In this episode, Sarah from the PDA Society is joined by Tom Crellin and Jim Sahlsberg to explore the experience of learning to drive as a PDAer.
Jim shares his lived experience of learning to drive, including the challenges he faced and the persistence required to complete the process. The conversation explores why learning to drive can feel particularly difficult for PDA individuals, with factors such as anxiety, demand sensitivity, unpredictability and pressure playing a significant role.
Tom and Jim reflect on how the structure of driving lessons, the expectations placed on learners and the high-stakes nature of tests can all contribute to overwhelm. The discussion highlights how traditional teaching approaches may not always meet the needs of PDA learners, and why flexibility, understanding and reduced pressure can make a meaningful difference.
Part 1 focuses on building understanding of the barriers PDAers may face when learning to drive, and the importance of adapting approaches to support confidence, autonomy and regulation.
Key Themes – Part 1
- Why learning to drive can be challenging for PDAers
- The role of anxiety, pressure and unpredictability
- Demand sensitivity within structured learning environments
- The emotional impact of repeated attempts and setbacks
- The importance of flexible, understanding instruction
- Supporting confidence and autonomy during the process
Part 2
In this deep dive episode, Sarah continues the conversation with Tom Crellin and Jim Sahlsberg, responding to questions from subscribers about learning to drive with a PDA profile.
Jim shares practical strategies that helped him manage the learning process, including coping approaches that supported him through anxiety, pressure and repeated attempts at the driving test. The discussion explores how breaking the process down, managing expectations and finding the right instructor can make a significant difference.
Tom and Jim also reflect on how to support PDA learners more effectively, including adapting communication, reducing perceived demand and creating an environment where learners feel safe to make mistakes. The conversation highlights the importance of pacing, flexibility and recognising when to step back rather than push through.
Part 2 offers practical insight for both PDA individuals and those supporting them, helping to make the process of learning to drive feel more accessible and manageable.
Key Themes – Part 2
- Practical coping strategies for learning to drive
- Managing anxiety and pressure during lessons and tests
- The importance of the right instructor and learning environment
- Breaking down the driving process into manageable steps
- Reducing demand and supporting autonomy
- Pacing the learning journey to suit individual needs
Further Sources of Support and Information
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.
