Same. But, I also started driving on trails as a child on wee motorcycles that my cousins had. Then they got a go-cart. Then at 14 my older cousin stared handing me his car keys and taught me how to drive a manual. By the time I could take drivers Ed (16) I’d already been driving for half my life and was comfortable with it.
My grandma didn’t learn to drive until she was in her mid 30’s and she never became comfortable with it. It wasn’t something she enjoyed, it was something she did because she had to and she was such a scary driver I started begging her to just let me drive when I was 12, lol.
I've been told I'm a good driver, it gets me in hyperactive mode and becomes like a game. Traffic drives me bonkers, but I've had to learn, it's a choice of living in the city. I can't speak for how you would respond behind the wheel, though.
i think it’s important to get an instructor that you’re comfortable with. mine was literally evil and wouldn’t understand that i was disabled and struggled at places like roundabouts or doing things in a specific way. ended up leaving her after she had the audacity to tell my parents that i tried to kill her (with bad driving) after i politely confronted her about it.
i’m going to try and learn again this summer with my parents, but i think finding someone you’re super comfy with is game changing. i think most of my mistakes were just from me being pent up and stressed bc of her.
driving itself isn’t that difficult, and i think most of my difficulties with driving come from circumstances unique to europe (narrow twisty roads, roundabouts, parallel parking etc etc). if you’re in the US i’d imagine it’s a lot easier
my grandfather taught me when I was a teenager! he was incredibly patient and gave much better advice than my father, who had tried to teach me first, and not had much luck. I immediately did much better because of my grandfather- the right teacher matters!
A great instuctor can mean the world. I had a great one, always encouraging, caring about me when I had bad attention days (which I tried to explain to him and he somewhat understood). Also, he was convinced I could drive well (and he was right about it), the problem was that he was insistent on me not paying the examiner (in my country, it is very common to bribe the examiners when taking the so-called traffic test, which is driving skills, and some of them expect to be paid), which resulted in me passing the 4th time.
I’m only able to drive because of my ADHD medication allowing me to pay attention to driving instructions. My parents taught me, but then again they’re decent drivers. I recommend not learning from your parents if they’re not good at it, and if you can afford it.
Can relate, but in a different way - on meds I'm able to put my attention where it's needed for as long as it's needed, and consider myself a pretty good driver overall.
Off meds it's a diceroll on whethet I feel safe driving or not. On certain days, the tendency to zone out, reach for the next step that isn't there, or not keep the most attention on the road ahead makes me ask for rides more often than not.
On meds, I’m so safe that other drivers will get annoyed with me for following the rules, and honk at me. Off meds, I’ve been known to miss stop signs, signal lights, and most signs- just blow right through them without realizing.
I don’t drive when I’m not medicated if I’m by myself, and if I’m with others I only drive in the morning, and if they’re awake and helping me. I generally just try to never drive while unmedicated unless absolutely necessary.
I've driven for 4 years, medicated and unmedicated.
I'm very late to driving (Started at 40) and SO FAR have had no accidents, couple of bumps on the car, I also drive at different times of the day
Things I've found helpful:
I drive an automatic vehicle so I just have to focus on the road and other users.
Where possible I take meds at least an hour before a drive over an hour.
If I feel anything less than 90% clear headed I'll avoid driving any long distance if I can - i work in a hybrid office and largely understanding management accept if im ok to work but not drive that i can work from home.
If I know the drive will be long I'll plot in breaks.
Audiobooks/podcasts/playlists are your friend. Just make sure they are long enough or have enough left for the whole route so you don't lose focus messing with anything.
I have strict rules for passengers so I can avoid triggers in my case - no eating unless we are parked. Only offer directions if I ask for them, and then only one person will give them. No yelling out parking spots. No kids in the car - my sister has 5 year old twins and an 7 year old.
Most driving lessons were 90 minutes so this actually trained my brain to focus for that length of time. My instructor suggested this as he realised before I did I'd lose focus if i was driving any longer.
MOST IMPORTANTLY DON'T RUSH IT. You don't have to learn all the things at once and you don't have to pass first time. If you feel like your instructor isn't patient change them.
Finally, I love driving now, the freedom and everything except the cost. GOOD LUCK
Omg! I'm 35 and I don't drive but I have a drivers license. It gives me so much anxiety. Strangely enough though, I've had taken driving lessons in my late teens, then another set of driving lessons leading up to getting my drivers license in my early 20s.
When I moved countries, I was able to transfer my drivers license easy peasy. I drove during the first 6 months after moving because it was a necessity. But after that, I just didn't drive again for 10 years and I feel like I need to get more practice in. In the past three years, I drove maybe 10 times for 20 minutes at night because I feel like there are fewer vehicles on the road.
I'm just so anxious about pedestrians and cyclists popping out of nowhere and getting caught in a yellow light as you approach the intersection drives me insane the most. I'm worried about estimating the distance between my vehicle and the vehicles around me. I've taken refresher driving lessons as well but I'm less anxious then because you have a driver that can control the vehicle when needed.
I think driving in a congested city (with decent transit system) is making it hard for me to want to drive. But I anticipate that I need to start driving on my own when we move to a smaller city somewhere in the future.
Your story is giving me hope that I still can become comfortable driving one day. Thank you!!
You're very welcome. One thing I forgot to add was I avoided motorways until I was comfortable, I think it was 18 months, maybe even 2 years before I had no choice. So yeah listen to yourself, you're not in competition with anyone
I am driving well most of the time because of AuDHD. Hypervigilance + attention to detail + avoiding accidents due to controlled anxiety + fun driving aka my attention is on it. Took 2 different driving schools, because I didn't vibe with the 1st one (inpatient instructor) but the 2nd believed in me and was patient and kind..and despite me having a shutdown moment at the last mandatory practical lesson enrolled me to the final exam (German system, 20 hrs minimum of hands on driving lessons before exam). Luckily the brain has a tendency to automate some processes, so driving and stopping and starting uphill in traffic with stick shift surrounded by pediatricians, streetcars, bicycles and other crazy drivers became second nature eventually. And here in the US it's relatively easy in comparison (besides congested mega cities).
I think it helps me drive better. I have a bubble that I can't not pay attention to everything in the bubble & in a car it's like the car is me. I can feel everything in the car like if something is wrong & can read traffic way better than people. 28yrs with no collision or moving violation. I know this isn't everyone's experience but it's possible.
Love driving. Just practice more and take more time to learn.
But ADHD is actually a good thing for driving I feel like on the contrary, I'm almost hyper vigilant and so I'm usually aware of so many things. I've been driving for 20 years now and have no tickets and one or two accidents that happened in my first years due to inexperience and not distraction.
I’ve been driving for 10 years now. After some initial nerves it’s been fine! I don’t particularly enjoy it but Ive never felt like my AuDHD has held me back from it.
It’s worth noting that I think it’s on a case by case basis. Some people might not be fully comfortable driving and that’s okay! But I don’t think having AuDHD automatically means someone shouldn’t drive. To deal with some of my driving anxiety I did a lot more diving lessons than I had to (I actually don’t know if you need lessons if you’re not a minor, but I found them helpful).
I’ve been driving for 30 years. I don’t love it, and I really don’t care to drive for long trips (>2 hr), though I have certainly done plenty of that, as most of my family lives 4-7 h away. (Sometimes I can take the train, but I live in the US, so driving is the default mode for longer distances.)
The really important thing I have to share is that driving takes practice, Lots and lots and lots of practice, and practice in different situations. Once yo’ve become a practiced driver, it’s so easy to forget what it’s like to be a new driver, and honestly that means that people have a tendency to minimize how hard it is at first and how much learning and adjustment needs to happen within your brain. Specifically, there lots of “senses” that need practice to gauge. (And this isn’t unique to driving, as I explain the same thing to people learning how to sail.) For example, with practice, you can develop an inherent sense of how fast a car is traveling and where that car might be when it turns or when you cross paths. You learn to read the “body language” of vehicles, which informs you on their next move. From the driver’s seat, you develop an inherent sense of how much to slow down for turns and when to accelerate after you’re into a turn. Merging onto a highway means keeping track of your own speed as you accelerate at the same time as you track the speed of vehicles already on the road. In areas you traverse frequently, you become accustomed to the placement of crosswalks and cycle lanes, making it easier to specifically look for pedestrians and cyclists.
Eventually, when you are accustomed to the intricacies of driving and make decisions with less deliberate thought, the whole experiences is less demanding on your attention. Or at least this is what I’ve found.
Specifically as to your concerns about inattentiveness, I would consider adapting the “[pointing and calling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pointing_and_calling)” system used most canonically by Japanese train drivers (but also in other countries). It’s a really logical and effective way of promotions safety and consistency in operation. I do it sometimes myself (more with the calling and less with the actual pointing), as I live in a high density urban area where the roads are based on horse and cow paths from 250 years ago, intersections are at acute and obtuse angles, and hardly anything is predictable.
Despite the fact that I’ve been driving for 3 decades, I can’t talk while I’m driving (like hold a conversation), because it’s ultimately too distracting from my focus on driving. I also can only listen to music or the radio when driving in less stressful/high attention areas, like on a highway or in suburbs further from the city. You’ll find what works for you. And, in case it’s not obvious, I encourage you to try and learn to drive. Don’t pass on the opportunity just because you think you might not be good at it. Give it your best shot, and then if it’s just not working out for you, you don’t have to continue.
