Tips for the Trip: Driving with Autism 

Updated on October 19, 2025

Autism and driving don’t seem to go together in the minds of many people. But driving with autism is actually pretty common. Don’t forget that autism (ASD) is a spectrum disorder, and that means there is a wide range of differences between people with autism. In some cases, people with ASD make better drivers compared to the general population! With a certain level of aptitude, the right training, and supportive caretakers, many of those with autism will pass their test – and some even become professionals at the highest level.  

Understanding Autism and Driving Capabilities 

Can autistic people get a driver’s license? That’s a question that many parents ask. Unfortunately, whenever a person has been classified with low-functioning autism, the answer is “no”. The standard for many autism driving safety courses is that the student must be free of intellectual disability, which is a major indicator of low-functioning autism. 

For those at higher levels of function, there is a greater chance of getting a license. But the responsibility for assessment, even before starting driver’s training, is on the potential driver and caretaker. It’s up to you to visit a professional evaluator who will examine how issues like sensory sensitivities, executive functioning, and processing speed will affect your loved one’s driving. 

Once that hurdle has been passed, the statistics are promising. According to this study, 34% of teenagers with autism who attempted to get a driver’s license were successful. Yes, it took longer for them to pass their test in comparison with teens who don’t have autism – but they still got it.

Common Driving Challenges for Autistic Individuals 

Life with autism has its challenges, and the same is true when on the road. Sensory issues often contribute stress when driving with autism spectrum disorder, especially when the driver feels overwhelmed by what is happening around them – something all drivers face. Common autistic driving challenges include: 

The Environment

Bright illumination from street lights and traffic lights, plus noises like honking, can lead to sensory overload and confusion. Whenever there is dense traffic and other road hazards, an autistic person might struggle with anticipating problems or reacting quickly to threats. 

Physical Factors

Every driver has mental and physical limits that affect their ability to control a car, and these might be more pronounced for autistic people. The mechanical aspect of driving demands coordination, concentration, and multitasking. Spatial awareness, or the ability to relate distance and speed, is particularly important. 

Psychology

Driving has a surprisingly psychological dimension. We all need to contain anxiety and behave according to the rules, which are both legal (speed limits) and social (tailgating). Drivers must also sometimes deal with poor behavior from others, such as in road rage incidents. 

Legal Considerations and Requirements 

Different countries and regions have their own variety of rules and regulations of the road. In general, there are no specific autism driving accommodations. The process of and standards for an autistic person getting a license are the same as for everybody else. Similarly, just as physically disabled drivers can access forms of support, such as vehicle modifications, so too can autistic people (see below).

But autistic people can receive special markings on the actual license. As an autistic person, you have the option to mention your condition on your license or on some other kind of medium, as with the Blue Envelope Program in the US. The goal here is to let police know that the driver might have trouble communicating. 

Preparation Strategies for Success 

The most important thing you can do to prepare an autistic person for the challenge of driving is to first make sure that they are capable of it. You should explain what they can expect during the process, and include the downsides. But keep in mind that, among the many tips for fostering independence in autistic teens and adults, driving is one of the most positive skills to have. 

Caretakers must be ready as well. Don’t forget that people with autism take longer to get a license; and this means additional expenses and a greater time commitment from you. 

Just as critical is getting the opinion of an expert in the field. Developmental pediatricians, a neurologist specializing in autism, and professionals at autism driving schools can assess a person and tell you if they have the ability to pass a test and be successful as drivers afterwards.  

Autism driving schools might also give you access to a simulator, which can be both fun and helpful. These range from sophisticated machines that include vehicle controls to dynamic screens where you just point out traffic hazards. 

But all driving schools eventually put you on the road. If the law permits, if you live near an area with a closed course, and after a few lessons with a professional, you can sit next to your autistic family member as they gain more experience behind the wheel. Similarly, a good instructor will make sure that the student learns through gradual exposure to different driving conditions.

