Dyspraxia || Learning to drive

[@lianne19900]

Thank you for this video, I passed my driving test 5 years ago (after 8 tests) and after 4 months of driving I stopped. I just found it caused me extreme anxiety. 2 years ago (my final year at uni) I found out I have dyslexia and dyspraxia, which fully explained a hell of a lot of things! lol I am trying to gain my confidence again so I can start driving again I just get so frustrated at myself! thanks again :)

[@jaywolf1998]

Passed mine first time two years ago after almost 3 painful years of learning. Feels great to have that kind of independence now.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

Hi I have Dyspraxia I have just past a few months ago. The key for me was consistency, it may feel that you are getting nowhere but don't quit, keep up. Steering wheels also require a light touch which once you get used to reduces dyspraxia's effects, as it means when your hands drift as you aren't gripping the steer wheel, it shouldn't cause any change in direction. If your instructor likes you going into 4th at 30 reuqest 3rd it means less gear changes whatever speed you are at and the car will slow down quicker if something happens. Remember bad gear changes as long as they not dangerous will not be marked on the test. But once you are in a car on your own without the pressure of someone else, doing a gear change thousand times will make it close to second nature even with dyspraxia. Also get into a routine for mirrors, any changes in you spy behind you just give a glance. When you turn change lanes look at the centre mirror and then left or right mirror then indicate. Do this everytime and it will again become second nature and that is one less thing you have to remember to do. And as you said if that is still unfortunately not working for your Dyspraxia noving to an automatic will help.

[@jessica_fairbairn938]

Where I live we pretty much just have automatic cars. It took me about a year and a half plus one failed test before I was even able to get my license so I cannot imagine having to drive a manual. For anyone reading this and thinking about getting lessons, the teacher you have is everything. Before I failed my first test I had this guy teaching me and he was good but knew nothing about dyspraxia.Then after that we payed more money for someone who has had to deal with people with dyspraxia before. She was so positive and I improved so much in just a short amount of time.

[@Iain240]

I'm dyspraxic but obsessed with cars. It took me over a year of lessons to pass my test but now I do track days and drifting. I can also weld pretty well which i thought i would never be able to do. You can do anything if you want it enough basically.

[@googletranslate6726]

That’s true tbh. The gift with dyspraxia is we find a lot of things hard to learn but once we get the hang off it we can be very talented

[@Magician108]

I remember (many years ago now!) my most frightening moment when learning to drive was my first hill start, when the car started to roll backwards downhill. That was pretty terrifying!

[@rickrennyoneill]

I'm 30 and I'm dyspraxic and still can't drive :( I have to admit it scares me, hopefully one day I will

[@borninjordan7448]

Me too, bud.

[@artfuldodger1688]

Although I've got dyspraxia I feel like I'm lucky compared to others in a lot of ways. It's never affected my work life, infact I even got promoted! I'm quite good at football for a guy with a co-ordination deficit. Driving however is a serious fear of mine as a kid. I went go-karting and was so bad the instructor took me off the track for mine and others safety. This always shook me up. Last year at the age of 27 I thought fuck it I'll try. Initially it went ok but my driving instructor wasn't understanding at all. He never took into account my condition, it was as if I'd just made it up. The problem was I could master one or two things but it was impossible for my brain and body to master several things at once. He'd shout things like "you can fucking do better than this". Eventually I did about 20 lessons but had to stop. It's rare I get really anxious but driving seriously sets it off. Once I've saved up enough money I'm gonna try again. Kudos Kystral your videos are so good.

[@siennafreyja5400]

I have just started learning to drive and my driving instructor is so supportive. I feel my family is less so and they say it's because they find it stressful but it makes me feel like I don't want to drive with them. Dsypraxia just makes me feel like I'm terrible at everything because of how much of my life it actually does affect. And I just want to be as good at driving as a normal person

[@beccyballet]

I am 20 I am learning to drive I have dyspraxia, dyslexia and dyscalculia. And driving is so hard for me I have only been diagnosed this year with dyspraxia so in conclusion. I am finally getting somewhere with driving ☺️ plus all around.

[@МоскваСити-ц2д]

How is it going? got a driver's license, how are you given driving?

[@MrCt40]

Krystal thank you so much for this - I have struggled so much with driving lessons to the point where I loathe every second behind the wheel with instructors that YES talk too much and flannel me with excess information - I end up wanting to punch them in the face out of irritation .. It’s so important to tel them about dyspraxia and find the right instructor- most of them have not got a clue how to teach anyone that sits outside their little comfort zone ..