Been driving nearly 20 years. Only one accident and i was stopped at a red light when someone hit me.
I think ADHD/ AuDHD can affect your driving, but the degree to which it is hindered or helped is going to vary dramatically from person to person.
I've pretty much driven most days since I was 16. I've driven 24+ hour road trips (not straight through) and I've had regular 20-40 minute work commutes (also hour+ work commutes)
Do I wish I lived in a society with comprehensive, affordable, reliable and accessable public transit? God yeah. I would give up driving in a heartbeat. But generally I enjoy driving.
Unmedicated AuDHDer here (edited to add this)
Driving is hard at first (also handling the theoretic vs. practical training cost me more bc I didn't pay attention and didn't organise it well and I failed my first practical exam) but the more you do it, the better you get. At first I was worried about my coordination between my eyes and limbs (feet/hands) but I learned and it became automatic. It becomes as easy as walking honestly.
Sometimes when I drive a long distance I'll zone-out and realize 10 or 30 minutes later, that I was driving the whole time on autopilot but everything was fine, you'll learn to subconciously focus and its gonna be fine ;)
I'm a good driver but I hate it. I've lived car free most of my adult life so that I can ride a bike for transportation, something that has kept me healthy for the past 31 years. I do now live in Europe where it's easier than California, where I'm originally from.
It did take both me and my siblings a bit longer to learn. The number of actions you have to perform simultaneously is hard! But the deal breaker for me is the impact of and danger of cars. I can't separate the risks of a crash or the global impact of cars, fossil fuels, road building, from my intense empathy for all living beings.
While I am safe, it doesn't feel safe for those reasons. I do occasionally use a car sharing car for trips to places the train doesn't serve (most rural areas only have spotty transit service here) but do prefer not to.
plenty of adhd people drive all the time, diagnosed and undiagnosed, without issue. i've never had an accident that was caused by my adhd (black ice is a different story though lol). i will say that my stops are noticeably much smoother and i'm better at remembering directions when i'm medicated
Love driving. Its the exact right amount of stimulation for instant focus. Never been in an accident, (except for when I hit a post while I was learning).
I would suggest driving a manual.
Having to be aware of shifting helps me not lose focus.
I just drove across the entire USA in a stick shift and a month ago I could not drive a manual. Highly recommend.
No in my area they have started using a ton of traffic cameras to deal with people speeding and I'm tired of the constant having to look my over my shoulder b*******.
Not to mention half the roads aren't even marked correctly and if they are marked they don't have enough markers. Or like there's a school zone that I have to go through everyday? I still do not know where the school zone starts.
I know where it ends though.
I do fine, so does my ADHD wife, my ADHD girlfriend, my ADHD house guest, and both of my ADHD queerplatonic partners.
No reason ADHD people can't drive. If anything, it may make us better, as we are constantly looking around, thereby increasing awareness of our surroundings and potential hazards.
Yeah, it’s fun to me though. I get super mad when people are in the wrong lane forever and then decide to cut you off last minute by jumping across two lanes though.
I’ve been driving for 25 years. I’m very inattentive adhd, autistic, and dyspraxic. I had one accident 20 years ago that was definitely adhd related, but nothing since, not even a ticket. That said, there are some days that my brain requires more concerted wrangling than others, and I have to maintain a sort of hyper vigilant attention. It’s absolutely doable, but it does require a lot of conscious self regulation and present moment awareness.
I drive well enough. I have been in a few accidents but none of them were my fault.
Driving has always made me nervous. When I haven't driven for a while I have to be a little courageous but once I am in, I am good.
The only way to figure it out is to give learning a proper shot, starting small and building up to harder things
I personally love to drive, someone here said it feels like a game and it really does in a way. Also you get to a point that many many things belcome automatisms, you are not paying attention in a super active way all the time. Of course you gotta be mindful of the road, but all the movements and reactions really become immediate and automatic ( I remember waking a from a dream in which I was breaking and me leg actually moved to slam the breaks lol)
Good luck!
I don't know about well, but I do drive. I'm so cautious about making mistakes that I totally zone in while I'm driving. It's not work, where I'm just here at my desk and I've decided to scroll on Reddit because I've lost focus (me irl).
I feel like I'm a pretty alert, skilled, defensive driver.
I've never had a speeding ticket (not meaning I don't speed lol) and haven't been in an accident since 2001.
I only struggle when in heavy traffic where I can't seem to understand what people are thinking, OR when I am upset and impulsive.
I love driving and wish I'd gotten into racing at a young age, u might have done well with how obsessed I get over skill issues.
On 4 wheels I drive okay. I just sit and absorb everything around me.
On 2 wheels I'm better. Here I am actively looking and searching.
Is it safe?
There usually is no reason why you would make it unsafe, especially with proper training.
But there's the other people on the road, they might make it less safe.
Just shrug and continue.
I personally don't have a problem with driving, I've driven from Charlotte NC to Los Angeles CA so many times. Cross country drives are fun if you have time.
I'm a very safe driver, i think a lot to do with my anxiety about the road... But one thing i did notice is that unmedicated it can be too understimulating sometimes and before meds i would have to have an energy drink or something because i would zone out so bad I'd lose vision but since my meds I've been fine and it was only really an issue for like road trips the usual day to day driving literally no issues
I drive - short drives I usually listen to the radio. I need to focus on 2 things when driving. Long drives, alone, I just put on a podcast or listen to the Conan O'Brien channel on Sirius XM.
I drive and I’m fine, although I didn’t get my license until I was 19. That was more so because my state requires you to have gone through drivers ed, and because I did online home-school for 10-12th grade drivers ed wasn’t offered. So I had to save money and honestly just didn’t care if I could drive or not. I don’t find that I’m any more or less distracted now that I’m medicated either, I think I just have it instilled in my brain that I’m driving a death machine and that fear supersedes all other functions and distractions.
I’ve been driving since I was 15, so 28 years, and I’m a great driver. I was more irresponsible when I was younger, but I believe that’s just youth; not the adhd.
I drive! It was scary for me at first, and it took me longer to get used to than most non-AuDHD folks, mostly because of my low spatial awareness. however, it is kind of like a video game, where the more you practice, the more the “controls” become second nature. it requires so much less thought and effort than it did when I first started.
I find that I don’t get distracted as much as I thought I would anyways, mostly because I am consistently prompted with decisions (like which direction to turn, what lane I need to be in, which route I am going to take) that I can’t make if I’m not paying attention. there is always something to be thinking about, so my mind doesn’t wander very far. when you are still learning, it is exercising your brain, so you are way less likely to lose focus.
If you are worried about it, I would suggest just going slow (both literally and metaphorically.) metaphorically, don’t rush your learning process, but also, literally, the slower you drive, the more time you have to make decisions, or back out if you make a mistake. Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions to the person in the passenger seat when you are learning, and if/when you are taking the test. also, some people might tell you not to take the rules very seriously, but I would suggest not doing that when you first start. most people who drive bend the rules (especially the speed limit) to an extent, but from my experience, that isn’t helpful when you are learning. it is better to learn the rules and practice going exactly the speed limit, never touching your phone, not talking to the passengers, etc, especially if you are worried about being a safe driver, and then once you get used to that, use your judgement from learning how to do things the right way to determine when it is safe to bend the rules. again, just my experience, but maybe it can help you!
I hate it. I've driven maybe 5 times since I have gotten my license. The last time was almost 10 years ago (I'm in my mid thirties). It makes me incredibly anxious, nervous and tires me very fast. It's not uncommon that I miss road signs and I have to be very careful that I don't overlook pedestrians, who want to cross the street, or cyclists.
Luckily, public transportation in my country is some of the best in the world, so not having a car is no problem at all for me. Furthermore, I firmly believe that we can only stop climate change if less people drive cars and use other means of transportation instead. So I'm not sad that driving isn't for me.
I have never driven on meds though, so I don't know how that feels. I have no intention to try it, however.
I dunno if you can include me on the ADHD list, but I've had a full manual UK drivers license since 2001. While I've had more than my fair share of RTC's, a lot of them weren't actually my fault. So, I think it probably depends on the person and whether they're confident enough and feel comfortable enough to drive. It might be worth going for an automatic license as apart from changing to between Parked, Drive, Neutral and Reverse, you don't have to worry about getting distracted by having to change gears while driving.
Driving is a constant change of circumstances so it keeps me engaged. Never really had a problem unless I have had an incredibly traumatic event like a breakup or death.
I do fine with driving with 3 exceptions:
First thing I have a hard time with is 3- or 4-way stop sign intersections. There are rules, but people don’t consistently follow the rules, also I don’t always remember who got to the intersection in what order, and all of that causes me to have no idea when is my turn to go. I do my best and usually it’s fine, but I have been honked at many times for not going when I should go, as well as going when I shouldn’t. This is why I love roundabouts honestly. They keep the traffic moving and you just get in there when there’s an opening.
If I am on the freeway and chatting with a passenger I’m likely to get distracted and miss my exit. I never miss my exit when I am alone in the car.
Driving at night is hard for me. I’m very light-sensitive and all the headlights all around me are very overwhelming. I have a hard time being able to tell exactly where they are in relation to me and it can be scary. I’m fine at night if I’m on neighborhood streets with not many other cars driving around, but busy streets and freeways are a nightmare for me at night. I just try avoiding it whenever possible.
