Driving

[2010Dolby]

I remember a while ago we had a thread about something else that touched on the subject of people with Asperger's driving but I'm still a little bit curious about it. When I first started driving I had a long learning curve. Four months later I could maneuver around bigger cities with traffic lights and things like that. By 6 months I was racing and cruising on Friday and Saturday nights. I started out as a terrible driver but I've been behind the wheel for 5 years and never been in a car accident (hopefully never will). I have to drive trucks for work, and just today I got accepted by my boss to start driving semis. To be honest, Im fairly sure the main reason Im such a good driver is because of the overly-emotional attachement I have to my car :lol: I talk about her all the time, even on here. Shes my baby

Is there any kind of relationship between driving abilities and the Autistic spectrum? I'd imagine so. I know that a lot of people with Asperger's tend to have awkward body language and movement, and I'm probably one of the worst Just the thought of the day.

 

[King_Oni]

I've had driving lessons, and I can drive...if that means getting from A to B, I just can't handle people doing "stupid" things on the road as they catch me off-guard quite often. Yet I don't have a license. My learning curve to anticipate behaviour took way to long to master and safety was one of the major things they teach you. So cause that curve was way too long, I ended up in a situation where I couldn't afford lessons anymore, I got stuck in that situation (and actually am) where I don't have a few hundred bucks a month to spend on lessons. I passed my theoretical exam with 98% so traffic rules and knowledge and all is there.

Also, I did have a slight problem with using a stickshift, but that probably was more a deal where I'd have to shift back and forth all the time, I sometimes just forgot cause I was minding the road. I didn't have a problem in driving off, and driving highways in general, there I'd shift like a pro. Also, minding the traffic and happenings too much kinda got me stuck in not watching how fast I was going often.

So I think, that for most part I'm probably a driver that just as a hard time working in the restrictions and rules that apply. I mean, yes, I drive fast, but I know what safety is and how braking distances work and such.

Another thing which doesn't really work out for me, is that I don't really need a car in my area. I live 5 minutes from my trainstation, supermarket is close-by, and if I'm out clubbing I'm drinking. And I do know that if I were to improve my driving skills, I'd have to use those skills each day, otherwise I'd be forgotten most of it in a few days (that I noticed even when I had too many days in between breaks of lessons; my instructor got kinda mad with me cause he didn't understand that I pretty much had to start over and over with the basics each week). That's something that happens a lot to me, not only driving, but anything I don't really care for that much, because to me driving is more of a neccesity I don't really support in my current situation, as well as I'd prefer more people to NOT own a car and just take a bike, walk or take public transport.

 

[2010Dolby]

Thats another factor, location. I live in a town of about 12,000 since I moved. About 350-ish before that. In Nebraska there isnt a single city that has a passable public transportation system. Since I usually go to my hometown and neighboring towns 4 or 5 nights a week a car is kind of a necessity so that would make driving a necessary skill. In Europe and massive US cities it'd probably be more of a problem to pay for a car, then the insurance, repairs, registration, gasoline/diesel.

And about the stickshift, ya they take some time to learn. For anyone. Truth is, Im still terrible with a manual transmission. It's so embarassing considering where I grew up and the line of work I do.

King: Do you live in a bigger city or are European towns just set up more effeciently then US towns, regardless of size?

 

[King_Oni]

Thats another factor, location. I live in a town of about 12,000 since I moved. About 350-ish before that. In Nebraska there isnt a single city that has a passable public transportation system. Since I usually go to my hometown and neighboring towns 4 or 5 nights a week a car is kind of a necessity so that would make driving a necessary skill. In Europe and massive US cities it'd probably be more of a problem to pay for a car, then the insurance, repairs, registration, gasoline/diesel.

Do you live in a bigger city or are European towns just set up more effeciently then US towns, regardless of size?

Meh... my town has about 50.000 citizens, I wouldn't call it big. There's some towns/villages that are more remote across the country and you really need a car to live there. But since I never lived in such a town, I wasn't really brought up with the idea that I need a car (besides that fact that a train stops at the end of my street from about 6 am till 1 am, twice an hour, roughly 7 days a week). But I think in general every dutch town at least has a few busstops that are decently connected to the system. And trains is pretty much the same. I do live in one of the 4 corners of the country, so trains coming there is likely to happen.

