove a car. It was awful, but I didn't understand why. Other people could do it, so I figured I just wasn't trying hard enough. My mind wanders all the time, and I had several terrifyingly close calls because I was in my head and not paying attention. If anything unexpected happened, (a traffic light out or a stalled car blocking the lane) I was immediately super flustered and couldn't think straight, and was likely to make the worst move. I was so scared of hurting someone, and I would usually have trouble sleeping after driving. Now I'm happily living in a place with decent public transit, walking, and biking infrastructure, so never have to drive again -- yay!!

[@soulprepper1425]

So I'm 32, and I'm just realizing that I'm pretty sure I have autism. My daughter has it as well, I think I'm where she got it. Anyways lol I was TERRIFIED to drive for so long. I didn't start driving until I was 23. I did a little bit of driving lessons, but not much that it helped my FEAR. It was an intense, irrational fear. I can trace it back to when I was about 10, I was with my dad, and he decided that he would try to teach me to back out of the driveway. This was my first time driving, and my grandpa's truck was directly in front of me. As I was about to back out, I forgot which petal was the brake vs the gas. As you said, it felt like so much responsibility. I felt super stressed and didn't want to accidently run into my grandpa's Truck. In the end, my dad pulled the emergency brake on the car, talked to me very ugly, and told me in the most condescending tone "you can't drive, get out the front seat." And it broke my heart. Scarred me for life. I'm tearing up just reliving it, remember the intense self-loathing it gave me. It killed my confidence so much. I'm very "sensitve," as you can say. I take everything to heart. It took a long time for the little girl inside me to heal, needless to say. It's hard to believe I used to not drive at all. Now, I still have intense anxiety spring up when I'm driving in an unfamiliar place or when I don't know exactly where I'm going, on the interstate or large bridges. Lol

[@TheOtterPup1]

So I have specific driving requirements and I also do not like to have passengers because I go into a specific mental state while driving that allows me to block out extraneous sensory and only focus on the things that I need to to drive safely. When I have to interact with someone I lose that ability and very easily go into sensory overload because of everything going on. Additionally when I go into overload my sense of proprioception goes a little haywire and it's more difficult for me to know where the edges of my car are so I give myself extra distance between me and cars on the side of me on my passenger side. There's a host of other problems but generally I drive alone and only when I can maintain that state of mind.

[@n1fffan]

I'm 33, and I have never learned to drive because I don't feel comfortable in a car. my first and only time driving my father had me drive his car (i was in my mid 20s) in a quiet strip of road behind the grocery store, and everything played out exactly as I expected. I was not able to keep it properly in the lane, the gas pedal was to reactive for me and I just all around was not able to handle the experience. I haven't driven since

[@violat1603]

I have had my license and have been driving for about 16 years, never liked driving, scared every time.

[@alexsautismacceptancechann1459]

I have to say... I am perfectly able to, but my dexterity issues and crossing the midline make me not a very good one. No accidents or tickets though

[@Suxipumpkin]

I'm also dyspraxic and tried learning to drive when I turned 18. I was awful so I avoided trying to learn again until I was in my 30's. I just used public transport which has it's own problems (being late for things causes panic attacks). However in my 30's I got a job that required me to do a lot of travelling around the area and public transport just wasn't practical. Bearing in mind that I couldn't tie my shoe laces til I was 13, I knew it would take a long time to master and wasn't sure if I had enough money to get me to the point at which I could pass my test. It took me about 50-60 two hour lessons until my instructor agreed to put me in for my test - and I passed first time. I was amazed. I had really struggled with the clutch and the initial moving off, so much so that I was still stalling the car on the way to the test. I didn't stall once during the test and only made one minor mistake. My instructor was amazingly patient and calm which helped a lot. I've had only 2 accidents in the 10 years I've been driving, neither of them my fault - I was rear ended both times. Admittedly I've backed into a couple of bollards - but who hasn't. I suppose what a lot of people don't realise is that dyspraxia is a developmental condition and in a lot of people, lots of practice helps to reinforce the learning and as long as you drive regularly, you shouldn't loose those skills.