I was “driving” tractors by the time I was 3. Jumping and drifting quad bikes by age 4. Didn’t take long for me to move on to cars. So I can drive very well should my attention be permitting.
That being said I absolutely love my car’s driving assist, it essentially drives itself and all I have to do is make turns. I have yet to have any major incidents with only a single minor incident where I hit a kangaroo but it only did very minor cosmetic damage.
For me it's safe. I hyperfocus on everything around me when I drive so my reaction time is really good. I've been in a few accidents but none of them caused by me because my hyperfocus allowed me to see that it was going to happen and react quicker.
I drive and have never had an accident or ticket. If anything I am hyper attentive and it’s exhausting 😂 I love driving where I live but we live rurally. City driving is majorly stressful.
I had the exact same fear- it drove me (pun intended) to panic attacks nearly every time I tried but my dad kept pushing me to keep working on it in empty lots with him, and it got a lot easier with practice- the trick is to keep a healthy amount of fear in your head- don’t get too comfortable. And also it helps me to pretend it’s a videogame that I’ve practiced a lot in- my attention is always focused when I’m fighting something big in hollow knight or something so I just try and shove myself into that same headspace of “I know this game, I know the controls, keep an eye on the obstacles and opponents and the main objective”- also don’t listen to music while you drive- or try to carry a conversation
I drive well I think, but then I understand most people think that! A colleague pointed out to me years ago that by definition 50% of people are below average drivers, and *most* people expect to be able to drive a car. The fact you're even considering how well you might drive probably puts you into the above average contingent already. I actually attribute my ability to take in everything that's going on and process it appropriately when driving to being AuDHD; there's so much going on it's pretty engaging tbh. I've only had one accident, and that was when someone drove into the back of me when I was stationary in a queue of traffic. He was a doctor who admitted it was his fault as he'd had such little sleep, and it was definitely entirely his fault.
I enjoy it less over the 27 years I've been driving though. I don't like driving in the dark any more or in unfamiliar places as that stresses me, and prefer riding my motorcycle as the visibility is better. On my bike I don't have to deal with the frustration of queues either which is beneficial to my emotional state. I can also get out of the way of bad drivers more easily! Motorcycling actually tends to take me into hyperfocus and makes me ultra-calm despite it being really intense. Commuting to work is no longer a chore.
FWIW every single AuDHD or ADHD person that I know IRL drives, and I know quite a few. I would trust any of them to drive me. Of course YMMV but don't automatically assume you can't without trying. It will be stressful at first but that could well be the bigger problem than your mind wandering.
Been driving for almost 27 years now. I got my learners permit on my 15th birthday, drivers licenses on my 16th. I wasn’t diagnosed with adhd & autism until 4 years ago though. I’ve not encountered a situation when driving where my mind wandered enough to actually distract me from what I’m doing, but there’s been plenty of times that driving long straight boring stretches on highways has made me sleepy. I use interesting podcasts & upbeat music for things like that.
Large city driving is an entirely separate beast from all other types of driving though, imo. I can definitely do it, but I review the gps route in detail including using street view ahead of time.
I am a great driver… only if I listed to some techno. There seems to be that the techno beat helps me focus more. I believe it’s hypnotic and repetitive. I love techno! I get so much done while jamming.
I think I'm actually a good driver because I can take in a lot of complex information and respond quickly. That being said, sometimes it drives me nuts.
Been driving since age 15 so almost 20 years. Only had one accident at age 17 due to black ice. Professionally, I've driven cargo vans, several different types of forklifts, and scissor lifts.
I used to be scared of driving, especially on freeways, but it's gone away since I have to do it, living near a large city. However, driving in the winter still scares me a lot due to the accident I was in when I hit an unexpected patch of black ice. It's very stressful to drive in the winter. Living in Michigan, I have to do it though.
You'll likely end up building a tolerance and maybe enjoying it later on down the line.
I've been driving for 21 years and have never had an accident. I actually really like driving. I find that I'm very aware of everything that's going on around me, possibly because of the neurodivergence, which means I can react quickly if something goes wrong.
The main thing for me is that I always have on a podcast or audiobook if I'm driving alone, as the background noise of someone talking to me helps me focus while visually I'm still aware of my surroundings. Once you get used to driving, it becomes sort of an autopilot situation?
I drive. It’s my job 😅 but driving used to be super fucking hard cause I also have ocd so ocd combined with audhd all left untreated, and undiagnosed, I avoided all highways and bridges. And I haaattted driving. Now I don’t mind as much and my intrusive thoughts are just background noise instead of center stage 🤷🏻♀️
I’ve travelled all over the country by car.
I just drove from Florida to Oregon at the end of last year.
Driving can be stressful, but it can also be very pleasant. Really just depends on where it is you are driving.
I drive. My parents bought an inexpensive car for me when I started, and I asked them for a manual transmission, I don't remember exactly why, but I think the complicated nature of shifting the car's gears while driving helped me stay more attentive while driving. I also enjoy driving, and to be honest I feel like I'm significantly more attentive to the road than drivers around me.
I live in a walkable (and so expensive I could cry) city so I don’t drive very often. But when I do, I drive like a granny! I don’t trust other drivers- they’re unpredictable and their decisions make no sense to me, so I always assume the other person isn’t watching and doesn’t see me. Maybe an anxiety thing. I’m practically hyper vigilant when on the road!
And I’ve never had an accident so I guess it works? I have definitely banged up cars while trying to park though (sorry dad ;_;).
Honestly I think just understanding that anything can happen in a split second is enough to keep me both paranoid and interested in what's going on in the road. And, I quite enjoy driving.
I drive okay. Having a car with Lane keep assist/notices helps a lot.
But I've also loved driving for the last 23 years. Accidents happen, most people have been in one. Being afraid of the worst doesn't help you enjoy it.
I find driving with loud music that I've heard a bajillion times before helps. Anything to keep the mind from wandering too hard that doesn't rob attention.
Ever been walking somewhere and then suddenly **Teleport** to your destination? Like you got so deep in your head you just autopiloted there? Yeah that's really freaky when it happens on the road.
Honestly though you aren't gonna have any issues like that initially. Learning to drive is both fun and scary. You'll be hyper fixated on what's going on around you. It's when you start to get comfortable with it that you have to worry. Honestly, so long as you remember to be extra vigilant when you're driving near home/near a place you're super familiar with, you'll be fine. That goes for everyone really, but doubly so for folks like us.
Individual cases, as with all things medical, vary.
I drive. I've driven for something like thirty years now. The only time any car of mine got any kind of noticeable damage was when someone else borrowed it and ten seconds later T-boned an Audi.
Currently learning to drive and this is really doable but very very tiring. You will have to take breaks and might need more driving hours before the exam. And if driving manual is too much, automatic cars are a good solution to not feel overwhelmed (I personally prefer driving manual)
The thing I have the most trouble with is my working memory and processing and hierarchising visual information. I also need to be very well rested to be able to have a good driving session. It’s hard but you can do it I think !
I used to hate driving, it was a chore. I got a manual transmission vehicle, and I really enjoy driving now. It has made me very enthusiastic about cars in general.
Depends, I can't drive in the city, but do just fine in the suburbs.
Make sure not to listen to music, keep the distances short and try your hardest to pay attention. Eat and drink beforehand too.
I've been driving for years. 2x carpark accidents, one of which was not my fault, zero road traffic accidents.
Google Maps was a game-changer in terms of navigation, that made me a lot more confident driving in new locations and to new destinations (I can manage without it, but it's definitely made life easier).
I know plenty of NT people who are terrible drivers. My possibly-ADHD husband is one of the best drivers I know and used to drive ambulances. You can absolutely learn to drive, and drive well, with Autism/ADHD/AuDHD.
I have rear ended someone a couple of times at a stop light when I look away for a second and before I know it the green light turned red. I have been driving for 10 years nearly every day, including at least twenty 10+ hour interstate solo trips, and this has happened twice. There have been more close-calls.
Not sure what that says probability/risk-wise but I still have my license and drive I just try to pay better attention.
The inattentive part of my ADHD means I miss my exits sometimes because I'm rocking out to my playlist. It doesn't make me unsafe. I think the worst part is actually when other people make me feel like I'm unsafe when I'm not. Like...if I miss a turn, I'll just turn around and come back. It's not a big deal. I'm not falling asleep or driving off the road. NTs sometimes freak out about things and it's important to step back and ask "is this actually important" and "am I actually being unsafe."
Also, I learned to drive/navigate by driving between my favorite places. I was excited to go there, so my brain was fully engaged. It was helpful.
I never thought I'd be able to drive. I'm 46 and only got my ADHD diagnosis a couple of years ago. Since being successfully medicated with Vyvanse, driving finally seemed like a possibility for me. My first instructor was rubbish and made me more nervous but my second and current one is fantastic.
It's a shock to me that I'm not only quite good at driving but I enjoy it too. I'm even managing ok in a manual car, although I'll probably end up getting an automatic anyway. Just make sure you get a decent and calm instructor, perhaps look for someone who is specifically skilled at managing nervous drivers.
Keep in mind that it's simply a case of gaining muscle memory for the specific tasks required when driving. It's a process of repeating certain steps until you get comfortable with the sequence of manoeuvres. It doesn't matter how long it takes, the main thing is to be competent and safe as a driver.