But looking at the US geographically and how it's divided in towns, I don't think Holland is that diffferent, but I think a lot has to do with a central government and not different states having different laws/rules, which makes it easier to have a single company work trains or busservices. But in general, my experience is that Holland, and Germany (live on the German border; though that's a dense area with Cologne, Bonn, Dusseldorf, so the industrial Ruhr area) are really well connected. Having transport at night is a different deal sometimes, mainly because there's no real airports in my area (the dutch part; germany has night trains cause of the airports around Cologne & Dusseldorf).

Also, owning a car is really expensive here in my opinion. Perhaps it's equally expensive in your area, but it doesn't really get me jumpy in owning a car. A lot of people that own a car and that I know aren't that aware out the expenses that come with repairs, mandatory check-ups and the ever increasing gasoline prices. Then comes taxes for just owning a car (regardless of how much you drive), it doesn't add up to own a car to me. I'm seeing it with my parents a lot though. New tires, a new valve here... and telling the mechanic "I don't want it" doesn't fly because your car just will not be cleared for the road. It's funny... and I'm actually wondering; the wrecked state some cars are in, on the MTV pimp my ride show (in case you've ever seen it), cars wouldn't be streetlegal over here... you'd be pulled over by cops within 10 minutes. Is there a guideline in what shape a car should be in the US? I have a hard time believing that ductape, superglue and some rope are qualified ways to keep your car running.

 

[2010Dolby]

In Nebraska some things need to be functional. Blinkers, headlights, tailights. Those are just minor fines of about $75 if they arent working. The big problem is pollution control. Now IF I did take off the catalytic converter from my car so I can get some extra horsepower thats a major fine. About $1500 or a few days in jail. But of course I wouldnt do that... hehe

Other then that there really isnt mandatory guidelines. My and some of my friends have a pick up truck from 1973 that we (sorta) fixed up. She runs great but is missing about half of the floor board. People can fall right out of the truck just by falling off the seat. We tore out the rear window and cut a 2 x 3 foot slot in the roof.

Mechanically, shes a beast. The only slight concern is that the gas pedal... well it isnt a pedal haha. Long, long, long, long, complex, long story but we had to redo that part. You control the gas pedal by twisting a crank thats on the steering column. Its actually pretty funny.

So no, regulations seem much more lax in America.

 

[epath13]

I've been driving for a little more than a year. I didn't really believe that I could drive and was trying to avoid getting driver's license as long as I could but living in US and not being able to drive is pretty tough so I had to get to it. Let's put it this way, as long as I take my meds and keep reminding myself that I'm on the road and have to pay attention, I'm fine. I actually like driving, it's very calming, it's just sometime it seems like I'm unable to pay attention. When I was in the accident, logically I should have seen the guy, I probably looked straight at him but I didn't see him.

 

[2010Dolby]

You're right. Its very relaxing. Only on open highway though haha are you prone to highway hypnosis?

 

[epath13]

You're right. Its very relaxing. Only on open highway though haha are you prone to highway hypnosis?

Yeah... especially if I have to drive for a couple of hours. But to be honest I have the same issue with familiar routes, where driving becomes almost automatic: the same exact turns, the same traffic lights, the same buses to pass things like that

 

[2010Dolby]

Been there, done that sometimes if Im really tired in the mornings Ill wake up, get in the car, and forgot how I arrived at work! Almost like I just magically showed up

 

[WildCat]

If traits don't get in the way or prohibit the ability to drive, I'd say that we're just as likely to be as competent behind the wheel as anyone else. I didn't start driving until about 3 years ago believe it or not - I've been given the opportunity to do so well before that but didn't feel ready for it yet.

And so far so good, I've never been in an accident, gotten a ticket, or put myself in a life threatening situation once. The only thing I hate is car maintenance, that I could do without. I seriously know very little right now, maybe fix a flat or change the oil or coolant but that's it. Your average driver probably knows more about the modern automobile than I do.

 

[HelloDizzy]

I can't drive very well at all. And I definitely can't park. I have no sense of perception on the road, I ride the right side, drive on curbs, run into gas tanks, scrape other cars, back out the wrong way, and have NEVER EVER EVER driven on the interstate. Too much, too fast.
The sensory stimuli really messes me up. When I had my car in Louisiana (it's still there...) I liked driving on more empty roads, but I always have to know where I'm going, and I don't change lanes. I stay in the lane where I'll be turning, no matter what, until I arrive at destination.

I drive better after taking an anxiety pill.

