Learning to drive with special needs
Dyslexia - the main difficulties that arise with this condition as far as driving lessons are concerned is the poor organisational skills, remembering to do things in set sequence makes driving a lot easier, however with patients and repartition this can be overcome.
Weaknesses in short-term and working memory, speed of processing, can all be overcome with slight adjustments to driving
lessons and lesson structures.Lefts and rights do not represent a problem, your driving instructor as well as giving verbal directions will give hand signals, pupils will not be asked to follow road signs on driving lessons, and since the DSA will know you are dyslexic the same procedure for your driving lessons is adopted for your driving test.
Dyspraxia - relates to having poor motor skills clumsiness and co-ordination difficulties. Pupils may also suffer from poor concentration leading to difficulties in retaining information and perceptual and spatial awareness problems.
Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder - this can affect the pupil in a way that they are easily side-tracked and confused by too much going on around me, a very short attention span, fail to plan ahead and be noticeably restless and fidgety, and worst of all behaviour of people with AD(H)D can be inappropriate and unpredictability leading to a very short fuse.
ME - Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS),
also known as M.E., is a condition with a diverse range of
symptoms but particularly characterised by profound muscle
fatigue after physical exertion. The best way to deal with this
condition is to have 1 hour lessons if possible, also your
instructor will be very accommodating if you need to cancel a
lesson at short notice.
All the above conditions can be overcome eventually by
adjustments to lessons plans and driving lesson structure, they
just take time, taking us back again to patience and
repartition.
As far as the
theory test is concerned the system has the option
for dyslexic candidates to listen to the test being read in
English through a headset, voice-over's in 20 other languages
are available, dyslexic candidates can also apply to have up to
double the standard time. You need to ask when you apply for the
test. A letter or report from a professional should explain your
reading ability i.e., a teacher, a psychologist, or Local
Dyslexia Association officer. You will have to phone again for a
test date after the report has been processed.
pass your test quicker. All courses are individually designed to cater for all your individual needs from 4 hours
a day to 4 hours a week.
time ago and require a few tutorials to help them feel more
confident and safe behind the wheel once again.