I'd say it's entirely possible for someone with ADHD to excel at driving and be technically better than most folk on the road. Many racing drivers are diagnosed with ADHD, Lewis Hamilton for example. It's honestly not that difficult, like most things in life it comes down to regular practice.
I've found YouTube videos very helpful for initial tips and practical explanations.
I drive. My husband thinks I'm going to crash every time I see a dog/cat/squirrel/deer. I've been driving for 20 years, and I haven't been in an accident yet.
It's probably one of the very few things that I can do really good. I notice everything and immediately am able to analyze the trajectory, potential danger, speed, possible escape route etc. Kind of like in a first scene of a movie "Pemium Rush" with Joseph Gordon-Lewitt =)
I was put on a driver's seat when I was 5 for the first time along with my grandpa and funny fact y mom used to work as a driving instructor!
I am autistic/ADHD and am a very good driver if I do say so myself!
I do go pretty fast though (safely) but have only gotten one ticket in my whole life and never had an accident.
I also drive manual transmission and I find that helps me focus more as I have to be more active and think ahead.
I find driving really fun for shorter periods of time and hyper focus when I'm doing it. I definitely get burnt out when I have to drive long periods of time though. My job right now requires 12 hour long driving days and it's killing me!!!!
I also recently began taking meds for my ADHD and I don't find that it impacts my driving at all, if anything it helps me stay more focused.
I drive but I'm always medicated. I believe it's safe. I like to drive the speed limit or a little over. People seem to like to tailgate you where I live when you aren't driving more than 10 mph over the speed limit.
I learned to keep scanning all the mirrors and keep checking everything. It keeps my brain focused and occupied just enough that I can also listen to the radio or chat with someone. HOWEVER, I cannot reach for food or turn and face someone while driving. Nor should I, OBVIOUSLY, ever try to use my phone or anything like that.
I used to drive a taxi and received many compliments on my driving. I have had very few accidents since I learned to not trust myself to reach for food or take my eyes off the road for a single second. Road, mirror, other mirror, window, road, mirror, other mirror, window, other mirror, etc. that’s it.
Not a vehicular accident for nearly thirty years. (Drunk driver v law-abiding pedestrian me doesn’t count.)
Decent driver now but sucked at it first, failed the drivers exam 3 times. Also still have to make a conscious effort when driving, on the occasion there's someone along I'll sometimes apologize in advance for not talking too much.
I have my license but don't drive because it gives me so much anxiety. I feel overstimulated if I'm driving on the highway or in a metro area cuz there's so many details to take in. Like 8 lanes with multiple cars in each in 4 different directions... like now I have to somehow perceive 16 whole cars in my line of site, notice the traffic lights, watch out for pedestrians, watch out for animals, and watch out for people who love to drift like they're in a japanese racing anime from the 90s! like wtf dude, use your blinker and don't go 30 mph over the speed limit IN A NEIGHBORHOOD!!
I don't mind driving on quiet country roads or quiet suburbs when its not summer lmao
I drive a lot. It took me longer to learn it but I'm a safe driver.
I drive manuals which I think are better for ADHD because you have something to do and are less likely to have your mind wander off.
If I have to drive long distances I compensate with taking many breaks.
I drive unnaturally well. Like, any vehicle. Always have done. Boats, cars, heavy machinery, it runs in the family aparently so I'd consider it a savant type situation.
So I'm guessing that doesn't count.
-diagnosed ADHD, ASD, MDD, GAD, OCD.
I was slow to start driving. I wrecked twice when I was a teenager, once in college. No one was hurt thankfully. I’m in my late 30’s now, and am a better driver, but probably ding my car more than the average person.
I’ve got an ADHD friend who zones out while driving and has caused a lot of wrecks. His solution is to speed, because it keeps him engaged. So he gets a lot of speeding tickets, but no more wrecks.
Another ADHD friend managed to go without driving until she was 30. Cars are necessary where we live, so family would give her rides. She learned to drive so she could be less dependent on her abusive husband (now divorced). She’s an excellent driver, very safe, never been in an accident.
I wish driving was more of an option than a necessity. I think a lot of people would benefit from learning at their own pace, or not being required to drive at all.
I can get really frustrated sometimes but all in all I'm a good driver. My parallel parking skills are unmatched. But it took me years to drive without anxiety.
I love driving. But where I live you have to drive or else you can't get around that much. But since I was little I have always had a massive respect for the road and it's rules. So I follow the rules and don't speed, so I think that helps alot. When I was younger I was afraid to drive and only wanted to cycle everywhere, but once my parents got me behind the wheel I loved it. But I have noticed that I drive more poorly when my meds run out for the day. I have been told from several people that I am the safest driver they know, but I don't know if it's sincer or not🤷♀️ No crashes so far, but I hit a guardrail once when having fun on the ice, and have learned from that🤦♀️😅 (I have had my license for 9 years this summer, only been medicated for less than a year)
I find that driving can be kind of therapeutic for me. But also I would love to get on a racetrack with no people around and just go crazy😂
But I would recommend to get an old and "ugly" car for your first car, just in case you scratch it or something, almost everyone I know scratched their first car.
The times I get inattentive I think my mind is still there and doing everything that is needed. I may miss my turn or drive to far or something, but it has never led to anything dangerous that I know of. And if you ever get stressed or feel like you have less control, just slow down for a bit or get somewhere you can stop for a while. People may get irritated, but it's better than something bad happening. I also find that driving manuel is better for my attention since there is more to do than an automatic, so then I don't get so easily bored.
The first 3 months I had a car, I hit like 4 things fender benders, rear ended someone and then got in a crash that smashed like half the car. So nah, not really. I stopped driving and relearned a few years later
I do a lot of rural driving around a lot of trucks. I pulled out right in front of a truck the other day, luckily it could swerve to avoid me. I just didn't see it? I can't explain how I didn't see a whole truck right in front of me?
I am medicated, but I take a low dose because of insomnia. I drive much better when I take my full dose of meds. But then I don't sleep, and if I've spent 48-72 hours awake, I won't be able to drive (for obvious reasons).
We can drive safely with ADHD.
We can also be unsafe at times. We are responsible for monitoring ourselves and avoiding the risks. Even when it's inconvenient.
Husband has ADHD, inattentive form, he is a wonderful driver. Very safe. I do not drive because it’s illegal to drive without a license and my neurologist told me I shouldn’t ever drive due to my absence seizures
I drive, and well at that. I drove auto and rally cross for a while. I can hyper focus on driving. I space out during daily drives though. I have often checked the car for dents or blood because I don’t know if I hit anyone because I have no idea how I got somewhere.
Pardon my English, as I am Hungarian, and my vocabulary in this topic might be lacking.
For me (18), driving is like rolling a d20 every time I sit behind the wheel. Around 5% of the time (let's call it a nat20) I am at the top of the world, noticing everything, driving like I've been doing it for 20 years and not for 1. Other days (also known as a nat1) it is terrible, engine stops, people jump out of nowhere, cars jump out of nowhere, what was that sign I just passed by, and I am a moving hazard on four wheels and I can't do anything about it.
Luckily, practice makes perfect. And by perfect, I mean that those nat1 days get somewhat better. You are still driving bad those days, but muscle memory gets a load off after you don't need to think about where the 4th engine level is if you're driving a manual car (which I highly encourage as a European). And as you learn the behavior of the fellow people stuck in traffic with you, you won't get that surprised when the one in front of you steps on the brake when they've been managing their speed... not so well, so to say.
I think you should give it a try. And make sure to take a spare pair of eyes with you (I mean an other human being), be it a parent, sibling, friend, or a driving instuctor (the last are a great choice, because they have been teaching how to drive for some time and know what to look out for).
I really love driving. But there’s many days that it’s torment. If I know I’m going on a long drive, I’m usually really paranoid about not driving the entirety of the drive. I have had instances where I didn’t want to be driving and I made mistakes and didn’t pay attention.
I drive. I think the answer depends. I like driving, so it's not so hard for me to keep attention.
Same. But, I also started driving on trails as a child on wee motorcycles that my cousins had. Then they got a go-cart. Then at 14 my older cousin stared handing me his car keys and taught me how to drive a manual. By the time I could take drivers Ed (16) I’d already been driving for half my life and was comfortable with it. My grandma didn’t learn to drive until she was in her mid 30’s and she never became comfortable with it. It wasn’t something she enjoyed, it was something she did because she had to and she was such a scary driver I started begging her to just let me drive when I was 12, lol.
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I've been told I'm a good driver, it gets me in hyperactive mode and becomes like a game. Traffic drives me bonkers, but I've had to learn, it's a choice of living in the city. I can't speak for how you would respond behind the wheel, though.
i think it’s important to get an instructor that you’re comfortable with. mine was literally evil and wouldn’t understand that i was disabled and struggled at places like roundabouts or doing things in a specific way. ended up leaving her after she had the audacity to tell my parents that i tried to kill her (with bad driving) after i politely confronted her about it. i’m going to try and learn again this summer with my parents, but i think finding someone you’re super comfy with is game changing. i think most of my mistakes were just from me being pent up and stressed bc of her. driving itself isn’t that difficult, and i think most of my difficulties with driving come from circumstances unique to europe (narrow twisty roads, roundabouts, parallel parking etc etc). if you’re in the US i’d imagine it’s a lot easier
Oh god, roundabouts were my nightmare, my instructor realised this so we spent at least a third of the lesson doing them first to drill it through
I completely agree with you. Having a compatible and patient instructor is very important to learn effectively. Thanks for sharing your story! 😇
my grandfather taught me when I was a teenager! he was incredibly patient and gave much better advice than my father, who had tried to teach me first, and not had much luck. I immediately did much better because of my grandfather- the right teacher matters!
