Drivers with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), a condition which affects people in different ways, were left angry and confused after the DVLA changed the wording of a policy on its website.

It stated that anyone with ASC had to declare their condition to the DVLA or risk a £1,000 fine and prosecution if they were involved in an accident.

There was an outpouring of protest from organisations and charities who work with people with ASC as well as MPs and human rights campaigners. No consultation on the change had taken place so the DVLA apologised and again changed the wording of the policy.

The start of DVLA’s policy now reads, “You must tell DVLA if your autistic spectrum condition (ASC) affects your ability to drive safely.” 

At How-2-Drive, we work hard to ensure we can help as many people as we can to pass their test and enjoy a life of safe driving.

Our founder, Howard Floyd, said:

“It must have been a very worrying few days for drivers with ASC to face such uncertainty around changing messages. It is particularly frustrating to see that it appears to have been done without any proper consultation.

“Anyone with ASC who is driving has clearly demonstrated that they can drive safely when they passed their test. To imply the test is not enough to confirm this could call into question anyone’s ability to drive safely once they have passed.”

Howard Floyd

How-2-Drive’s instructors have experience of teaching people with ASC. If they can satisfy an examiner that they meet the standard required, there is no reason to treat them differently to other drivers.

Howard said:

“People with ASC can find it easier or harder than average to learn to drive. This depends on the individual, which is of course true of everyone. We always tailor lessons to people’s learning styles.

“Someone with autism might take longer to learn a skill but then you might never have to show them again. Whereas someone without autism might grasp it quicker but then need reminding later on. Just because someone’s lessons or learning style are a little different, it doesn’t mean there will be differences come test day.

“We get phone calls from young people with ASC or their parents who are looking to find out if driving lessons are possible or suitable. We do everything we can to accommodate their needs and help make learning to drive a stress-free experience.”

Howard Floyd

If you’d like to know more about how we can tailor our lessons to support your individual learning needs, just get in touch.