[@DevonExplorer]

I can't drive. I started learning when I was old enough (17 here in Britain) and during the second lesson I went completely out of control, veered across the road and almost ran over some people on the crossing. Thank goodness for dual controls; at least the instructor was able to brake in time. I realised then that I had no steering abilities (I'm always covered in bruises from walking into walls when walking around corners, lol) and that I really didn't want to try again. Actually, being a lifelong pedestrian saved my life last year, to the amazement of several doctors, because I'm fit from walking almost everywhere. The only problem is severe joint and back strain from carrying too much, but I still walk almost every day. :)

[@MrJovagu]

Bad weather, unexpected behavior from other drivers and distracting passengers are a huge issue. But one thing I am really struggling with is when other drivers are driving to close behind my car. I'm starting to rant and curse when their lights are shining in my mirrors and cause a distraction🥺

[@olavl8827]

I truly love to drive. I love the feeling of being one with the car that I'm driving and having it under my control. I love the freedom that it affords. Also auto mechanics is actually a bit of a special interest for me. So I understand (mechanically) what's happening when I'm operating the the gears, brakes, etc. I prefer manual everything for the best immersive experience. Simpler, older cars just offer less distraction and provide a better feel for what you're doing. I like sticking to the rules of the road as best as I can. I have good spatial awareness and can park a car in tight spaces better than most in my circle of family and friends. I don't mind the responsibility of driving, I believe I'm actually more conscientious than many when I'm behind the wheel. I often volunteer for driving duty when travelling with other people. I feel safer and more comfortable driving than when being driven by others. But I cannot have music/radio playing or be involved in any discussion while I'm driving; I do need to concentrate. It's like like I'm in another mental zone. No irrelevant human worries are allowed to enter my head space when I'm operating a motor vehicle. When I'm tired I'm more prone to daydreaming and I will not drive.

[@Edward-go3le]

I would like to see more regulation of advertisement in this area. That being said, self driving cars might be out sooner than it becomes out of hand

[@swmj]

thank you so much for this video paul! I will be starting driving lesons in a year and i always look at traffic when my parents are driving me somewhere so i think i'll be fine

[@swmj]

i live in the netherlands and our traffic infrastructure is really safe and that makes me very comfortable (it's one of my interests haha)

[@gahreen01]

When I first noticed what big city driving was like taking a shuttle van from LAX to my eventual city of residence, I thought to myself that driving here would be impossible. Similar negative thoughts haunted me while driving through the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, but for different reasons. Somehow I’ve survived. 2 Megatron billboards went up in my area in LA right before I decided to move to a quieter part of CA. I remember the day that they turned them on because I audibly cursed them vigorously until they were out of view. I am looking forward to a day when I no longer have to drive.

[@maestro-fifa4446]

I'm 18 and I feel I have anxiety when I'm driving. But I know it's important but it doesn't help when girls take the piss out of men for being bad at driving. It's so hard growing up in a society nowadays, when people are the issue

[@davidroddini1512]

When I was a teenager, I didn’t know that I was on the spectrum. However, from my childhood all the way up until my 30’s I had epilepsy (grand mal). So driving was out of the question for this reason. Even were that not the case, I have poor coordination and a complete inability to multitask/focus on multiple things simultaneously. I believe this is due to being on the spectrum. I don’t know how anyone on the spectrum can focus on all the different events/stimuli necessary to be able to drive safely.

[@75maxdv35]

moving advert screens should definitely be saved for indoor shopping malls, not busy roads!

[@scombapodcast1875]

I literally just filled out the application form to get my license a few minues ago. I'm in my 30s, got kids and live in the Berlin suburbs so I'm kinda positive to be able to drive. Don't know if I could handle the city traffic tho. I was anxious about driving for a long time. I have major trust issues and I'm aware that you can be the best driver and still, one bad driver crossing your way and that could be it. Fingers crossed, that I got the license this summer and thank you for sharing your experience.

[@ak5659]

I found driving in Germany very relaxing. Germans are such good drivers.....

[@jeannestrauss946]

Thank you so much for this video! I can relate to everything you're saying! I was 26 years old when my husband taught me how to drive! I'll always be grateful for his patience!

[@magic.mistress]

I think the biggest barrier is making decisions. I never know what I want and if someone tells me directions w out a gps I’m done

[@winterprecious3567]

I don't drive. I'm really scared of it. It's because of so many things coming at me - having to pay attention to the signs, other drivers, animals that might be crossing, birds, weather, anticipating what other drivers might do, maintaining my focus for so long (I love daydreaming), and my reactions (when I get scared I tend to shut down and I can't just stop in the middle of the road) and or my reaction times. Usually any "different" movement from something diverts my attention too. So I don't want to drive. If I can't walk there, take public transportation, ride with a friend, etc, then I guess I'm not going..

