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CPD course for driving instructors

Autism & Safe Driving

A 3-hour CPD course that helps driving instructors understand autism and teach autistic learners with confidence, patience and the right adaptations — built around A.U.T.I.S.M, our own six-principle framework for adapting how you teach, communicate and support a learner in the car.

★ 3 hours CPD Certificate of attendance Delivered by specialist trainers
Why this course

Teach every learner with understanding

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects communication, interaction, behaviour and learning styles — and every autistic person is different. With the right understanding and adaptations, autistic learners can become confident, safe drivers.

This course gives instructors that understanding. It's led by our specialist team, drawing on an Understanding Autism qualification, Therapy Seat supportive-listening training and ongoing CPD in Diversity & Inclusion.

Why it matters

The case for understanding autism

Many autistic people are undiagnosed or "mask" their needs — so an informed, adaptable instructor makes a real difference.

~85%
of autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed
40–50%
also experience an anxiety disorder
200k+
people in England awaiting an autism assessment
1-to-1
support tailored to the individual learner
What the course covers

From understanding to the driving seat

01

What autism is

Communication, social interaction, sensory sensitivities, focus and interests, emotional regulation, routine and independence.

02

Undiagnosed & undisclosed

Recognising masking and the signs of undiagnosed autism, and why disclosure isn't always present.

03

How it affects learning to drive

Multi-tasking, processing instructions, handling pressure and confidence fluctuations behind the wheel.

04

Triggers & strengths

Spotting anxiety, overwhelm and delayed responses — and the genuine strengths autistic learners bring.

05

Person-centred lesson planning

Adapting lessons, gradual exposure, visual aids, written instructions, simulators and self-pacing.

06

Case studies & the tests

Real Driversity case studies, plus supporting learners through the theory and practical driving tests.

Our framework

The A.U.T.I.S.M approach

Six principles for teaching autistic learners, developed by our own specialist team and taught in full on the course.

Each letter is a principle instructors put into practice on the road — we teach the framework, and how to use it, on the day.

Ask about the next course
CPD course
3 hours CPD with a certificate of attendance
  • For Approved and Potential Driving Instructors
  • Practical strategies you can use in your very next lesson
  • Led by NDORS-licensed, Understanding-Autism-qualified trainers

Autism & Safe Driving · Driversity Training

Who it's for & what you get

Built for instructors who care

It's also why Driversity instructors are well equipped to support autistic learners — so parents, carers and learners can feel confident learning with us.

Ask about dates & availability

Bring real understanding to your teaching

Book the Autism & Safe Driving CPD course, or ask us how we support autistic learners.

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