Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 2/6/2004

Question
Hello Dr. Levin,

I am a freelance writer preparing an article on "Teaching Teenagers with ADHD to Drive Safely". In addition to discussing the importance of drug therapy, I hope to shed light on behavioral management as it pertains to driving.   I would like to know the following:

1)What criteria might you use to decide whether a child is or is not ready to learn to drive?

2)If a child is not ready at the typical age (14/15) how would you suggest discussing this with the child?

3)What skills do you feel a child should have in order to manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD while driving?

4) I would like to provide parents with specific teaching/organizational tips for the driver's training process. What do you suggest?

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions.


Answer
you are asking for a book ,not a simple answer to a problem.
If you intend writning an article do your homework and you will know. I will however attempt to help you.  
answer to
no.1:-the same as any other child, can they see ,hear ,coordinate and are they responsible.
no.2 tactfully and sympethetically
no3. most ADHD's have a good right (visio-spacial) brain. As this is what you use to drive with I see no reason they can't learn to drive. The problem is if they are not on medication their impulsiveness and poor concentration would be a risk while driving, not learning to drive.
no4. As they learn to drive easily as long as the I.Q is fine, let them do what come naturally. After they have learnt to drive ,their hasty,recklessnes and poor consentration could be a risk. That needs correct medication till they mature. They are not very organised ,which is part of their left immature brain,but this is not a major requirement to learn to drive. The rules of the road will need frequent repetition till it sinks in.