Driving Causes Sensory Overload

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I'm 25 and still don't have a driver's license. Every time I get behind the wheel I go into immediate sensory overload and shut down. Which sucks because it makes me less independent than I want to be. Am I alone?

I see these threads a lot here, as a gearhead my best suggestion is to hold off on your next attempts and spend some time studying up on the mechanicals of the car you'll be in. The more you know about what's between you and each wheel, the less jarring surprises you'll encounter. If you can, start with cheap city cars (like a Civic coupe/hatchback) with BASIC 5 speed manuals - I see a lot of aspies here with similar phobias based around the ways their cars handle, so I think it's a good idea to begin with a car that's at least somewhat light with a lot of feedback. Don't let anybody tell you you need 7 seats, 5 cupholders and two pedals, learn to enjoy it instead of circling every parking lot for ten minutes in more car than necessary. Just a guess, but it usually helps a lot simply putting the driver closer to the road.

Moral of this post? Americans have the WORST driving habits, you have the opportunity to stay classier.

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I drive but I find driving to be extremely stressful. There are so many things to concentrate on and once I am done driving I am absolutely exhausted. I can't wait for driverless cars!

I drive, but because of distractions like noise, lights and people talking, I prefer to drive alone with the radio off so I can concentrate.

it took me three tries to get my driver's license (I had trouble working out the width of the car, so I had problems with parking and going over the center line). I was also in a car wreck as a child, so i tend to jump if someone is approaching quickly to an intersection.

I started practicing in parking lots and side streets, then country roads, leaving busy streets and highways until much, much later. Get used to how the car feels and how to process all the sensory input. If you're going at a slower speed, you'll have more time to get used to it. Also practice at a time of day with less traffic (weekends, midday, for example). I prefer an automatic to a standard transmission--the performance may be a bit slower, but it's one less thing to worry about.

I drive, I personally don't have much of a problem with it. I'm comfortable driving, unless some other driver isn't being very careful, then that's when I get distressed.

I don't have it as bad as you do, but driving is exhausting and overstimulating for me, especially daytime driving (I have photosensitivity). Watching the road gives me migraines and constantly having to be alert is what tires me out. Add in the dangerous driving of people in this area and I'm also typically afraid for my life when on the road. I no longer drive and don't want to do so.