The seven-foot learner

Our first client is a young man with autism who is learning to drive with specialised supports. Like many neurodivergent learner drivers, he requires a Driver Trained Occupational Therapist and a specialised driving instructor to build his skills safely. But this case presented a challenge we’d never encountered before.

He simply didn’t fit into any of the specialised driving instructor vehicles. We tried.

When he turned 18, his mum purchased him a Toyota Camry, expecting it would become his learner vehicle. The problem was… he kept growing. By the time he was ready to commence lessons, even his own car no longer provided a safe driving position. His knees were cramped, his head was close to the roof lining, and his eye line sat so high that his ability to see traffic signals and the road environment ahead was compromised.

At Alternate Mobility, we explored whether relocating the driver’s seat in the Camry would create enough additional space. While technically possible, it quickly became clear that it wasn’t going to provide a long-term solution Instead, after trialling multiple vehicles, the best option proved to be a Kia Tasman. Its generous cabin space, improved head clearance and more upright windscreen dramatically improved his seating position and visibility. A small modification to relocate the driver’s seat further rearward will provide the final adjustment, allowing him to sit comfortably without his knees almost touching his ears

But choosing the right vehicle was only half the solution Because he is still learning to drive, he needs to undertake lessons with a specialised driving instructor using dual controls. With no suitable instructor vehicle available, our plan is to install dual controls into the family’s Kia Tasman so lessons can commence in his own vehicle. Once he has developed the skills and confidence to progress to supervised practice with his parents, the dual controls can simply be removed.

It’s a creative solution—but one that required occupational therapy, vehicle modification expertise and close collaboration between the family, driving instructor and vehicle modifier.

At the moment, Matt transfers into the driver’s seat, walks around to the rear of the vehicle, lifts his manual wheelchair into the boot, then makes his way back to the driver’s door holding onto the vehicle.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult, carries a significant falls risk, and simply isn’t going to be sustainable over the next 5–10 years.

Our hope was that an Abiloader Abiloader International | Abiliquip would be the answer – this kicked off a surprisingly complex assessment process.

We needed to confirm compatibility between Matt’s wheelchair and the loader, source a suitable vehicle to trial – Matt’s research pointed him towards a Skoda Superb (thank you to the dealership for lending us one), involve the vehicle modifier and equipment supplier onsite, and even trial changing the camber of his wheelchair to see whether we could gain enough clearance, making sure his wheelchair/seating OT was kept happy in the process. Preserving shoulder function for long term mobility was also crucial, and of course, I didn’t want him tipping the wheelchair over if we changed the camber.

Risky Behaviours Are Still Far Too Common

ARSF’s latest research shows that unsafe driving habits continue to be the norm for many Australians:

• 68% admit to engaging in risky behaviour
• 56% openly admit to breaking road rules
• 70% report distraction behind the wheel
• 47% speed
• 33% drive fatigued

From our perspective at Driving Well OT, we know how these everyday “small” decisions quickly add up to major risks. Even glancing at a phone or pushing through tiredness can impair reactions in ways people severely underestimate.

As ARSF Founder Russell White said, “Most crashes aren’t accidents; they’re the result of unsafe decisions.”

Let’s Bring the Focus Back to Safety This Christmas

This season, the greatest gift you can give your family is your safe arrival home.

The good news? ARSF reports that 87% of drivers say road safety messages make a positive difference. A simple reminder is often all it takes to change behaviour.

Matt’s general OT had been working with him, developing life skills and supporting with readiness for driving (learning road rules, reviewing learner driver education material and Prep Ls). When he got his Learners, they searched for a driving instructor who would suit his needs, and found a driving instructor who’d said they were “specialised” and had lots of experience working with people with autism.

But… all it took was one, single driving lesson with this instructor, and Matt’s confidence, hopes, and motivation to learn to drive was completely shattered. Being neurodivergent, Matt has different learning needs to someone who is neurotypical. Matt was quickly overwhelmed with this instructors’ approach to lessons, and when he didn’t understand something, felt that the driving instructor only got more frustrated, demanding and heated in his communication with him. By the end of the lesson, Matt’s anxiety was through the roof, he didn’t want to do another lesson, and concluded he would never learn to drive. It was devastating.

Over a year later, with a whole heap of support and encouragement from his general OT, Matt agreed to give driving a try again. But this time, he was referred to Driving Well for a Potential to Drive assessment. This assessment is run across two sessions to allow time to explore an individual’s needs and readiness for learning to drive. Matt was so proud of himself in the second session when, despite his high anxiety about driving since his first experience, he was able to manage a driving lesson in a calm and supported environment. The outcome from his assessment was that, yes while his disability may impact his learning to drive, he does have potential to learn to drive with specialised supports in place. He was recommended driving therapy supports and specialised driving lessons, which he was over the moon excited about.