[@krock90]

What scares me most are the roundabouts. My stomach sinks when i sit in the passenger seat and it just gets worse as i get older. I'm scared as a dyspraxic I'll never have the courage to get a driver's license.

[@DyspraxiaMagazine]

That was literally me until i was 23. But then it became such a burden i had to force myself to do it. Thankfully i was able to

[@Alex-cw3rz]

I always got worried about roundabouts, but now I'm fine, because I've remembered you can stop at the light you can keep checking and you go when it's clear. In a way making it easier than other decisions. I understand why they are daunting, but practicing on them more will help especially when it's not busy and extremely busy. One you can join instantly and the other you experience at a snails pace so you get a sort of slow motion version of going through the motions.

[@sophiewoodman6301]

Passed my test in April and I have now just recently diagnosed with dyspraxia so it took me a couple of goes my instructor was awesome and really patient so I stuck at it also I started out in a manual for a couple of months and struggled so he took me out in his automatic and I never looked back

[@ziomatthewmusic4205]

It took me 18 months and two attempts but I did finally pass :D.

[@rahrahpetherbridge]

I had 75 driving lessons...gah! Feel like it's a million miles away that was 8 years ago and now I can't afford to do it again. thanks for making this video x

[@mrfunnierthanu]

This video was great! I am currently learning to drive, have been learning for about a month. I also suffer from dyspraxia and have been having quite a tough time with driving. My instructor actually pointed out that I am probably dyspraxic as she noticed that I struggled with driving a bit more than others. Can't express how much having a good instructor that understands your condition helps you to drive. My first instructor who lasted a grand total of one lesson was a twat. At the end of the lesson he said I was a shit driver. I mean what a fuck head!?

[@MrUks]

At the time that I learned to drive, I didn't know that I was heavily dispraxic + the fact that I practically don't have dept perception, doesn't really help. But after a year of training and my 4th attempt(quite common in Belgium, doesn't matter if you have a disability), I passed my drivers licence . Th best conclusion that I could give, 5 years after I passed my drivers licence, is: if you practice enough and have supportive teachers, doesn't matter if they know about your struggles or not, you'll eventually get there. Good luck at passing your test and if I meet you before you get one, I won't mind giving some pointers from a dispraxic who's been driving for 5 years ;)

[@tarynriver]

MrUks I’m pretty sure I’m dyspraxic I’m trying to find out it’s more difficult here in the us and my depth perception is very off when I’d go to the gas station I couldn’t see how close I was to the pump and it seemed impossible to get close to it for the longest time

[@abcxyz-cx4mr]

Hey OP, what are your tips for a dyspraxic who wants to learn how to drive?

[@MrUks]

@@abcxyz-cx4mr it all depends on what helps you the best. A lot of practice, finding the best teacher that is suited for you and finding ways around the issues you deal with the most. For me, learning to drive with a stick was easier as I have a feeling for what the motor is doing. What I also did, was learning to calculate distances in my head. It's not an easy feat though. Be patient, try many techniques and practice as much as possible

[@abcxyz-cx4mr]

@@MrUks - Thank you very much!

[@dancrouch2479]

I have acquired dyspraxier. and write sided weakness. like doms story I did my driving assessment last Wednesday. In an automatic. iv driven a manual all my life but I loved it.

[@LaPrincesseErrante]

It all makes sense now! I started my driving lessons at 18 and got my probation license at nearly 22! It was on and off and very terrifying and stressful. Now I think Im an Ok driver (it's been 3 months)

[@martinwalker6172]

Honestly I felt completely stupid and useless when I was learning to drive. I didn't actually learn until just a couple of years ago and the gears were a nightmare as well as spatial awareness and 'zoning out' with my focus deciding to bugger off. Once I had passed (manual) I decided to get an automatic car which is much easier but I still have a lot of issues with all of the above. Even now, I feel worried driving anywhere I don't know.

[@MrEnterainment]

I think your wonderful talking about your issues with dyspraxia on video because like I would never do that in a million years. I would love to start driving but I think I'm gonna hold off on it for another few years (I'm nearly 21 and going into my 2nd year in college).

[@KeshetAylonit]

Thank you for posting this video, because I am looking into learning how to drive.

[@UrbanBackflip]

I have dyspraxia I find I can do manual (with clutch) fine on a racing simulator around a track, I can even rev match to control the rear slip of the car but when it comes to city driving both on a simulator and real life that's where I struggle most. But it's also difficult for me to get into automatic because I'm a car enthusiast and the cars I like are all better in manual. However there are some cars that I like that are semi automatic but idk I also have my imi vehicle maintenance level 2 certificate and I have worked on manual and automatic cars and automatics are usually less reliable and harder to fix depending on the car.