[@davehill4295]

My son failed his theory test four times before passing, passed his practical test first time.

[@marymc333333]

You do such a service explaining your experiences. You explain so well, and it really helps people understand. Thank you so much, take care dear. -Mary

[@ifn0315]

I get distracted pretty easily. So it scares me as I think I’ll have a car accident or something like that :(

[@brightprotector]

Just wanna say, your mic quality is lovely. No background noise. Very nice.

[@RentingSpam]

When I was a teenager with my learners permit, driving was definitely something that made me really anxious. I actually got my permit at 16 but don't get my license until I was 18 (It also took me 3 attempts of taking the drivers test) due to encountering a road raging semi-truck driver my first time driving on the highway. I don't think I really became truly comfortable with driving until I was 22-23? And even then I was still nervous to some degree. However, I learned to drive in a big city and that I think helped me gain confidence in driving to some extent. And also learning to drive in mountainous areas was also a good learning experience too and helped me become more confident since I grew up in a very flat region of the USA. Occasionally, I still get initial anxiety when I head out to drive or haven't driven in a while. That mostly occurs when I'm going to be driving long distance or going to a place where I've never been before. That anxiety almost always dissipates after I start driving. However, I'm sure that I wouldn't be able to just jump right into driving in a place like Los Angeles without first having experienced what it's like even being in the traffic of that city as a passenger.

[@jarradhurley4866]

I got my license at 32 years old. It was a bit hit-and-miss for the first few months of driving and I did question whether it was something I should be doing. But now, I drive confidently with absolutely no issue at all. It did, however, take me two-and-a-half years to get my license. But when the skill finally ingrained itself with me, it stuck, and I've been licensed now for 2 years.

[@CJordanNicholson]

Taking the driving tests were the worst part for me. But of course in the end they turned out fine. I was SO anxious though. I find driving to be very logical and rule-based. It makes sense in my head more than most things. I actually ride a motorcycle now and it's become my happy place. When I'm riding, there's no room in my head for anything else.

[@annehislop2449]

I love driving, especially my little Smart car and the freedom, control and independence it gives me. I'm a confident, careful driver who has driven a variety of vehicles over the years. Passed my test first time @19yrs (snow on the ground!) The roads are much busier now and it can be quite stressful with some of the crazy driving you witness. Never knowingly caused an accident but was an innocent party involved in one a few years ago, when I was stationary at a red light and a wasp flew in the open window of the car behind me and the driver in a panic, hit the accelerator instead of the brake and shunted my car on to the motorway slip road at 9am rush hour! My car's chassis was a write-off and my chassis was bruised. Shaken and stressed but survived. I think the wasp escaped.

[@justjust8953]

Hey! I just tried adhd meds and they really help my executive functioning. I think stimulants really help my aspergers

[@rasmuselkjaer4369]

Anxiety has been a major issue for me, but I also have dyspraxia. I've never been interested in driving either, so first time I tried getting a license was when I was around 30. It was extremely difficult for me, I absolutely hated it, and eventually I just gave up.

[@Comewithmeifuwant2live]

It's the theory test for me. If you give me multiple questions that are different, I can learn each one precisely because they're different. But when it's a bunch of multiple choice questions that are very similar to each other or have many variations (almost like trick questions) I'm done. I can't remember how to distinguish one from the other. Especially 700 hundred of them.

[@CuulX]

I can't read articles with animated gifs on them. I have to scroll the animations out of view to read the text. But I often lose focus (or focus too much on the topic and lose focus on the screen) . I deal with that by always scrolling so that the top of my screen is where I continue when I notice that I lost it, easy to find where I was. But I can't do both strategies. I don't have enough need for a license to be able to summon the energy to start practising driving. I'm waiting for robotaxis to eliminate the need to drive.

[@OTTOBOTTO10101]

Thank you for talking about that, it's made me feel alot more confident for when I would like to start :)

[@JoakimHammarstedt]

Only time when I kinda like to drive is if I am alone on the road. No cars behind me, no one to get distracted by. But that is not happening often. Can't wait for self-driving cars to become the norm, maybe then I can feel relaxed.

[@mgbsecteacher]

Don't be worried. I live in the USA and there are so many drivers so much worse that you imagine yourself to be. Just keep on keeping on!

