Driving with dyspraxia
Learner drivers with conditions such as dyspraxia, which affects hand-eye coordination,
spatial awareness and short-term memory, can find it even more challenging than most to
get their license.
Many dyspraxics who are diagnosed as adults identify their disability through difficulty
or reluctance in learning to drive are affected without knowing it. They might blame
their... driving difficulties on nerves, not recognizing them as a symptom rather than a
cause.
To be able to steer a car, concentrate, judge distance, use both hands and feet together
and remember how to carry out a sequence of tasks all at the same time is very daunting.
It is hardly surprising that many of us who have dyspraxia decide that driving a car is
beyond our capabilities. However, social pressures and work commitments may compel
us to at least give driving a try.
There is some help available for learner drivers with co-ordination difficulties. A number
of assessment centers throughout the country offer information and advice to drivers who
have a disability and assess them in a safe environment to establish their capabilities.
Please contact The Forum of Mobility Centers www.mobility-centres.org.uk for further
advice. The staff at these Mobility Centres is very helpful and is used to working with
people with poor concentration and perceptual and spatial awareness problems.
Before you choose a driving school, shop around and ask questions. Only you know what
your difficulties are. It is up to you to make a prospective instructor aware of them. You
may be able to track down an instructor who has taught people with disabilities, who is
patient and has the experience to teach techniques that will help you to learn.
Driving Tips:
Try to learn in an automatic car. Less co-ordination is needed and there is less to think
about.
When taking the test, ask for extra time to complete the written section if you think you
need it.
Have extra wing mirrors fitted for easier parking and reversing.
Larger, higher-mounted steering wheels are easier to use.
Mark the right side of the steering wheel with a sticker to help you to remember which
side is right and which is left.
Plan and prepare your journey as much as possible before you set out. Write down the
directions and clip them to the dashboard.
If you have map reading problems, reverse maps can help and/or computer navigation
systems.
Take frequent breaks if you find concentration difficult.
Further Information:
Forum of Mobility Centers www.mobility-centres.org.uk or telephone the National
Forum Enquiry Line: 0800 559 3636
For information about concessions on the theory test, useful books, CDs and videos;
contact Drive Safe, the special needs team at the Driving Standards Agency,
Tel: 0870 01013721
Learner drivers with conditions such as dyspraxia, which affects hand-eye coordination,
spatial awareness and short-term memory, can find it even more challenging than most to
get their license.
Many dyspraxics who are diagnosed as adults identify their disability through difficulty
or reluctance in learning to drive are affected without knowing it. They might blame
their... driving difficulties on nerves, not recognizing them as a symptom rather than a
cause.
To be able to steer a car, concentrate, judge distance, use both hands and feet together
and remember how to carry out a sequence of tasks all at the same time is very daunting.
It is hardly surprising that many of us who have dyspraxia decide that driving a car is
beyond our capabilities. However, social pressures and work commitments may compel
us to at least give driving a try.
There is some help available for learner drivers with co-ordination difficulties. A number
of assessment centers throughout the country offer information and advice to drivers who
have a disability and assess them in a safe environment to establish their capabilities.
Please contact The Forum of Mobility Centers www.mobility-centres.org.uk for further
advice. The staff at these Mobility Centres is very helpful and is used to working with
people with poor concentration and perceptual and spatial awareness problems.
Before you choose a driving school, shop around and ask questions. Only you know what
your difficulties are. It is up to you to make a prospective instructor aware of them. You
may be able to track down an instructor who has taught people with disabilities, who is
patient and has the experience to teach techniques that will help you to learn.
Driving Tips:
Try to learn in an automatic car. Less co-ordination is needed and there is less to think
about.
When taking the test, ask for extra time to complete the written section if you think you
need it.
Have extra wing mirrors fitted for easier parking and reversing.
Larger, higher-mounted steering wheels are easier to use.
Mark the right side of the steering wheel with a sticker to help you to remember which
side is right and which is left.
Plan and prepare your journey as much as possible before you set out. Write down the
directions and clip them to the dashboard.
If you have map reading problems, reverse maps can help and/or computer navigation
systems.
Take frequent breaks if you find concentration difficult.
Further Information:
Forum of Mobility Centers www.mobility-centres.org.uk or telephone the National
Forum Enquiry Line: 0800 559 3636
For information about concessions on the theory test, useful books, CDs and videos;
contact Drive Safe, the special needs team at the Driving Standards Agency,
Tel: 0870 01013721
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