[@Laurie-annGauvreau]

I'll never learn to drive, i've accepted that. I just don't have the nerves for it. The fear is real. The idea of having to control this vehicle and paying attention to other drivers. If something unexpected happened like a detour, road construction, yikes. And parking! My therapist laughed when i said i would probably forget which side of the road i'm supposed to be on. She thought I was being ridiculous.

[@noqueq9003]

I do driving lessons with a man who sucks at teaching (and this is irrelevant to me, this is just about him being horrible at his teaching methods), expects you to remember everything he has told you from lesson 1..and apply them all..constantly tells me about my mistakes but NEVER acknowledges my right moves, never encourages, only points out what you do wrong (as if I'm not insecure enough myself), and hurries up too. Apparently he has a deadline in his head even though I'm the one paying for the lessons (and they're not cheap either) and I'm the one who should/shouldn't have a deadline. And to think that I even TOLD him from the 2nd lesson that I am in NO hurry. I just want this sh@t to be over with and once I'm done I just want to take the car and practice somewhere alone and on my own so I can actually LEARN. Everything I've learned in my life I've learned alone. And I'm pretty sure the same will happen with the car. I may never be a 'good' driver and I don't care either, I just want to be a safe and adequate driver for my basic needs..that's all.

[@Jamie-ho1wg]

thank you so much for making this video! im new to your channel, and i was looking for tips to help me learn to drive with my dyspraxia (I've been learning since late august) funny thing is i didn't know i had dyspraxia until my instructor pointed it out i just thought i was extremely clumsy and not great at being able to concentrate one more than one thing. hah how wrong i was!

[@yukayukayuii]

I have dyspraxia dyslexia and adhd firstly gears and clutch big fat no, its sounds so simple and in my head I can do it but when I actually do it I find it really difficult, id also get my peddles mixed up which almost caused to crash into multiple fences, I remember my first time on the dual carriage way I lost focus and started day dreaming and started serving into the fast lane, I think its safe for everyone if I just stay off the roads lmao

[@benchapman8492]

This is so similar to me, I suffer with medium severity dyspraxia (when i was younger i struggled with getting dressed, brushing teeth, shoelaces etc) I live in Melbourne Australia and When i turned 16 i was so excited to get my permit license to start learning how to drive, however everytime my parents asked me if i wanted to have my first lesson, I said "no I don't think I'm ready yet", and that's been going on for 2 years now! now being 18 and haven't even started to drive, I've decided that i'm going to book in for my first lesson very soon in an Automatic because manual just seems too much for me :) Hopefully in the next few months i'lll gain confidence, pass my test, and life will become so much more easier! btw, love your videos :)) x

[@J05H30H3]

Failed twice when I was 17, 18, now I’m 25 currently trying to build up the courage to try again, thank you 🙏.

[@МоскваСити-ц2д]

How is it going?

[@romivictoriaperfitt5653]

I have dyspraxia and autism and i find parking especially into a bay very difficult to gage especially reversing into a car park bay

[@romivictoriaperfitt5653]

Any tips I'm desperate 😊

[@saxzphone]

Hi, I'm 21 and I have dyspraxia and dyslexia and It took me 1 year to learn and after 2 years, I'm really confident about driving but can get fustrated flashing the light which I meant is wipers, left and rights I still have issue with. But using the gears got easier, everything about driving is possible for a dyspaxic person, it will just take longer to achieve. All you need is confidence and good driving instructor that made it much easier. I pasted my test the 2nd time. My best friend 23 who has serious dyslexia and dypraxia has major problems even doing theory, so there is help out there. If I made sense. Also my driving instuctor lived next door to me that was handy.

[@faith_and_Jesus]

Thanks for this video it makes me fell not alone with hole driving thing

[@a1x48]

I have done 14 tests 😂 still haven’t passed ughh

[@thezanarose]

I had 5 instructors over 3 years and switched to automatic in the last 4 months of training. I could drive perfectly fine during mock tests with my instructor or her colleague and without my last instructor telling me anything. I drove so independently. She kept putting me up for my test as I was so comfortable driving without needing instruction. I failed 4 times and passed the 5th time. She was so angry with me and all of a sudden really disrespectful when I failed the second time. She cared more about her own reputation as an instructor than she did about me wasting money and my confidence. Personally, being with a complete stranger examiner was NOT helpful and I would get so nervous but even when I would fail, I genuinely could not understand why. I didn’t believe they were even telling the truth. So many driving instructors talk away about their lives when you are paying them to teach you to drive, not to learn about their life. Don’t bother with manual. You’ll waste so much money like I did. It’s more important to drive a car safely that you are comfortable driving than struggling to drive a manual you are not safe to drive.

