You or your teenager wants to drive. Maybe it is a long-held goal, maybe it is a recent decision. You are also wondering whether the usual path of learner plates, a family car and lessons on weekends is the right one.

For many people with autism, learning to drive is possible. Some find the usual path works with extra support. Others benefit from checking first. This article explains how an OT driving assessment can help you decide, and what comes after.

Can people with autism learn to drive?

Many do. Autism does not decide the answer. How a person manages the tasks of driving does. That is what an assessment looks at.

We will not tell you that every learner will get a licence. Some people are ready to start lessons straight away. Some need support first. Some may decide that driving is not for them yet. All of these are reasonable outcomes.

What does the Queensland learner pathway look like?

In Queensland you can apply for a learner licence from age 16. You complete the PrepL program, or the written road rules test, and then apply. If you are under 25, you must record 100 hours of supervised driving in a learner logbook. You can start PrepL at 15 years and 11 months.

If you think the usual requirements may not suit the learner, ask Transport and Main Roads (TMR) what options exist before you start. We have not set out the details here, because they depend on individual circumstances.

When is an OT assessment worth doing?

Before the lessons start is often the best time. We call it a potential-to-drive assessment. It answers questions you may already have.

• Is the learner ready for the car now, or would waiting help?

• What will be hard, and what support would help?

• What should an instructor know before the first lesson?

It saves time and money to find out early. It also helps avoid the first lesson turning into a bad experience that puts a learner off.

What does the assessment look at?

We watch how the learner manages new tasks, follows instructions and copes with the demands of the car. We look at:

• how the learner handles sensory input, such as noise, traffic and bright light

• how quickly they take in and respond to information

• how well they notice hazards

• whether they notice and correct their own errors

Our post on how cognitive skills affect driving explains why these matter.

There is an off-road part and, where appropriate, an on-road part. On the road, the learner sits in a driving instructor’s car fitted with dual controls, so the car can be controlled if needed. The plan for the day is explained beforehand, so nothing is a surprise. Our post on what to expect on the day goes through a typical session, and how to prepare helps you get ready.

What are the possible results?

The report may say that:

• the learner is ready to start standard lessons

• lessons can start, with specific things to focus on

• extra supports are recommended

• the learner is not ready yet, and a reassessment after a block of lessons or some months is advised

We say what we saw, honestly and plainly. A “not yet” is not a “never”.

Do we have to tell TMR about autism?

In Queensland the duty to report applies to a permanent or long-term medical condition that is likely to affect your ability to drive safely. Autism alone does not need to be reported. If it affects safe driving, it may. Your doctor can advise you. Our guide to reporting a medical condition to Queensland Transport explains how.

Who pays?

Some people use NDIS funding for assessments and lessons, and some pay privately. Our guide to what an OT driving assessment costs in Queensland explains the funding options.

What about other disabilities?

If you are looking at learning to drive with a different condition, our post on learning to drive with a disability on the Gold Coast is the broader guide. For cerebral palsy, see driving with cerebral palsy in Queensland.

Ready to book an OT driving assessment on the Gold Coast? Steer Driving is a mobile assessment service covering the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. Whether you already have a referral or you’re just getting started, get in touch and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

This article was written by Elise, an AHPRA-registered Occupational Therapist and driver assessor. Elise is the founder of Steer Driving, a mobile OT driving assessment practice.