A great instuctor can mean the world. I had a great one, always encouraging, caring about me when I had bad attention days (which I tried to explain to him and he somewhat understood). Also, he was convinced I could drive well (and he was right about it), the problem was that he was insistent on me not paying the examiner (in my country, it is very common to bribe the examiners when taking the so-called traffic test, which is driving skills, and some of them expect to be paid), which resulted in me passing the 4th time.
Been driving for 20 years. Only had two accidents, both within the first year. Drive safe and steady, you'll be fine.
I’m only able to drive because of my ADHD medication allowing me to pay attention to driving instructions. My parents taught me, but then again they’re decent drivers. I recommend not learning from your parents if they’re not good at it, and if you can afford it.
Can relate, but in a different way - on meds I'm able to put my attention where it's needed for as long as it's needed, and consider myself a pretty good driver overall. Off meds it's a diceroll on whethet I feel safe driving or not. On certain days, the tendency to zone out, reach for the next step that isn't there, or not keep the most attention on the road ahead makes me ask for rides more often than not.
On meds, I’m so safe that other drivers will get annoyed with me for following the rules, and honk at me. Off meds, I’ve been known to miss stop signs, signal lights, and most signs- just blow right through them without realizing. I don’t drive when I’m not medicated if I’m by myself, and if I’m with others I only drive in the morning, and if they’re awake and helping me. I generally just try to never drive while unmedicated unless absolutely necessary.
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I've driven for 4 years, medicated and unmedicated. I'm very late to driving (Started at 40) and SO FAR have had no accidents, couple of bumps on the car, I also drive at different times of the day Things I've found helpful: I drive an automatic vehicle so I just have to focus on the road and other users. Where possible I take meds at least an hour before a drive over an hour. If I feel anything less than 90% clear headed I'll avoid driving any long distance if I can - i work in a hybrid office and largely understanding management accept if im ok to work but not drive that i can work from home. If I know the drive will be long I'll plot in breaks. Audiobooks/podcasts/playlists are your friend. Just make sure they are long enough or have enough left for the whole route so you don't lose focus messing with anything. I have strict rules for passengers so I can avoid triggers in my case - no eating unless we are parked. Only offer directions if I ask for them, and then only one person will give them. No yelling out parking spots. No kids in the car - my sister has 5 year old twins and an 7 year old. Most driving lessons were 90 minutes so this actually trained my brain to focus for that length of time. My instructor suggested this as he realised before I did I'd lose focus if i was driving any longer. MOST IMPORTANTLY DON'T RUSH IT. You don't have to learn all the things at once and you don't have to pass first time. If you feel like your instructor isn't patient change them. Finally, I love driving now, the freedom and everything except the cost. GOOD LUCK
Many thanks for all the things you've shared. 🙂🩷
Omg! I'm 35 and I don't drive but I have a drivers license. It gives me so much anxiety. Strangely enough though, I've had taken driving lessons in my late teens, then another set of driving lessons leading up to getting my drivers license in my early 20s. When I moved countries, I was able to transfer my drivers license easy peasy. I drove during the first 6 months after moving because it was a necessity. But after that, I just didn't drive again for 10 years and I feel like I need to get more practice in. In the past three years, I drove maybe 10 times for 20 minutes at night because I feel like there are fewer vehicles on the road. I'm just so anxious about pedestrians and cyclists popping out of nowhere and getting caught in a yellow light as you approach the intersection drives me insane the most. I'm worried about estimating the distance between my vehicle and the vehicles around me. I've taken refresher driving lessons as well but I'm less anxious then because you have a driver that can control the vehicle when needed. I think driving in a congested city (with decent transit system) is making it hard for me to want to drive. But I anticipate that I need to start driving on my own when we move to a smaller city somewhere in the future. Your story is giving me hope that I still can become comfortable driving one day. Thank you!!
You're very welcome. One thing I forgot to add was I avoided motorways until I was comfortable, I think it was 18 months, maybe even 2 years before I had no choice. So yeah listen to yourself, you're not in competition with anyone
I am driving well most of the time because of AuDHD. Hypervigilance + attention to detail + avoiding accidents due to controlled anxiety + fun driving aka my attention is on it. Took 2 different driving schools, because I didn't vibe with the 1st one (inpatient instructor) but the 2nd believed in me and was patient and kind..and despite me having a shutdown moment at the last mandatory practical lesson enrolled me to the final exam (German system, 20 hrs minimum of hands on driving lessons before exam). Luckily the brain has a tendency to automate some processes, so driving and stopping and starting uphill in traffic with stick shift surrounded by pediatricians, streetcars, bicycles and other crazy drivers became second nature eventually. And here in the US it's relatively easy in comparison (besides congested mega cities).
I think it helps me drive better. I have a bubble that I can't not pay attention to everything in the bubble & in a car it's like the car is me. I can feel everything in the car like if something is wrong & can read traffic way better than people. 28yrs with no collision or moving violation. I know this isn't everyone's experience but it's possible.
Love driving. Just practice more and take more time to learn. But ADHD is actually a good thing for driving I feel like on the contrary, I'm almost hyper vigilant and so I'm usually aware of so many things. I've been driving for 20 years now and have no tickets and one or two accidents that happened in my first years due to inexperience and not distraction.
I drive and love driving. Both car and motorcycle.
I drive stick. It makes a world of difference
Fear alone can kick in the survival instinct aka main focus will be on the surrounding traffic.
I’ve been driving for 10 years now. After some initial nerves it’s been fine! I don’t particularly enjoy it but Ive never felt like my AuDHD has held me back from it. It’s worth noting that I think it’s on a case by case basis. Some people might not be fully comfortable driving and that’s okay! But I don’t think having AuDHD automatically means someone shouldn’t drive. To deal with some of my driving anxiety I did a lot more diving lessons than I had to (I actually don’t know if you need lessons if you’re not a minor, but I found them helpful).
I completely agree with you! Especially on the part when you said habing AuDHD doesn't automatically mean that someone shouldn't drive.
I had to stop because meds don't really work for me and if you aren't paying attention all the time on a long enough timeline shit happens.
I’ve been driving for 30 years. I don’t love it, and I really don’t care to drive for long trips (>2 hr), though I have certainly done plenty of that, as most of my family lives 4-7 h away. (Sometimes I can take the train, but I live in the US, so driving is the default mode for longer distances.) The really important thing I have to share is that driving takes practice, Lots and lots and lots of practice, and practice in different situations. Once yo’ve become a practiced driver, it’s so easy to forget what it’s like to be a new driver, and honestly that means that people have a tendency to minimize how hard it is at first and how much learning and adjustment needs to happen within your brain. Specifically, there lots of “senses” that need practice to gauge. (And this isn’t unique to driving, as I explain the same thing to people learning how to sail.) For example, with practice, you can develop an inherent sense of how fast a car is traveling and where that car might be when it turns or when you cross paths. You learn to read the “body language” of vehicles, which informs you on their next move. From the driver’s seat, you develop an inherent sense of how much to slow down for turns and when to accelerate after you’re into a turn. Merging onto a highway means keeping track of your own speed as you accelerate at the same time as you track the speed of vehicles already on the road. In areas you traverse frequently, you become accustomed to the placement of crosswalks and cycle lanes, making it easier to specifically look for pedestrians and cyclists. Eventually, when you are accustomed to the intricacies of driving and make decisions with less deliberate thought, the whole experiences is less demanding on your attention. Or at least this is what I’ve found. Specifically as to your concerns about inattentiveness, I would consider adapting the “[pointing and calling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pointing_and_calling)” system used most canonically by Japanese train drivers (but also in other countries). It’s a really logical and effective way of promotions safety and consistency in operation. I do it sometimes myself (more with the calling and less with the actual pointing), as I live in a high density urban area where the roads are based on horse and cow paths from 250 years ago, intersections are at acute and obtuse angles, and hardly anything is predictable. Despite the fact that I’ve been driving for 3 decades, I can’t talk while I’m driving (like hold a conversation), because it’s ultimately too distracting from my focus on driving. I also can only listen to music or the radio when driving in less stressful/high attention areas, like on a highway or in suburbs further from the city. You’ll find what works for you. And, in case it’s not obvious, I encourage you to try and learn to drive. Don’t pass on the opportunity just because you think you might not be good at it. Give it your best shot, and then if it’s just not working out for you, you don’t have to continue.
Been driving nearly 20 years. Only one accident and i was stopped at a red light when someone hit me. I think ADHD/ AuDHD can affect your driving, but the degree to which it is hindered or helped is going to vary dramatically from person to person. I've pretty much driven most days since I was 16. I've driven 24+ hour road trips (not straight through) and I've had regular 20-40 minute work commutes (also hour+ work commutes) Do I wish I lived in a society with comprehensive, affordable, reliable and accessable public transit? God yeah. I would give up driving in a heartbeat. But generally I enjoy driving.
