SEN & Anxiety
We provide driving courses for pupils with special needs, learning difficulties, anxiety or those who experience difficulties with the process of learning to drive.
We offer a comprehensive and structured course based around building strong and safe driving foundations.
Although structured and tracked to give a sense of purpose and clear goals the course is also adaptable to student needs. Our instructors take a client centred approach, engaging our students in their own lessons and encourage self analysis.
Due to the diversity of our pupils we have learned that we must listen and adapt to a pupil.
- We always aim to create a positive, enjoyable learning experience focused on the strengths of the individual.
- We encourage feedback as we have found this helps with pupils development especially those with SEN.
We have many years experience working alongside people with SEN and found that it is best to be person centred with teaching. The most valuable lesson we have learned is to actively listen to the student and their input. We aspire to be creative, compassionate and patient working within the pupils learning styles.
We have found it is best to work at the pupils pace and strengths to spur development.
Driving incorporates skills like:
- Multi- tasking
- Physical co-ordination
- Memory skills
- Rapid information processing
- Awareness and planning
- Complex judgement
- Imagination and prediction
Anxiety
Sweaty palms, shaky muscles, short, tight breaths – and that’s just before you’ve left the driveway! Sound familiar?
If you suffer with driving anxiety, you’re not alone – lots of UK drivers are in the same position.
In a recent survey (AA) 23% of drivers said they felt anxious about using motorways and 39% of drivers felt scared or uncertain behind the wheel in general.
One of the best things you can do is to keep driving regularly.
We will try to reduce your anxiety by implementing a few simple steps:
- We will try avoid driving at busy times. Rush hour traffic is stressful
- Choose a route that places fewer demands on you, and wherever possible, take roads you’re familiar with to begin with to build up your confidence.
- When you feel anxious, we can find a safe area to pull over and take a breather. You can also use this time to use stress relief techniques and talk you through your anxiety.
- Try not to let any external worries or problems affect your concentration
- We use mindfulness, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and other energy psychology practices to help with stress and anxiety to create calm and a more focused learning environment.
Questions about SEN & Anxiety
Can people with SEN learn to drive?
YES. If you have SEN you can drive, it is more likely to take longer for someone with SEN to learn to drive but that is okay we at SID have experienced instructors who will help you learn at your pace.
Do you need to declare learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia) or developmental disorders (e.g. autism) when applying for a first provisional driving licence? What about learning disability?
If you have a learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia, this does not need to be declared when making an application for a first provisional licence.
If you have a developmental disorder such as autism, ADHD or Asperger’s syndrome these again do not need to be declared when making a licence application
Is there help for SEN when taking the theory test?
Special needs accommodations are available when taking the theory test – If you have learning difficulties causing problems with reading or writing and required additional help with schoolwork or taking examinations at school or college, then you may be able to get additional support with the Multiple Choice Theory Test.
On the practical test are there adjustments made for people with SEN?
Special provisions can be made for those with SEN allowing additional time to be added to the test. This ensures the examiner has time to discuss any special requirements that would help to overcome learning difficulties or special educational needs. The additional time allocation would also allow the pupil to take a break during the course of the test also.