 

[2010Dolby]

If traits don't get in the way or prohibit the ability to drive, I'd say that we're just as likely to be as competent behind the wheel as anyone else. I didn't start driving until about 3 years ago believe it or not - I've been given the opportunity to do so well before that but didn't feel ready for it yet.

And so far so good, I've never been in an accident, gotten a ticket, or put myself in a life threatening situation once. The only thing I hate is car maintenance, that I could do without. I seriously know very little right now, maybe fix a flat or change the oil or coolant but that's it. Your average driver probably knows more about the modern automobile than I do.

My Firebird is a '92 so it isnt toooooo complex. Its halfway between classic simplistic American power and the newer wave of high-tech spaceship wussy cars. So I see your point, after about '98 cars got so electrical and automated that theyre a major pain in the *** to do minor things on. Luckily I only buy older trucks so distributer caps, pusher rods, lifter, etc are all still pretty simple.

I can't drive very well at all. And I definitely can't park. I have no sense of perception on the road, I ride the right side, drive on curbs, run into gas tanks, scrape other cars, back out the wrong way, and have NEVER EVER EVER driven on the interstate. Too much, too fast.
The sensory stimuli really messes me up. When I had my car in Louisiana (it's still there...) I liked driving on more empty roads, but I always have to know where I'm going, and I don't change lanes. I stay in the lane where I'll be turning, no matter what, until I arrive at destination.

I drive better after taking an anxiety pill.

I wouldnt be able to drive around NYC. I would refuse to even try. The only experience I have with that city is I watch Seinfeld and Friends, it seems like the public transportation system is set up pretty well.

 

[King_Oni]

Besides me only US people respond to this thread. A thing I kinda wondered; is it true that getting a license isn't that expensive in the US? I mean, I spend close to 2000 euro (with current exchange rate of 1 euro/1,27 USD; almost 2550 USD) on lessons, exams and stuff. And I still needed a few more lessons. And hope I'd pass my driving exam in one go, otherwise it'd be another (exam is roughly 300 euro/380 USD, lessons back then were 35 euro/44 USD) 500+ USD on top. So for the small fortune some people drive a nice 2nd hand dreamcar, I'd only have my license.

To me it's kinda weird that in this day and age, they kinda expect you to have it in means of employment. I need a job, so I can afford this. It's a weird catch 22. Most people I do know, and who had their license at the age of 18, had it paid for by their parents. Mine didn't care for it much. It makes up for a really distorted view I guess.

Dolby; Paris is kinda known for insane driving... been there a couple of times (never by car), but we did a tour through the city by coach). Srsly... there's not a single car that does not have dents in it.

 

[2010Dolby]

It's about $20 to get a license here. Lessons arent mandatory at all. You're required to pass a free driving test when you get your license, but just the test. Not lessons. Are those lessons a requirement where you're from? I kinda got lucky, my driving instruction was when I was 14. My boss had the back of his truck loaded with tree limbs and he rode in the passanger seat while I drove to the county dump and back. Did that a few times for the next couple weeks. That was all.

I sure as hell wouldnt drive my Firebird in Paris then haha Id just buy another big ol' '88 Silverado and intentionally drive over stuff

 

[King_Oni]

It's about $20 to get a license here. Lessons arent mandatory at all. You're required to pass a free driving test when you get your license, but just the test. Not lessons. Are those lessons a requirement where you're from?

I've heard a lot of stories like that from people in the US driving cars.

Yes, they're mandatory. You cannot apply for an exam if you don't take lessons because an instructor must give you clearance to take the exam. Besides, that instructor will be the 3rd party in the car when you have the exam on the road. It works for a couple of reasons; the first being that you can't "bribe" anyone. If you're a bad driver, you shouldn't be on the road. Nor can someone tell you, you are bad because he doesn't like you. The other obviously is, that IF you fail, the instructor knows what to work at with you.

Somehow I feel that the fact that a license is rather "easy" to obtain over there (the US), is why public transport isn't that well organized countrywide. Here they kinda know that not everyone can drive a car (nor can afford), thus they improve public transport connectionwise (only connectionwise cause organisationwise it's a mess).