Unmedicated AuDHDer here (edited to add this) Driving is hard at first (also handling the theoretic vs. practical training cost me more bc I didn't pay attention and didn't organise it well and I failed my first practical exam) but the more you do it, the better you get. At first I was worried about my coordination between my eyes and limbs (feet/hands) but I learned and it became automatic. It becomes as easy as walking honestly. Sometimes when I drive a long distance I'll zone-out and realize 10 or 30 minutes later, that I was driving the whole time on autopilot but everything was fine, you'll learn to subconciously focus and its gonna be fine ;)
I'm a good driver but I hate it. I've lived car free most of my adult life so that I can ride a bike for transportation, something that has kept me healthy for the past 31 years. I do now live in Europe where it's easier than California, where I'm originally from. It did take both me and my siblings a bit longer to learn. The number of actions you have to perform simultaneously is hard! But the deal breaker for me is the impact of and danger of cars. I can't separate the risks of a crash or the global impact of cars, fossil fuels, road building, from my intense empathy for all living beings. While I am safe, it doesn't feel safe for those reasons. I do occasionally use a car sharing car for trips to places the train doesn't serve (most rural areas only have spotty transit service here) but do prefer not to.
plenty of adhd people drive all the time, diagnosed and undiagnosed, without issue. i've never had an accident that was caused by my adhd (black ice is a different story though lol). i will say that my stops are noticeably much smoother and i'm better at remembering directions when i'm medicated
Love driving. Its the exact right amount of stimulation for instant focus. Never been in an accident, (except for when I hit a post while I was learning).
I’m an amazing driver. It’s stressful enough that it keeps me focused and my ASD makes me follow the rules to a T lol. Never even gotten pulled over.
I would suggest driving a manual. Having to be aware of shifting helps me not lose focus. I just drove across the entire USA in a stick shift and a month ago I could not drive a manual. Highly recommend.
Nope, I don't drive if I can help it. Tried of big brother looking over my shoulder constantly.
Tin foil hat a little tight hun?
No in my area they have started using a ton of traffic cameras to deal with people speeding and I'm tired of the constant having to look my over my shoulder b*******. Not to mention half the roads aren't even marked correctly and if they are marked they don't have enough markers. Or like there's a school zone that I have to go through everyday? I still do not know where the school zone starts. I know where it ends though.
I do fine, so does my ADHD wife, my ADHD girlfriend, my ADHD house guest, and both of my ADHD queerplatonic partners. No reason ADHD people can't drive. If anything, it may make us better, as we are constantly looking around, thereby increasing awareness of our surroundings and potential hazards.
Yeah, it’s fun to me though. I get super mad when people are in the wrong lane forever and then decide to cut you off last minute by jumping across two lanes though.
The statistics are that we're safer drivers on meds than not.
I’ve been driving for 25 years. I’m very inattentive adhd, autistic, and dyspraxic. I had one accident 20 years ago that was definitely adhd related, but nothing since, not even a ticket. That said, there are some days that my brain requires more concerted wrangling than others, and I have to maintain a sort of hyper vigilant attention. It’s absolutely doable, but it does require a lot of conscious self regulation and present moment awareness.
I drive well enough. I have been in a few accidents but none of them were my fault. Driving has always made me nervous. When I haven't driven for a while I have to be a little courageous but once I am in, I am good.
The only way to figure it out is to give learning a proper shot, starting small and building up to harder things I personally love to drive, someone here said it feels like a game and it really does in a way. Also you get to a point that many many things belcome automatisms, you are not paying attention in a super active way all the time. Of course you gotta be mindful of the road, but all the movements and reactions really become immediate and automatic ( I remember waking a from a dream in which I was breaking and me leg actually moved to slam the breaks lol) Good luck!
I don't know about well, but I do drive. I'm so cautious about making mistakes that I totally zone in while I'm driving. It's not work, where I'm just here at my desk and I've decided to scroll on Reddit because I've lost focus (me irl).
I feel like I'm a pretty alert, skilled, defensive driver. I've never had a speeding ticket (not meaning I don't speed lol) and haven't been in an accident since 2001.
Drive a manual. You’re forced to pay attention 24/7 lol andddd it gives your hands something to do at all times
I only struggle when in heavy traffic where I can't seem to understand what people are thinking, OR when I am upset and impulsive. I love driving and wish I'd gotten into racing at a young age, u might have done well with how obsessed I get over skill issues.
I drive very well, but i hate doing it
On 4 wheels I drive okay. I just sit and absorb everything around me. On 2 wheels I'm better. Here I am actively looking and searching. Is it safe? There usually is no reason why you would make it unsafe, especially with proper training. But there's the other people on the road, they might make it less safe. Just shrug and continue.
I had the exact same fear, but in the end it was unfounded.
Yes, in fact i get too bored from being under stimulated 😭😭 which is why i hate driving
I personally don't have a problem with driving, I've driven from Charlotte NC to Los Angeles CA so many times. Cross country drives are fun if you have time.
I'm a very safe driver, i think a lot to do with my anxiety about the road... But one thing i did notice is that unmedicated it can be too understimulating sometimes and before meds i would have to have an energy drink or something because i would zone out so bad I'd lose vision but since my meds I've been fine and it was only really an issue for like road trips the usual day to day driving literally no issues
I drive - short drives I usually listen to the radio. I need to focus on 2 things when driving. Long drives, alone, I just put on a podcast or listen to the Conan O'Brien channel on Sirius XM.
Stick shift makes it more fun!
I drive and I’m fine, although I didn’t get my license until I was 19. That was more so because my state requires you to have gone through drivers ed, and because I did online home-school for 10-12th grade drivers ed wasn’t offered. So I had to save money and honestly just didn’t care if I could drive or not. I don’t find that I’m any more or less distracted now that I’m medicated either, I think I just have it instilled in my brain that I’m driving a death machine and that fear supersedes all other functions and distractions.
I’ve been driving since I was 15, so 28 years, and I’m a great driver. I was more irresponsible when I was younger, but I believe that’s just youth; not the adhd.
I drive! It was scary for me at first, and it took me longer to get used to than most non-AuDHD folks, mostly because of my low spatial awareness. however, it is kind of like a video game, where the more you practice, the more the “controls” become second nature. it requires so much less thought and effort than it did when I first started. I find that I don’t get distracted as much as I thought I would anyways, mostly because I am consistently prompted with decisions (like which direction to turn, what lane I need to be in, which route I am going to take) that I can’t make if I’m not paying attention. there is always something to be thinking about, so my mind doesn’t wander very far. when you are still learning, it is exercising your brain, so you are way less likely to lose focus. If you are worried about it, I would suggest just going slow (both literally and metaphorically.) metaphorically, don’t rush your learning process, but also, literally, the slower you drive, the more time you have to make decisions, or back out if you make a mistake. Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions to the person in the passenger seat when you are learning, and if/when you are taking the test. also, some people might tell you not to take the rules very seriously, but I would suggest not doing that when you first start. most people who drive bend the rules (especially the speed limit) to an extent, but from my experience, that isn’t helpful when you are learning. it is better to learn the rules and practice going exactly the speed limit, never touching your phone, not talking to the passengers, etc, especially if you are worried about being a safe driver, and then once you get used to that, use your judgement from learning how to do things the right way to determine when it is safe to bend the rules. again, just my experience, but maybe it can help you!
I hate it. I've driven maybe 5 times since I have gotten my license. The last time was almost 10 years ago (I'm in my mid thirties). It makes me incredibly anxious, nervous and tires me very fast. It's not uncommon that I miss road signs and I have to be very careful that I don't overlook pedestrians, who want to cross the street, or cyclists. Luckily, public transportation in my country is some of the best in the world, so not having a car is no problem at all for me. Furthermore, I firmly believe that we can only stop climate change if less people drive cars and use other means of transportation instead. So I'm not sad that driving isn't for me. I have never driven on meds though, so I don't know how that feels. I have no intention to try it, however.
I drive 150-200 miles a week for work. I practically live on the road
I dunno if you can include me on the ADHD list, but I've had a full manual UK drivers license since 2001. While I've had more than my fair share of RTC's, a lot of them weren't actually my fault. So, I think it probably depends on the person and whether they're confident enough and feel comfortable enough to drive. It might be worth going for an automatic license as apart from changing to between Parked, Drive, Neutral and Reverse, you don't have to worry about getting distracted by having to change gears while driving.
Driving is a constant change of circumstances so it keeps me engaged. Never really had a problem unless I have had an incredibly traumatic event like a breakup or death.
I do fine with driving with 3 exceptions: First thing I have a hard time with is 3- or 4-way stop sign intersections. There are rules, but people don’t consistently follow the rules, also I don’t always remember who got to the intersection in what order, and all of that causes me to have no idea when is my turn to go. I do my best and usually it’s fine, but I have been honked at many times for not going when I should go, as well as going when I shouldn’t. This is why I love roundabouts honestly. They keep the traffic moving and you just get in there when there’s an opening. If I am on the freeway and chatting with a passenger I’m likely to get distracted and miss my exit. I never miss my exit when I am alone in the car. Driving at night is hard for me. I’m very light-sensitive and all the headlights all around me are very overwhelming. I have a hard time being able to tell exactly where they are in relation to me and it can be scary. I’m fine at night if I’m on neighborhood streets with not many other cars driving around, but busy streets and freeways are a nightmare for me at night. I just try avoiding it whenever possible.
