How to Help Teens with ADD & ADHD Learn How to Drive
- Oct 8, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Does your teen with ADD or ADHD need help learning to drive? If you’re a parent of a teenager who struggles with ADD/ADHD or other executive functioning challenges, you’ve probably wondered what will happen when they need to start learning how to drive. The good news is there are options that can effectively help your teen become a safe driver!
Table of Contents |
Statistics on Driving with ADHD |
How Safe Driving Coach Can Help |
FAQs |
About the Author |
Statistics on Driving with ADHD
Studies indicate that young people diagnosed with ADHD, who often find it difficult to sustain their attention and control their impulses, have abnormally high rates of traffic violations, accidents, and instances of driving without a license.
A 2025 study reported that drivers with ADHD have a significantly higher risk of being involved in traffic crashes, with crash rates approximately 36% higher than drivers without ADHD. Researchers noted that this increased risk persists regardless of age, gender, or driving experience, highlighting the need for additional training and support for drivers with attention and executive functioning challenges.
Several other research studies have shown that, compared to other teens, teenage drivers with ADHD:
sustain three times as many car crash injuries as teens without ADHD.
are less likely to be practicing sound driving habits in their current driving performance, as reported by their parents.
are nearly four times more likely to have had an accident while they were the driver of a vehicle.
are found to be at fault for car crashes four times more often than peers without ADHD.
are six to eight times more likely to have their license suspended or revoked for poor driving behavior.*
In a recent article, The American Academy of Pediatrics published that the “risk of a crash is 36% higher for teens drivers with ADHD than their peers, no matter their gender, age or driving experience.” They went on to write that “teens with ADHD might need extra behind-the-wheel training, a longer supervised driving period and medication adjustments.” The AAP also encourages parents to talk with their pediatrician about driving before their teen starts driving.**
How Safe Driving Coach Can Help Teens with ADD & ADHD Learn How to Drive
As a driving instructor who has coached hundreds of teens, including many with ADD/ADHD, I truly believe in the benefit of personalized 1-1 instruction for teens with special needs. That’s why I have been trained and certified, through Behind the Wheel with ADHD, to provide expert instruction to drivers with special needs, including most learning difficulties, executive functioning issues, and attention deficit disorders.
When I work with these students, I provide them with effective strategies and skills to manage the risks associated with all executive functioning challenges and the additional stresses of driving. The programs are designed to fit the needs of your family and specifically address any area of concern. These personalized lesson plans are also provided at no additional cost.
Every teen and every family is different. I never want to seem as if I’m telling you what is the right choice for your family. I just wish to share with you how in my experience, a trained driving instructor can be a huge help and greatly impact a teen’s driving experience.
We take tremendous pride in offering our driving instruction to people of all abilities. If you would like to learn more information about Safe Driving Coach and our specialized lessons, visit our website page about ADHD information and coaching here.
Statistic Resources:
You also might want to check out the Parent's Survival Guide for New Teen Drivers, an online video course made specifically for parents to help their teens become safe drivers.
FAQs about Driving Lessons for Teens with ADD & ADHD
Can teens with ADHD really become safe, confident drivers? Yes. Teens with ADHD can absolutely become safe drivers when they receive the right type of instruction and support. While ADHD can impact attention, impulse control, and decision making, these challenges can be managed with structured, personalized driving instruction. Extra behind the wheel practice, clear routines, and strategies tailored to executive functioning needs can significantly reduce risk and build confidence over time. |
How is specialized driving instruction different from traditional driving lessons? Specialized instruction for teens with ADHD goes beyond basic driving skills. Lessons are taught one on one and adapted to how your teen learns best. Instruction focuses on attention management, visual scanning, impulse control, hazard recognition, and stress regulation. Lessons move at a pace that supports learning and confidence rather than rushing toward a test date, and they address specific concerns parents notice at home or during practice drives. |
When should parents seek extra driving support for a teen with ADHD? It can be helpful to seek extra support before frustration or unsafe habits develop. If your teen struggles with focus, becomes easily overwhelmed, misses important details while driving, or feels anxious behind the wheel, specialized coaching can make a meaningful difference. Many families find that starting with additional guidance early leads to better long term outcomes and a calmer experience for both parents and teens. |
*Last updated 1/29/2026
About the Author - Todd Avery
Meet Todd Avery - Delaware Valley’s Trusted Driving Coach. With over 40 years of experience behind the wheel, Todd has coached thousands of drivers - from teens getting behind the wheel for the first time to performance enthusiasts on the race track.
Whether you're learning the basics or refining advanced skills, Todd’s goal is the same: to help every student become a confident, capable, and safety-minded driver. He brings a hands-on, personalized approach to driver education, emphasizing critical skills like vehicle control, situational awareness, and defensive driving techniques.
Todd understands that learning to drive isn’t just about passing a test - it’s about building lifelong habits that keep you, your passengers, and everyone on the road safe. Todd works with drivers of all ages and experience levels. Whether you just got your permit, need a refresher, or want to improve your skills behind the wheel.
His philosophy is simple: “I’m here to create the safest, most responsible drivers on the road. Teaching people how to drive - and how to drive well - is my passion. Every day, I have the opportunity to help someone become a better, more alert, and more confident driver. That’s what motivates me.” Don’t just drive. Be a safe, aware defensive driver!
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