[@PabloHassan68]

Driving at night helps to cut down the many annoying impressions. I could do almost all driving lessons in dawn, which helped :)

[@zombreon6021]

My ex girlfriend taught me how to drive. My mom tried but she kept yelling at me. My ex left me alone even when I drove off the road. Eventually I learned from my mistakes instead of being scared to try at all.

[@giftedgreen2152]

I drive an electric car; it’s super quiet and smooth. Highly recommend it to anyone learning how to drive.

[@KarinaCor]

I'd like to learn to drive an automatically geared car 🚗

[@giftedgreen2152]

@@KarinaCor an electric car is just forward and reverse. You never feel it switch gears or hear engine noise.

[@Ellie-qq9zm]

One day I will get one! I love electric cars for the same reasons you describe. I also dislike going to the gas station :)

[@3terna_tea]

I'd love to own one myself, but they're crazy expensive :( Even the affordable ones are pricey

[@LizzyIbarra]

Thank you Paul. In my case, I have been driving for about 30 years, and yes, driving for me is like having a swim in a pool of anxiety. I follow ALL the rules that come with driving, I live in Mexico, so you can imagine the stress. I am capable of doing it pretty good but once I'm out of the car, I literally have to take some time to recover because it takes a big toll on me, I'm totally exhausted after driving and for me to function normally after doing it, I have to take at least 15 to 20 minutes to calm down and begin to put my head back in order. Big hug to everyone.

[@ashtree_growing]

I'm 26 and have still not gotten my driver's license. I've done my learners license 4 times and it expired for the fourth time in November and I will not how to do it AGAIN. I used to be very embarrassed and ashamed of this, but I've really come to realize that I am not a bad person, stupid or weak because I have not yet been able to master something that in actuality is pretty unnatural for humans to be doing :D It has been my new years resolution for so many years to get my license, maybe 2021 will be the year :)? Thank you for sharing your experiences Paul, they have really helped me to understand my own driving experiences and struggles. I found your page a few weeks ago and have really resonated with all the videos I have watched so far - but this one really hit it for me! I hadn't even thought that my driving struggles could have anything to do with Asperger's. I also completely agree with you about billboards and moving signs next to the road!@ I struggle to even be a passenger with my eyes open, I usually close them when I am in an urban area because I read EVERY SINGLE WORD in my field of vision and it drives me mad how much stimulus there is in cities. Thanks for making these videos Paul, they're a great help

[@atr03i]

I become stressed really fastly, there's so much to you need to pay attention to. Then there are parking situations where the parking itself is not a problem but giving me directions to correct is super overwhelming. There are so many rules but you still have to be super flexible and that's super stressful.

[@BarryBazzawillWilliams]

I did not learn to drive immediately as I was able to get by on public transportation and commute cycling and enjoyed cycling (and public transport to a degree). When I did it took me more lessons and I failed a few tests (one for not turning my head when I looked so the instructor could not verify that I looked). When I did learn to drive and get a car I continued my car was written off (not my fault) and I got a better bicycle so I did not drive that much. These days I drive to work, cycle for excersise and commute 1-4 times a year. My wife will drive when we are both in the car as she feels(most likely true) she is a safer driver, but is comfortable with me driving our children by myself. I am also worried about moving billboards. In Adelaide I have not seen any move but I do notice the transition from paint to screen. Another distraction I notice is in car navigation. Don't get me wrong I could not (easily) get to where I need to go without it, but I notice I probably look at it too long when I should be watching the road. My wife will not look at it at all when I am in the car instead ask me (a source of a few arguments)

[@geordiemack4143]

When I started driving I was pretty bad, really easily distracted etc, high anxiety, slow to learn, took 4 attempts to pass, etc etc. But after a few months driving continuously it started to properly 'click' and now I can safely say I'm pretty competent now after many years behind the wheel, only really struggle if there's unusual situations occurring, then it doesn't matter what the passenger is saying to me it won't go in! I find 'learning' new routes via Google Street view really helpful prior to the journey as I have a weirdly good memory for that, and memorising the route ensures that there are fewer surprises en route, and its like I've already driven it by that point. But still, people not being able to indicate properly around roundabouts sends me nuts! With persistence though, driving can be very rewarding, and even quite relaxing, when it goes right.....