[@Parrotting]

Can I just add they changed things for driving instructors. If they leave their number on the dash board when you take your test, and you fail, it gets noted down and they may have to re-sit their driving instructor test more frequently. If this happened to you recently it may be the reason why.

[@SuperHappydoggy]

you channel is cool! I have dyspraxia and Im currently working on driving license,Im really nervous about the exam which I have to take probaly in may or june,since I dont know what kind of car I have to drive there.

[@artisticafflair408]

How did it go? Can you drive now?

[@teresaburton3906]

Hi I really like your Video really helpful I also have dyspraxia I had driving lessons earlier this year in a Automatic car But I still struggled with steering especially crossing my hands and really struggled with reversing . I have had a few instructors One just didn’t have any patience he just use to loose his temper. And the other instructor was really good Next week I’m going to start going out driving with a family member But instructors don’t have any patience I have passed my theory but I would love to pass my test I just don’t know what’s the best way forward You’re Video is really helpful

[@siennafreyja5400]

I have just started driving this year and really struggle with steering too and I find reversing hard (not that I've done a lot of it) trying to figure out which way to turn the wheel to go a certain way it just a little too much for my brain aha. How is driving going for you now?

[@turtlemad1]

This video has made me realise just how bad my instructor is 😬😬 but if I change instructor then I probably won't have enough time to find a new instructor plus lessons for my test...

[@ronaldk.sitlhou2914]

It took me about 4 years to learn to drive. I still can't drive at high speed because of my slow reaction speed.

[@realitybytes16]

I'd rather pass in a manual myself, simply for the flexibility. I started driving at 17, learned for about 3 months (I think), then stopped for years due to running out of money/not really caring anymore. I started again at about 20, and went with who is still my current instructor for about 20 months before i had to stop, again due to money. I've had one lesson since then, and it was great - my instructor told me it was the best lesson I'd ever had and that I was basically at test standard - I think that might be because my brain had time to move the information from my short-term to my long-term memory. Couldn't afford any subsequent lessons due to being jobless at the time, but I'll be getting back to it soon. I'm also insured on my girlfriend's car for practice ^^. I'm actually kind of looking forward to it, which is weird to realise.

[@tca118]

excellent video Krystal. Hope you pass your test soon. I'm to blind to drive as I can;t read the numberplates at 5 car lengths :( :( I have driven about 4 different cars though and I know what you mean about clutch control. every car does feel different, but you soon get used to it.

[@lois3137]

I'm too blind to drive as well :(

[@ellietheanagirl4982]

I'm learning to drive a manual and I'm really struggling and my instructor isn't very understanding, I'm considering switching to automactic

[@DyspraxiaMagazine]

I would recommend switching to a new instructor, and then explain the reasons for switching.and the type of patience you would like from them. Build a good communication and trust with them. Then if you still struggle perhaps look into automatic. Often confidence can be a huge factor into learning, and if we dont feel respected or given patience it can cause us to fluster and make mistakes. I have confidence you will be ok. But Also know that Its ok if you do still struggle

[@ellietheanagirl4982]

Krystal-Bella Shaw thank you, I've already paid for the 6, but after that I think I'm going to switch, I'd preferably look for an instructor who teaches both so I can switch to automactic if I still find I'm struggling

[@UKgamer87]

I think I'm going to go automatic route but have had some resistance from my dad and some friends but as an eco aware guy I really want an electric car which are all automatic.

[@sapphire-fj3mm]

1 thing I'd like to say is if someone with dyspraxia can drive, someone with autism can drive. If someone with autism can drive, someone with cerebral palsy can drive. And if someone with cerebral palsy can drive, then someone with epilepsy (like myself) can drive.

[@ggadhdgirl]

I passed my car in an automatic 9 years ago. I had a lesson in a manual 3 years ago because I thought it would be good. I got in the car and I was like "why is there three peddles" then changing gears etc I didn't know I was dyspraxic. I nearly crashed and just started crying when I got home ... By the end of it I was just like "what's the point in doing this I have already passed my automatic just stick to what I know. Sometimes a person knows their own limitations and a manual car is definitely something I can't do. Automatic all the way for me unfortunately.

