Driving..

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I happen to be 18 and have been attempting to cope with Aspergers for half of my life so far. Although I find relationships and communication difficult, I feel as if AS has inconvenienced me most in the area of driving a vehicle. Simply put, my coordination becomes nonexistent when I step into a vehicle. I have no sense of direction, I can't think ahead, and I can't make a decision fast enough when the time comes. I'm lucky not to make a stupid mistake when I drive places further than 10 miles. Although I fear for my safety, I feel as if the lack of a license will only inconvenience me in the future with relationships and other things. My permit expires August 3rd and I can't get it renewed. Any advice?

I don't know if AS is responsible for driving skills. I know when a fellow driver smiles I sometimes don't know how to interpret that. I find the best course of action is to drive defensive. Take the path of least resistance. If you had access to a GPS device like a Tom Tom it really helps direct you. Hope this help.

I was actually just going to post something like this. lol Driving literally scares the heck out of me. I'm 27 and I have my license but I am just so awkward on the road that I choose not to drive and it is really limiting. I have never driven anywhere by myself because I am so scared to get into a serious accident. I wonder if they have driving therapy.

I was a delivery driver for a living for 9 years. In all weather conditions.

I like driving. It is one of the few times I get to be alone. Keep trying. I do not consider myself a good driver either, but have a clean record.

Why can't you get it renewed?

I understand wholly. I too am very poor behind the wheel.

Where I live you can only get one renewal.

My permit expires in September, but screw it. It's not that I can't drive, I just simply hate it. I'll probably end up getting a motorcycle, that's what I really want.

Yeah people are like, keep trying and stuff and it's like, well you don't exactly get it, I despise it. It's not that I can't do it. I just really don't like it and I wish it wasn't such a necessity. I just really don't like it and I wouldn't even bother with it at all if I didn't know it would probably make my life a little easier. It's a sin. People are so nasty on the road.

And I don't think I will ever like it. I'll probably get to a point where I can tolerate it but it gets under my skin when people tell me that they were scared but now they love and that I'll probably be the same way. It's like I'm not you, I don't think I'll ever enjoy it. I'm not looking to be reassured of that. I mean I know these people are trying to help but.....

I know how you feel. People are always so angry and upset on the roads. No one can ever be happy.

I can relate to that but I think worrying too much about it will probably create a self fulfilling prophecy. I have been driving for 10 years now with mixed results.
To begin with it was terrifying but after a while the part of your brain which is physically controlling the vehicle learns the motions pretty much automatically giving you more room to think about where you are going. You just have to concentrate on driving smoothly and predictably and make sure you have command of the vehicle.

Much of driving is about surviving and driving defensively. Just make sure you always have a map and a full tank and worry less about where you are going. If it is a problem on longer trips just keep finding safe places to stop and check your position. I have ended up making some outrageous detours in my time through taking the wrong exit.

I have also had some moderately severe accidents- This is purely down to luck apparently. You have to get over the fact that driving is dangerous for everyone. Some have collisions, some do not survive. You just cannot account for the random factor and if you can get over that initial fear I think you will enjoy the freedom driving allows, which is unlike anything else I have experienced.

I think with aspies it just takes a bit longer for us to get our licences as we mature later. I am 28 now and at 27 (April 2007) I got my learner permit (driving age is 18 here) and in 28 days will be going for my probationary licence. If I pass I will be on probation for three years so can drive alone with restrictions. i am only going for an automatic as all the multi tasking is difficult for me I advise waiting a couple of years until you feel ready then try and drive my aspie friend is 32 and just got his licence so if you arent ready hold off until you are ready and you will then be more successful.

The worst part is that if you choose not to drive people b***h about it endlessly:

"Why don't you drive? Are you afraid? Other drivers are dangerous, but you have to get over it. It's a necessity you know, unless you live in a city, since then you could use public transportation blah blah blah..." *incoherent prattling*

Now when people ask me why I don't drive, I just say "Because I hate it" and accompany it with a sour look. They usually stop.

I'm terrified of learning and I have a poor sense of direction. My parents have offered me a brand new car if I would learn. But then again I live in the city all I need is the subway and I'm fine.

But I have to learn if I plan on going to medical school out of state or decide to have a vacation home in a rural area.

i like driving when im alone or with patient people. but when there's someone else in the car who's impatient and like to scream at every little thing, i feel like crashing the car just to shut him up.