Understanding the ADHD Brain Behind the Wheel
For a person with ADHD, the car can be an environment of sensory overload and competing demands. Common difficulties include:
– Sustained Attention: Maintaining focus during long or monotonous drives can be draining. The brain may seek out more interesting stimuli, leading to distraction.
– Distractibility: It’s easy to get lost in an internal dialogue or become preoccupied with a worry, causing you to miss a turn or a change in traffic conditions.
– Executive Functioning: Skills like planning a multi-step manoeuvre, sequencing actions for a lane change, and managing mental load are often challenging.
– Under-stimulation: On the other hand, if the driving task isn’t engaging enough, the mind can wander. This is why some drivers with ADHD lose focus on “simple” tasks like just monitoring traffic lights.

1. Stay Calm and Focus on Safety First

Your primary goal in a breakdown is to protect yourself and others. Panicking can lead to rushed decisions that put you at greater risk. Take a deep breath and focus on the immediate steps you need to take.

2. Move Your Vehicle Out of Traffic

If the car is still able to move, carefully steer it to the left-hand side of the road or the nearest safe shoulder. Avoid stopping around bends, at intersections, or in other locations with poor visibility.

• Use your indicators early to signal your intentions.
• If the car loses power suddenly and can’t be moved far, keep your hazard lights on and remain inside with your seatbelt fastened until it’s safe to exit.

3. Switch On Hazard Lights and Make Yourself Visible

Your hazard lights let other drivers know something is wrong and to approach with caution. If you can safely get out, place your reflective warning triangle at least 50–100 metres behind your vehicle (if available) to increase visibility — especially important in low light, poor weather, or high-speed zones.

4. Decide Whether to Stay in the Vehicle or Exit

The safest place in a breakdown often depends on your location:

• On a quiet street: It may be safe to step out and wait on the footpath or well away from the road.
• On a busy road, highway, or motorway: Remain in the vehicle with your seatbelt on unless there’s an immediate danger (like smoke, fire, or fuel leak). Exiting in high-speed traffic is extremely risky.

5. Call for Assistance

Contact roadside assistance, a tow truck, or a trusted contact who can help. If you are in a dangerous position (e.g., broken down in a lane with no shoulder), call emergency services (000) and explain your location clearly.

6. Plan for Personal Safety While Waiting

• Keep your doors locked if you remain inside.
• Be mindful of strangers who approach; you can communicate through a closed window if you feel unsafe.
• In hot weather, consider sun protection, water, and ventilation — but avoid standing close to moving traffic.

7. Learn from the Experience

After my breakdown, I reviewed my roadside kit. I realised I was missing a high-visibility vest and a warning triangle — items I now recommend to all my learner drivers. It’s also a great reminder to keep your mobile phone charged, know how to use your emergency brake, and regularly service your vehicle.

Why This Week Matters

Road safety isn’t just about rules and regulations – it’s about protecting the people we care about. Whether you’re driving to work, heading out with friends, or taking the kids to sport, every trip matters. Small decisions make a big difference.

What We Can Do Together

Here are some simple but powerful ways we can all contribute:

• Slow down – arriving a few minutes later is always better than not arriving at all.

• Stay off the phone – distractions can wait until the car is parked.

• Don’t drive tired – if you’re yawning or struggling to concentrate, it’s time for a break.

• Drive sober – alcohol and drugs affect judgment and reaction time.

• Belt up – seatbelts save lives, every time.

THC’s effects can vary depending on dose, frequency of use, and individual metabolism, which makes setting a “safe” limit nearly impossible. This variability is a key reason behind Queensland’s continued zero-tolerance stance. Even if prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, THC may still impair driving. Importantly, roadside tests cannot distinguish between prescribed and recreational use. This means medicinal cannabis users are subject to the same legal penalties.

Recommendations for Medicinal Cannabis Users

1. Consult Healthcare Providers – Before driving, discuss with your doctor the potential effects of your medicinal cannabis treatment on your ability to drive.
2. Understand Your Medication – Products containing THC can impair driving and are not exempt from drug driving laws.
3. Avoid driving while using THC – Plan alternative transport options.
4. Stay informed – Monitor legislative updates as reviews progress.

What does this mean for driving?

Driving is a complex interaction between attention and perception, planning and judgement and motor coordination.  Non-motor symptoms that affect executive functioning and visual-spatial processing may slow reaction speeds, slow planning and decision making, make multitasking more difficult and affect sustained attention. Motor symptoms may hinder make it more difficult to produce powerful and fast motor movements on the steering wheel and brake and accelerator pedals. This may hinder a person’s ability to rapidly scan a traffic situation, identify critical information, plan and make a decision and then execute that using the vehicle.

I’m concerned about my driving. What should I do?

Your first port of call is always to speak with your doctor – whether that be your GP, Neurologist or Geriatrician. The presentation and progression of Parkinson’s disease can vary between individuals and your doctor can  complete a clinical review of symptoms, a medication review to screen for side effects and response, and recommend adjunct therapies such as Physiotherapy, cognitive therapies and lifestyle modifications that may help manage motor and non-motor symptoms. They can also refer you for a comprehensive occupational therapy driving assessment that will provide a practical assessment any impact the diagnosis may be having on your driving skill areas and make recommendations around driving to maximise your ability continue driving safely. Recommendations may include regular onroad review, restrictions around driving radius, times of day and vehicle type.

If you or someone you know requires an occupational therapy driving assessment, please feel free to contact Driving Well Occupational Therapy to arrange an assessment.