AuDHD

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A place for those that got both Autism and ADHD, those confirmed as one and are suspecting they got the other as well, and also everyone who is neither and just genuinely curious.

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Anyone drive? How do you find it? I am absolutely terrified after my first lesson (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 10 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Sorry in advance for the wall of text! Some background...

Enter me, someone who usually gets around by bicycle or public transport. I'm about 200 miles away from anyone close (besides my partner) and the trains, while fast and convenient, are expensive and quite limited at some times of the day.

So, as a solution, I decided I'll pick up some driving lessons so I can drive to friends with a rental or my own vehicle, on much more flexible terms. Since I had some existing experience in various driving simulators (almost 200h combined), I decided why not?

Now, about the lesson.

The instructor was absolutely amazing, got me up to speed with all kinds of things I wasn't familiar with, like adjusting the mirrors, wheel and stuff.

The car is a stick shift/manual, as that's the norm here. To be honest, changing gears was the easiest part - it felt really familiar because of the simulators. However I really struggled with how much information you need to take in from around you during the actual driving, literally had to try so hard to not make my mind wander for even a second, because I'd lose track of the environment and stuff. It was dark too so that made things a little challenging.

I'd say a major stress point too is the fact that i'm operating a 2000kg SUV, not an agile 20kg bicycle.

On one hand I'm hoping things improve with time, on the other I really wish we had good, affordable public transport to begin with.

What are your thoughts?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

An SUV is very different from a compact car. Small cars tend to have better visibility and maneuverability, and are just easier to drive. If it's with your budget, an electric car is also easier to drive (and cheaper overall) because you don't have to worry about gears.

The first few lessons will be overwhelming, particularly with stickshift. As you practice, you'll start doing more things without thinking, like when you put your foot down while stopping on a bike. I bet you haven't thought about that for a few years.

Just take it slow, and trust that the instructor will not push you beyond your limits. After a few months/years you'll wonder why you thought driving was even difficult.

If it were a reasonable option, I'd pick the train every time.