I understand you need to be safe but I don't want you to give up. I didn't get my license until i was 24 (so it took me eight years to learn.) It took another two years of having my license before I'd drive on the highway or take on the responsibility of driving a passenger. However, after that, I got comfortable and have done a road trip by myself which included an 18 hour drive. Driving is now something I love and enjoy, and I am not nervous at all.
Anyway, I noticed that you're in the UK. Do you have to have a driving instructor teach you or can someone you know teach you to drive? I was wondering if you actually know a fellow Aspie who is a good driver and can teach you? That way, they might already know what wouldn't come easily to you and could account for that. My dad taught me (he is AS) and he did a great job. (I also had tremendous difficulty with the driver's ed instructor and quit lessons.)
Also, my mom has difficulty with driving in unfamiliar locations because she is unable to read street signs and watch the traffic at the same time. She is a good driver but needs someone with her (or on the phone with her giving her turn-by-turn directions) if making a long trip. Is this an issue for you? If so, I would ask your instructor to make sure to give you extra warning on the directions in addition to driving pointers.
Good luck- be safe but don't give up!
19 Nov 2012, 5:14 pm