Accommodations and Supportive Tools 

Before, during, and after an autistic person gets their driver’s license, there’s a lot that you can do to assist them as part of discovering sensory-friendly approaches to everyday activities. For example:

Specialized Devices

Consider trying one of the ideas below to reduce the effect of environmental sensitivity that autistic people can experience while behind the wheel: 

• Noise-canceling headphones or white-noise recordings


• Sunglasses, sunshades, and window tinting for light sensitivity


• A GPS with advanced notice for turns


• A vehicle that has high-quality cooling, air-conditioning, and soundproofing

Always check local laws to ensure that your purchases can be legally used while driving. For instance, not every state allows you to drive while wearing headphones. 

Routines

Most people drive the same route every day, and this is good news for people with autism, because they tend to enjoy following routines. As part of their driver’s education, you can teach your loved one about the routes they should take and discuss scheduled driving times.

However, as we all know, problems on the road can arise for any number of reasons. There can be accidents with ambulances along their route, construction detours, traffic jams, or navigation mistakes. It’s critical for you and them to know what to do in emergency situations by:

• Taking care to learn about wandering prevention strategies for individuals with autism, because wandering is sometimes a reaction to stress


• Preventing panic in the first place through strategies for reducing anxiety in stressful situations

The Role of Technology in Supporting Autistic Drivers

One of the smartest steps to take for driving independence and autism is preparing for difficult situations. Assistive Technology with GPS tracking for autistic drivers is provided by AngelSense, which combines functions that give you access to life-saving emergency features, including:

• Assistive speakerphone with automatic pick-up and SOS button


• Automatic geofencing notices that let you know when a set area has been left or that the device wearer is now in an unexpected place 


• Real-time location updates that can be shared with emergency responders 


• Delay notifications to inform you that your loved one  is late in leaving or arriving at a set location

Considering how potentially nerve-wracking driving can be, AngelSense provides peace of mind for families and supports independence for people with autism. See how Assistive Technology promotes safety and independence for many challenging situations. 

Success Stories and First-Person Perspectives 

People with autism can make excellent drivers. This could be because they like the structure of a rulebook, can focus intensely, and instinctively avoid risks. 

There are many stories about people with autism who love to drive, such as one who stated, “To the autistic person who wants to learn to drive but feels rather intimidated, just think of it as a video game”. Or another, who explains, “being autistic positively impacted my driving skills by taking everything in [noticing hazards] on the roads, which in turn helped me to drive more safely”.

There are even autistic drivers who make it to the very top of the profession. These include Armani Williams from NASCAR; Ben Taylor, who drives for the Porsche racing team; and Austin Riley, who drives a prestigious Le Mans-style racecar.  

Independence at the Highest Level

All of these drivers had to put real effort into earning their license. To help your loved one in their attempt, here are some useful links: 

Autism Driving Programs

Driving instructors who help autistic people can be found through a local search. Here is a guide to a US-based organization that might have a teacher in your area. 

Support Groups 

There are a wide range of organizations that provide advice about various aspects of the process that happens before and after getting a license. For example, Pathfinders for Autism has published a useful guide with links to related resources.

Assessment Tools

Autism Speaks is one of the many groups that can take an autistic learner step-by-step through the licensing process, including assessment. If you’d like to begin evaluation on your own (along with your loved one), here is a checklist of useful questions to ask. 

Driving allows you to be mobile, travel to work or the supermarket, and have fun with friends. Driving is the ultimate symbol of freedom, and many people recall how driving was their first real step towards independence. This is even more true for those with autism, who often struggle with expanding their independence while maintaining safety. That’s why helping autistic people on their literal journey can and should be aimed for – and supported with the right preparation. 

Get peace of mind from AngelSense, the groundbreaking AI-based assistive technology designed to enhance safety and peace of mind for individuals with special needs and their families. Our solution ensures you stay connected with your loved ones, empowering a higher level of independence while maintaining safety. Learn more about how AngelSense can make a difference for your family.