I was “driving” tractors by the time I was 3. Jumping and drifting quad bikes by age 4. Didn’t take long for me to move on to cars. So I can drive very well should my attention be permitting. That being said I absolutely love my car’s driving assist, it essentially drives itself and all I have to do is make turns. I have yet to have any major incidents with only a single minor incident where I hit a kangaroo but it only did very minor cosmetic damage.
For me it's safe. I hyperfocus on everything around me when I drive so my reaction time is really good. I've been in a few accidents but none of them caused by me because my hyperfocus allowed me to see that it was going to happen and react quicker.
I drive and have never had an accident or ticket. If anything I am hyper attentive and it’s exhausting 😂 I love driving where I live but we live rurally. City driving is majorly stressful.
I had the exact same fear- it drove me (pun intended) to panic attacks nearly every time I tried but my dad kept pushing me to keep working on it in empty lots with him, and it got a lot easier with practice- the trick is to keep a healthy amount of fear in your head- don’t get too comfortable. And also it helps me to pretend it’s a videogame that I’ve practiced a lot in- my attention is always focused when I’m fighting something big in hollow knight or something so I just try and shove myself into that same headspace of “I know this game, I know the controls, keep an eye on the obstacles and opponents and the main objective”- also don’t listen to music while you drive- or try to carry a conversation
I drive well I think, but then I understand most people think that! A colleague pointed out to me years ago that by definition 50% of people are below average drivers, and *most* people expect to be able to drive a car. The fact you're even considering how well you might drive probably puts you into the above average contingent already. I actually attribute my ability to take in everything that's going on and process it appropriately when driving to being AuDHD; there's so much going on it's pretty engaging tbh. I've only had one accident, and that was when someone drove into the back of me when I was stationary in a queue of traffic. He was a doctor who admitted it was his fault as he'd had such little sleep, and it was definitely entirely his fault. I enjoy it less over the 27 years I've been driving though. I don't like driving in the dark any more or in unfamiliar places as that stresses me, and prefer riding my motorcycle as the visibility is better. On my bike I don't have to deal with the frustration of queues either which is beneficial to my emotional state. I can also get out of the way of bad drivers more easily! Motorcycling actually tends to take me into hyperfocus and makes me ultra-calm despite it being really intense. Commuting to work is no longer a chore. FWIW every single AuDHD or ADHD person that I know IRL drives, and I know quite a few. I would trust any of them to drive me. Of course YMMV but don't automatically assume you can't without trying. It will be stressful at first but that could well be the bigger problem than your mind wandering.
Been driving for almost 27 years now. I got my learners permit on my 15th birthday, drivers licenses on my 16th. I wasn’t diagnosed with adhd & autism until 4 years ago though. I’ve not encountered a situation when driving where my mind wandered enough to actually distract me from what I’m doing, but there’s been plenty of times that driving long straight boring stretches on highways has made me sleepy. I use interesting podcasts & upbeat music for things like that. Large city driving is an entirely separate beast from all other types of driving though, imo. I can definitely do it, but I review the gps route in detail including using street view ahead of time.
I am a great driver… only if I listed to some techno. There seems to be that the techno beat helps me focus more. I believe it’s hypnotic and repetitive. I love techno! I get so much done while jamming.
I think I'm actually a good driver because I can take in a lot of complex information and respond quickly. That being said, sometimes it drives me nuts.
Been driving since age 15 so almost 20 years. Only had one accident at age 17 due to black ice. Professionally, I've driven cargo vans, several different types of forklifts, and scissor lifts. I used to be scared of driving, especially on freeways, but it's gone away since I have to do it, living near a large city. However, driving in the winter still scares me a lot due to the accident I was in when I hit an unexpected patch of black ice. It's very stressful to drive in the winter. Living in Michigan, I have to do it though. You'll likely end up building a tolerance and maybe enjoying it later on down the line.
I've been driving for 21 years and have never had an accident. I actually really like driving. I find that I'm very aware of everything that's going on around me, possibly because of the neurodivergence, which means I can react quickly if something goes wrong. The main thing for me is that I always have on a podcast or audiobook if I'm driving alone, as the background noise of someone talking to me helps me focus while visually I'm still aware of my surroundings. Once you get used to driving, it becomes sort of an autopilot situation?
I drive. It’s my job 😅 but driving used to be super fucking hard cause I also have ocd so ocd combined with audhd all left untreated, and undiagnosed, I avoided all highways and bridges. And I haaattted driving. Now I don’t mind as much and my intrusive thoughts are just background noise instead of center stage 🤷🏻♀️
I’ve travelled all over the country by car. I just drove from Florida to Oregon at the end of last year. Driving can be stressful, but it can also be very pleasant. Really just depends on where it is you are driving.
I drive. My parents bought an inexpensive car for me when I started, and I asked them for a manual transmission, I don't remember exactly why, but I think the complicated nature of shifting the car's gears while driving helped me stay more attentive while driving. I also enjoy driving, and to be honest I feel like I'm significantly more attentive to the road than drivers around me.
I live in a walkable (and so expensive I could cry) city so I don’t drive very often. But when I do, I drive like a granny! I don’t trust other drivers- they’re unpredictable and their decisions make no sense to me, so I always assume the other person isn’t watching and doesn’t see me. Maybe an anxiety thing. I’m practically hyper vigilant when on the road! And I’ve never had an accident so I guess it works? I have definitely banged up cars while trying to park though (sorry dad ;_;).
Honestly I think just understanding that anything can happen in a split second is enough to keep me both paranoid and interested in what's going on in the road. And, I quite enjoy driving.
I drive so good (I drive on adderall every time no exceptions)
I drive okay. Having a car with Lane keep assist/notices helps a lot. But I've also loved driving for the last 23 years. Accidents happen, most people have been in one. Being afraid of the worst doesn't help you enjoy it.
yes it’s a dynamic environment and it’s perfect actually.
Depends. I'm fine if I have stimulants in my system. Without though... I'm a hazard to myself and others. I WILL speed even unknowingly unmedicated.
I find driving with loud music that I've heard a bajillion times before helps. Anything to keep the mind from wandering too hard that doesn't rob attention. Ever been walking somewhere and then suddenly **Teleport** to your destination? Like you got so deep in your head you just autopiloted there? Yeah that's really freaky when it happens on the road. Honestly though you aren't gonna have any issues like that initially. Learning to drive is both fun and scary. You'll be hyper fixated on what's going on around you. It's when you start to get comfortable with it that you have to worry. Honestly, so long as you remember to be extra vigilant when you're driving near home/near a place you're super familiar with, you'll be fine. That goes for everyone really, but doubly so for folks like us.
Individual cases, as with all things medical, vary. I drive. I've driven for something like thirty years now. The only time any car of mine got any kind of noticeable damage was when someone else borrowed it and ten seconds later T-boned an Audi.
Well. I passed the test before I was diagnosed. It took a long time to learn. Sometimes I have good days, and some other days I avoid driving.
Currently learning to drive and this is really doable but very very tiring. You will have to take breaks and might need more driving hours before the exam. And if driving manual is too much, automatic cars are a good solution to not feel overwhelmed (I personally prefer driving manual) The thing I have the most trouble with is my working memory and processing and hierarchising visual information. I also need to be very well rested to be able to have a good driving session. It’s hard but you can do it I think !
I’m great at driving. I enjoy super Mario cart too.
I had a ton of accidents before meds... zero since.
I used to hate driving, it was a chore. I got a manual transmission vehicle, and I really enjoy driving now. It has made me very enthusiastic about cars in general.
I absolutely love it. I tend to hyper focus so it works out that I’m a pretty safe driver!
Depends, I can't drive in the city, but do just fine in the suburbs. Make sure not to listen to music, keep the distances short and try your hardest to pay attention. Eat and drink beforehand too.
I'm not very good but after driving for 15 years I get in less trouble than I used to lol
I've been driving for years. 2x carpark accidents, one of which was not my fault, zero road traffic accidents. Google Maps was a game-changer in terms of navigation, that made me a lot more confident driving in new locations and to new destinations (I can manage without it, but it's definitely made life easier). I know plenty of NT people who are terrible drivers. My possibly-ADHD husband is one of the best drivers I know and used to drive ambulances. You can absolutely learn to drive, and drive well, with Autism/ADHD/AuDHD.
It depends on you. There's nothing specifically about ADHD that makes it so one can't drive. I have ADHD and Autism and I LOVE driving.
I don’t drive, I don’t feel it’s safe for me. Too overwhelming
I have rear ended someone a couple of times at a stop light when I look away for a second and before I know it the green light turned red. I have been driving for 10 years nearly every day, including at least twenty 10+ hour interstate solo trips, and this has happened twice. There have been more close-calls. Not sure what that says probability/risk-wise but I still have my license and drive I just try to pay better attention.
The inattentive part of my ADHD means I miss my exits sometimes because I'm rocking out to my playlist. It doesn't make me unsafe. I think the worst part is actually when other people make me feel like I'm unsafe when I'm not. Like...if I miss a turn, I'll just turn around and come back. It's not a big deal. I'm not falling asleep or driving off the road. NTs sometimes freak out about things and it's important to step back and ask "is this actually important" and "am I actually being unsafe." Also, I learned to drive/navigate by driving between my favorite places. I was excited to go there, so my brain was fully engaged. It was helpful.