[@wispyskillen]

I failed my test 3 times doing automatic as I got same examiner all 3 times and got so anxious every time I could hear or see out the corner my eye her writing something and that made me over think things so ended up giving up and currently looking for a driving instructor in Kent if anyone knows of any.

[@lois3137]

Life is so annoying. I went to be tested for coordination back in 2011 and again in 2012 and yet again in 2013. They said I was in the 16th percentile when if you're in the 15th percentile you can be diagnosed for having difficulties with fine and gross motor skills. That really annoys me because I have a really hard time at school. First of all I can't do PE. I struggle with writing so I use a computer for my exams also I get extra time. Does anyone have any memory tips I have my GCSE's in 15 weeks and I'm scared of forgetting things. Also I want to do A-levels any tips anyone.

[@leoharton]

lifeofateenagelois hi my memory's really bad and I got extra time as well when I did my GCSE's a while back here's some of the stuff I found helpful. flashcards are really useful as you can just keep going over the bits you don't get. I also asked for extra revision lessons in history, my worst subject as I couldn't remember all the details. I would also try to condense the complicated topics and then write out the most important bits a few times. Also remember to do mocks, I still find mocks I didn't even do because I printed out so many. You can also try making bright coloured posters or using post it notes and sticking them up around your room. I know people who have linked certain colours or smells to different subjects, I just tried to use bright colours that contrasted so the information would hopefully stick out and I'd remember it. Personally I found once I understood the topic I just had to keep repeating it like with flashcards, writing it down or just saying it while walking around. Remember to take breaks often. Hope I helped and good luck with your exams.

[@lois3137]

+SimplyShelby thanks ever so much. Really helpful 😉

[@leoharton]

lifeofateenagelois your welcome, remember you can only do your best and I hope you get the grades you deserve 😃

[@lois3137]

+SimplyShelby I can't thank you enough. ☺️

[@leoharton]

lifeofateenagelois aww that's so nice of you to say, you just made my day so thank you and I'm glad to have made your revision a little easier 😀

[@Siricerasi]

I am 31 and I can't drive I tried manual but I couldn't get it then I tried automatic it was better but i kind of hit a roadblock where I wasn't getting better, I am trying a geared motorbike. Im not good with diagrams i am a kinetic learner I have to try to physically do it

[@a1x48]

Siricerasi how did it fgo

[@jesuschristneverlived6938]

I literally had one of my driving lesson three days ago with BSM, the instructor is a complete wanker. He is completely oblivious to the struggle, like I was accelerating to 30MPH and I shifted into 1st gear! we nearly died and I feel like I'm not even there, I just zone out. I'm glad you have a great instructor. Good luck ;)

[@AussieOfSteel]

It's weird cause even though I'm dyspraxic I can drive an automatic car fine with no problems

[@TBx46]

I remember when my uncle asked me if I was going to drive and I was like umm I’m a really clumsy person I’m too dumb I’ll probably crash

[@melissarivera7477]

Tips for people with dyspraxia for driving ?

[@sheenbean2]

do you have a problem pulling all the way into a parking space?

[@m0lliesmind]

how do you find the steering aspect of it? i'm learning to drive a manual and always find myself getting too close to the curb, parked cars etc. or i will move out into the middle of the road by accident.

[@Cleric775]

It's a common problem for me. Processing and reaction speed is an issue.

[@sophiewoodman6301]

I found that when I drove an manual that changing gears was difficult for me

[@TheCuppycakedelight5]

there are plenty of manual stick drive cars in the U.S, with respect

[@noqueq9003]

I wish we could learn automatic too but noooo..I have to learn a bloody manual one and with an awful teacher too

[@isabell.2483]

Hey i love your Video, just a tiny recommendation, the Computer screens in the background throw me a little of and i'd Love to concentrate just on yourself :) maybe that's the only Video where it is, in Case Then its not that important :D :)

[@Big-guy1981]

Most of Europe drives cars with manual direction. Automatic gear is more of a North American thing.

[@djhbomb1232]

I have dispracia

[@Cleric775]

Worst thing to do in my life.

[@quackcement]

people who want to drive manual to "drive any car" may as well learn how to hand crank start a car engine

[@Iain240]

Tail finz If you get a rental car, courtesy car, moving van or borrow a friend's​ car in the UK there is about a 90% chance it will be a manual so not being able to drive one is a genuine inconvenience.

[@quackcement]

your not incorrect but maybe you can pay extra to hire an automatic car but borrowing friends cars could certainly be problematic. but just because alot of people use less advanced technology doesn't mean that society should keep using it. It is just more useful to learn both.