Teenagers, especially boys, begin talking about driving by the time they’re 15. In some states, a Learner’s Permit is available at 15 and a driver’s license at 16. Statistics show that 16-year-old drivers have more accidents per driving mile than any other age. Generally, about 20 percent of fatal speed-related crashes are caused by drivers between the age of 15 and 19. (More than half of those annual fatalities could be prevented by wearing seatbelts.)

Youth with ADHD or ADD, in their first 2 to 5 years of driving, have nearly four times as many automobile accidents, are more likely to cause bodily injury in accidents, and have three times as many citations for speeding as young drivers without ADHD.

I think it’s also important to keep in mind that developmentally, your teen with ADHD or ADD may be 2 to 3 years behind his peers in terms of brain development. Keep this in mind when deciding whether or not he will be able to use the car. (You may even decide to hold off for a couple of years until your child demonstrates his readiness to drive.)

(Hear Dr. Bob talk more about this in his recent podcast)

Most states, after looking at the statistics for automobile accidents involving teenage drivers, have begun to use a Graduated Driver Licensing system (GDL). This system eases young drivers onto the roads by a slow progression of exposure to more difficult driving experiences. The program, as developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, consists of three stages: Learner’s Permit, Intermediate (provisional) License, and full licensure. Drivers must demonstrate responsible driving behavior at each stage before advancing to the next level.

During the Learner’s Permit stage, a licensed adult must be in the car at all times. This period of time will give the learner a chance to practice, practice, practice. The more your child drives, the more efficient he or she will become. The sense of accomplishment the teenager with ADHD will feel when the coveted license is finally in his or her hands will make all the time and effort involved worthwhile.

More Helpful Information:

Driving advice for teens with ADHD

The State Legislative Fact Sheets—Graduated Driver Licensing System

(This can also be ordered from NHTSA Headquarters, Traffic Safety Programs, ATTN: NTS-32, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20590)

Dr. Bob Myers is the Creator of The Total Focus Program for kids with ADHD or ADD. He is a frequent contributor to Empowering Parents.