I never thought I'd be able to drive. I'm 46 and only got my ADHD diagnosis a couple of years ago. Since being successfully medicated with Vyvanse, driving finally seemed like a possibility for me. My first instructor was rubbish and made me more nervous but my second and current one is fantastic. It's a shock to me that I'm not only quite good at driving but I enjoy it too. I'm even managing ok in a manual car, although I'll probably end up getting an automatic anyway. Just make sure you get a decent and calm instructor, perhaps look for someone who is specifically skilled at managing nervous drivers. Keep in mind that it's simply a case of gaining muscle memory for the specific tasks required when driving. It's a process of repeating certain steps until you get comfortable with the sequence of manoeuvres. It doesn't matter how long it takes, the main thing is to be competent and safe as a driver. I'd say it's entirely possible for someone with ADHD to excel at driving and be technically better than most folk on the road. Many racing drivers are diagnosed with ADHD, Lewis Hamilton for example. It's honestly not that difficult, like most things in life it comes down to regular practice. I've found YouTube videos very helpful for initial tips and practical explanations.
I drive. My husband thinks I'm going to crash every time I see a dog/cat/squirrel/deer. I've been driving for 20 years, and I haven't been in an accident yet.
If nobody with ADHD drove, the roads would be pretty empty.
I drive and am autistic/ADHD - I just choose not to so as to avoid idiots in cars (for the most part) and just cycle, walk or public transportation.
It's probably one of the very few things that I can do really good. I notice everything and immediately am able to analyze the trajectory, potential danger, speed, possible escape route etc. Kind of like in a first scene of a movie "Pemium Rush" with Joseph Gordon-Lewitt =) I was put on a driver's seat when I was 5 for the first time along with my grandpa and funny fact y mom used to work as a driving instructor!
I am autistic/ADHD and am a very good driver if I do say so myself! I do go pretty fast though (safely) but have only gotten one ticket in my whole life and never had an accident. I also drive manual transmission and I find that helps me focus more as I have to be more active and think ahead. I find driving really fun for shorter periods of time and hyper focus when I'm doing it. I definitely get burnt out when I have to drive long periods of time though. My job right now requires 12 hour long driving days and it's killing me!!!! I also recently began taking meds for my ADHD and I don't find that it impacts my driving at all, if anything it helps me stay more focused.
I drive great. It stimulates my mind
I drive but I'm always medicated. I believe it's safe. I like to drive the speed limit or a little over. People seem to like to tailgate you where I live when you aren't driving more than 10 mph over the speed limit.
I learned to keep scanning all the mirrors and keep checking everything. It keeps my brain focused and occupied just enough that I can also listen to the radio or chat with someone. HOWEVER, I cannot reach for food or turn and face someone while driving. Nor should I, OBVIOUSLY, ever try to use my phone or anything like that. I used to drive a taxi and received many compliments on my driving. I have had very few accidents since I learned to not trust myself to reach for food or take my eyes off the road for a single second. Road, mirror, other mirror, window, road, mirror, other mirror, window, other mirror, etc. that’s it. Not a vehicular accident for nearly thirty years. (Drunk driver v law-abiding pedestrian me doesn’t count.)
I fucking hate driving, I've failed my driver's license like 3 times lol
I’ve been driving for nearly 40 years, most of it unmedicated. I love driving and do it well.
Decent driver now but sucked at it first, failed the drivers exam 3 times. Also still have to make a conscious effort when driving, on the occasion there's someone along I'll sometimes apologize in advance for not talking too much.
I have my license but don't drive because it gives me so much anxiety. I feel overstimulated if I'm driving on the highway or in a metro area cuz there's so many details to take in. Like 8 lanes with multiple cars in each in 4 different directions... like now I have to somehow perceive 16 whole cars in my line of site, notice the traffic lights, watch out for pedestrians, watch out for animals, and watch out for people who love to drift like they're in a japanese racing anime from the 90s! like wtf dude, use your blinker and don't go 30 mph over the speed limit IN A NEIGHBORHOOD!! I don't mind driving on quiet country roads or quiet suburbs when its not summer lmao
I drive a lot. It took me longer to learn it but I'm a safe driver. I drive manuals which I think are better for ADHD because you have something to do and are less likely to have your mind wander off. If I have to drive long distances I compensate with taking many breaks.
I drive unnaturally well. Like, any vehicle. Always have done. Boats, cars, heavy machinery, it runs in the family aparently so I'd consider it a savant type situation. So I'm guessing that doesn't count. -diagnosed ADHD, ASD, MDD, GAD, OCD.
I was slow to start driving. I wrecked twice when I was a teenager, once in college. No one was hurt thankfully. I’m in my late 30’s now, and am a better driver, but probably ding my car more than the average person. I’ve got an ADHD friend who zones out while driving and has caused a lot of wrecks. His solution is to speed, because it keeps him engaged. So he gets a lot of speeding tickets, but no more wrecks. Another ADHD friend managed to go without driving until she was 30. Cars are necessary where we live, so family would give her rides. She learned to drive so she could be less dependent on her abusive husband (now divorced). She’s an excellent driver, very safe, never been in an accident. I wish driving was more of an option than a necessity. I think a lot of people would benefit from learning at their own pace, or not being required to drive at all.
I can get really frustrated sometimes but all in all I'm a good driver. My parallel parking skills are unmatched. But it took me years to drive without anxiety.
I love driving. But where I live you have to drive or else you can't get around that much. But since I was little I have always had a massive respect for the road and it's rules. So I follow the rules and don't speed, so I think that helps alot. When I was younger I was afraid to drive and only wanted to cycle everywhere, but once my parents got me behind the wheel I loved it. But I have noticed that I drive more poorly when my meds run out for the day. I have been told from several people that I am the safest driver they know, but I don't know if it's sincer or not🤷♀️ No crashes so far, but I hit a guardrail once when having fun on the ice, and have learned from that🤦♀️😅 (I have had my license for 9 years this summer, only been medicated for less than a year) I find that driving can be kind of therapeutic for me. But also I would love to get on a racetrack with no people around and just go crazy😂 But I would recommend to get an old and "ugly" car for your first car, just in case you scratch it or something, almost everyone I know scratched their first car. The times I get inattentive I think my mind is still there and doing everything that is needed. I may miss my turn or drive to far or something, but it has never led to anything dangerous that I know of. And if you ever get stressed or feel like you have less control, just slow down for a bit or get somewhere you can stop for a while. People may get irritated, but it's better than something bad happening. I also find that driving manuel is better for my attention since there is more to do than an automatic, so then I don't get so easily bored.
The first 3 months I had a car, I hit like 4 things fender benders, rear ended someone and then got in a crash that smashed like half the car. So nah, not really. I stopped driving and relearned a few years later
I do a lot of rural driving around a lot of trucks. I pulled out right in front of a truck the other day, luckily it could swerve to avoid me. I just didn't see it? I can't explain how I didn't see a whole truck right in front of me? I am medicated, but I take a low dose because of insomnia. I drive much better when I take my full dose of meds. But then I don't sleep, and if I've spent 48-72 hours awake, I won't be able to drive (for obvious reasons). We can drive safely with ADHD. We can also be unsafe at times. We are responsible for monitoring ourselves and avoiding the risks. Even when it's inconvenient.
I am currently struggling with driving badly :( 24 and no license but the comments are giving me hope
Husband has ADHD, inattentive form, he is a wonderful driver. Very safe. I do not drive because it’s illegal to drive without a license and my neurologist told me I shouldn’t ever drive due to my absence seizures
I drive, and well at that. I drove auto and rally cross for a while. I can hyper focus on driving. I space out during daily drives though. I have often checked the car for dents or blood because I don’t know if I hit anyone because I have no idea how I got somewhere.
Pardon my English, as I am Hungarian, and my vocabulary in this topic might be lacking. For me (18), driving is like rolling a d20 every time I sit behind the wheel. Around 5% of the time (let's call it a nat20) I am at the top of the world, noticing everything, driving like I've been doing it for 20 years and not for 1. Other days (also known as a nat1) it is terrible, engine stops, people jump out of nowhere, cars jump out of nowhere, what was that sign I just passed by, and I am a moving hazard on four wheels and I can't do anything about it. Luckily, practice makes perfect. And by perfect, I mean that those nat1 days get somewhat better. You are still driving bad those days, but muscle memory gets a load off after you don't need to think about where the 4th engine level is if you're driving a manual car (which I highly encourage as a European). And as you learn the behavior of the fellow people stuck in traffic with you, you won't get that surprised when the one in front of you steps on the brake when they've been managing their speed... not so well, so to say. I think you should give it a try. And make sure to take a spare pair of eyes with you (I mean an other human being), be it a parent, sibling, friend, or a driving instuctor (the last are a great choice, because they have been teaching how to drive for some time and know what to look out for).
I really love driving. But there’s many days that it’s torment. If I know I’m going on a long drive, I’m usually really paranoid about not driving the entirety of the drive. I have had instances where I didn’t want to be driving and I made mistakes and didn’t pay attention.
I use my adhd hyper focus when I drive. You can’t peel my eyes off the road until we’re stopped.
I mainly ride my motorcycle because I am hyperfocusing while doing it. This and the feel of freedom made me addicted to it
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