ADHD & Driving

New drivers with ADHD need individualized training, and an understanding of their personal challenges when it comes to the road and driving. They can become excellent drivers if they are properly trained. Your child probably has selective motivation, and hyper focus for things they like to do. Lets make driving one of those "like to do things". Yellow Umbrella understands this!

We want to use our knowledge of ADHD to make this “right of passage” a celebration of a lifelong skill learned.

Below is some guidance that extends from G1 into independent G2 driving, We would be happy to discuss this more!

Give us a call 905 638 1077

Get the G1 licence as soon as possible but delay the G2 test.

More driving in G1 status has a direct correlation to reduced crashes in the first 6 months of G2 driving. Don’t be put off with multiple attempts at the G1 test, this is typical for almost everyone!

Prescribed ADHD medications are an absolute rule for driving

Get the G1 licence as soon as possible but delay the G2 test.

The drug has to be active to help. Wait to let the drug have its effect before driving, and avoid late night driving, when the drug has worn off

The Parent Role in G1 Training

Get the G1 licence as soon as possible but delay the G2 test.

The Parent Role in G1 Training

ADHD teens rate their ability and have little patience for being trained by a parent on a simple task like driving. Outsource the training then enjoy the practice and have fun. This is an opportunity to connect!

Cell phone Off no "Buts"

Implement a “Driving Contract”

The Parent Role in G1 Training

Or “Do not Disturb” on, and the phone out of sight and reach

Zero Alcohol and Zero Drugs

Implement a “Driving Contract”

Offer a "no recrimination" support system so they don’t ever have to drive.

Implement a “Driving Contract”

Agreed rules, consequences and most importantly significant benefits for a clean sheet.

Journey time is NOT IMPORTANT

Deadlines apply pressure which encourage risk taking . Don't specify an arrival time. If you are late - your late - so what!

The One Friend Rule

Journey time is NOT IMPORTANT

Have a “house rule” that only one friend at a time is allowed as a passenger in your car

Complacency

Journey time is NOT IMPORTANT

Friends as drivers

Driving is easy right?. ADHD kids are intelligent, "just give me the short cuts, the Coles notes, I’ve got it." Conventional driver trainers often comply with this, but they are missing harnessing the motivation and enthusiasm of the ADHD mind to become a really good driver

Friends as drivers

ADHD “Hyper Focus”

Friends as drivers

Formal training will give your teen the tools to assess their friends driving and maybe choose to drive themselves rather than be driven by certain individuals.

Motivation

ADHD “Hyper Focus”

Some students with ADHD want the excitement, freedom and challenge of driving. Others may seem very disinterested, they may be put off by what appears to require sustained mental effort. Find out!

ADHD “Hyper Focus”

This is the ADHD superpower! The key is to make teens realise that driving can be such an activity, and one that can also provide them with positive recognition “they really are a good driver”.