[@stevenranc]

Really great videos Paul, I like! Learning to drive was difficult for me. It took me around 10 years and I passed the exams 3 times. But you have to be persistent. Now I have my license and I drive regularly. I can drive familiar paths without stress, but new routes are still stressful. Putting a GPS with my phone reassures me a lot, because if I lose my way on the way, I remain calmer and I look at it. I keep in mind that I can stop at any time if there is a stressful unforeseen event and that also reassures me. Driving with unfamiliar people, having the radio, or having a conversation while driving is difficult, otherwise mental overload occurs. It's adaptation, that's all 😇

[@oraldogoncalves5829]

In my country there's a psychological test you need to take that's the first step in trying to get a driver's license. I tried it twice and failed, not sure wether that has anything to do with my ASD or not

[@marcrecord3991]

I've had my driver's license for just over 10 years but it has been a journey and continues to be one. Learning to drive was SO HARD! It took a really long time to get the physical coordination and spatial awareness worked out. The driving instructor was told beforehand that I had no experience and would be starting with limited skills but assumed it would be fine. He was perplexed by the end of my first lesson. My autism wasn't known about back then. My normal day to day driving is fine now but I don't like to drive anywhere new or unfamiliar, it is majorly stressful. I also refuse to drive into the major city where I live. High density traffic with sharp turns, entries and exits everywhere, lots of pedestrians, it is too much visual information for my brain to process. If I need to go to the city or somewhere unfamiliar I rely on public transport or other options. Work is starting to become difficult when they expect me to do more complex tasks like tow a trailer with an unfamiliar corporate vehicle. I have to awkwardly squirm out of those conversations by bringing up my spatial awareness issues and that I would find it very stressful. Some people at work know I identify as autistic, but with no official diagnosis I'm not comfortable sharing with everyone or using that as my direct answer.

[@countryrock-tribute_995]

Honestly I'm prepare for doing it one of these days but the thing i need to learn this year is to focus a lot

[@backseatgaming9087]

The answer from my personal experience is yes with a lot of effort

[@Catlily5]

I don't drive because I was in treatment centers for a lot of highschool and didn't learn to drive at the normal time. As an adult I am on disability and am too poor to afford a car and lessons. A couple people have tried teaching me and honestly I probably wouldn't be the best driver anyway. But I do think I would be driving if I had Iearned at the normal time.

[@TheWitchesHive]

Hi Paul, I was always too afraid to drive and even when I tried during a class and "could" do it in my early thirties, I did not enjoy it. I had a similar experience to you where it "came naturally" to me too. However, I found it too stressful being forced to stay at the same pace as everyone else. I work best alone as it is. I also found the pressure to make decisions on the spot (like pulling out into traffic etc) was so stressful for me as I need to go at my own pace in day to day life. I also have a big sensory problem with lights, so bright lights from other car's headlights is very blinding and distracting for me. 40 now, diagnosed ASD (Aspie) and still not driving, but doing ok without it :) Thank you for making this video, I understand your rant.

[@nj8241]

There's good days and I want to drive and other days I absolutely do not want to drive

[@dcarbs2979]

I almost have the opposite experience. I've wanted to drive since I was in nappies and cars are one of my special interest areas. I managed to pass first time in a 1970s Ferrari and have held some precision driving jobs: Driving specialist aircraft loading vehicles on the airport (in a bigger airport than Melbourne's), and also valet parking customer cars at the same airport. Screens and computers are a huge distraction. As you know most modern cars have some sort of touchscreen system, and all have computers fitted. I deliberately drive cars old enough to not be fitted with any computers or driver "aids" (1980s and earlier). They are also more stimulating to drive due to the heavier controls. The sparce design of the dash and driver experience allows you to concentrate on and enjoy the act of driving. Not sure if that was due to my Aspergers, or interest in cars. Modern cars are sensory deprivation tanks in terms of feeling the dynamics of the car, but information overload in terms of stats on your journey (fuel, distance, time, speed etc.), sat nav, moving pictures of the fuel and power transfer, warning signals etc. You can see all the stimuli, but feel none of it. If any normal persona actually *needs* the driver aids of modern cars, they should surrender their license! I hope this is a useful anecdote of experience.

[@adapederson6159]

I got my driver's license at 22, (it took 6 months of daily practice to get it) but didn't drive much after that! It just terrifies me to get behind the wheel. I get racey thoughts when I'm stressed 😥. Can't focus, so my coordination and response time is dangerously slow. I will be 57 in September, so I don't know if I will ever drive. Thank you Paul!! This was an excellent video. ☺️