I do however have a license to drive a moped/scooter. Yeah, you need a license for that as well. There's countries where that doesn't apply (and it hasn't applied over here for a long time). But that was only a theoretical exam and was quite cheap. I remember doing that test when I was 16 and I failed miserably. I tried again 10 years later and had 1 mistake (5 allowed, out of 50 questions). I however, don't own any kind of motorized vehicle, and I don't intend to buy one. I just got the license because recently they added a practical exam for a moped license as well. And I can already see less kids going to school on such things because it's too expensive for a 16 year old. Costs, from what I've heard, roughly between 350 and 400 bucks for the course and exams and all. I did ride a lot of bicycle years ago, but that got more and more of a hazard to myself (and others)... I have no idea or reason why. I think that participating in traffic with something that has more mass or speed to it, would greatly increase chances of someone getting hurt.

 

[HelloDizzy]

I'd never drive in NYC, even the people I live with who were born and raised here never have.
But, I also refuse to use buses due to panic attacks.

 

[NeverEnder]

I'd never drive in NYC, even the people I live with who were born and raised here never have.
But, I also refuse to use buses due to panic attacks.

Buses are awful. I hate them.

 

[Gomendosi]

Just wanted to say that for me driving isn’t the issue, its other drivers!
I have driven before (without a license I might add) and am really good at it as I think I make that extra effort and am more conscientious.
Truth is that for a while there, many years ago, I drove quiet regularly back and forth across town to see a friend I had, I drove well, never got caught, never got into an accident and even drove drunk a few times! I KNOW, I know, and here you were thinking I was so sensible and all ; ]
Trouble is that that was mostly at night when there was little traffic on the road.

I actually bought a corker of a car, a lovely little buzz box with a heart like a lion, I thought this would give me the incentive to get my license but it didn’t and now my poor beautiful war horse of a chariot sits idle, collecting dust and rust and ants nests and its never been unregistered since the first time so why don’t I drive it?
The truth is that I have developed a phobia and nobody seems able to understand this. I have been run over a few times to varying degrees and have attained a healthy respect for road rules… however, in Australia they (practically) give away licenses on the back of cereal boxes and don’t care what condition your car is in in most states in Australia, there are kids on the road driving along as though they were professional race car drivers and they have no concept of the harm they can cause, they are oblivious and so, attempt to drift in public streets and engage in general hooliganism.

I paint a bad picture but this is only one mans perspective and others may well see the same things in a different light but, it explains what I feel, I can drive, I just don’t, I want to, I just… don’t.
Besides, I live in a town where I can walk to anywhere I want to go, at least, that’s what I usually tell myself to get by, truth is that I would like to go for drives and see stuff and go to places not in the area to do other things, lately I have begun to realize that driving can be a means to an end and maybe I should look at embracing it.

I wouldn’t have too much trouble getting a license here either as I would just have to answer some questions which can be in the form of a written test or even taken verbally if required, then I have a provisional (limited license). Then ordinarily I would do some driving lessons and gain proficiency and after a certain time has elapsed I can go for my full license which requires an actual driving test.

At least, I believe that’s the correct procedure in the proper order, I could be wrong but, if I am its only because I haven’t really cared before enough to find out exactly. I too am interested to find out about driving on the spectrum and so would encourage others to talk about all aspects of it here ; ]

 

[kasmanaft08]

Being from Texas, I hate that I needed a car to get around. I do like some cars, and I enjoyed driving sometimes, but I always loathed that it was a requirement to do anything. I hated it more when I moved to Austin and had to deal with city parking and crowded areas, yet still needed a car to do things. I don't have a particular passion for cars so maintenance was a hassle (and expensive). And then there's bad drivers, which send off my anxieties and sensory overload into full swing.

I am glad I can drive and do have a licence, so if I had to I could- since getting a licence here seems to be particularly expensive and generally a pain. But I'll be moving to the UK. After years of driving in Texas, I would be extremely nervous about driving on the other side of the road- AND getting used to tiny European road layouts. I don't have any plans on getting a car there, (won't need one I expect) but if I did have to for whatever reason, I'll have to get some lessons and a lot of practice going before I'm comfortable going out in the road.

 

[Mr. Jones]

Driving is easy for me and I am comfortable doing it. I live in a remote and isolated area therefore I have little choice but to drive long distances recurrently. Drove almost 1000+ kilometers doing basic errands this week . Also driving runs in my family; most of my family, whether on the spectrum or not, are qualified to drive heavy machinery like cranes and tractor trailers.

In a few years I want to attend a driving school and learn to drive highway motor coaches (my avatar) for a living .