Safer Driver Solutions offers enrollment in our Driving for Exceptional Learners program. Our program is a unique blend of online classroom and specialized on-road instruction that is tailored to meet the individual’s learning needs.

Safer Driver Solutions is the only driving school in Iowa with full-time specialists on staff with extensive experience working with Exceptional Learners in the vehicle.

Individuals who enroll in the Driving for Exceptional Learners begin with individual 1:1 lessons in the vehicle. All our vehicles have a gas and brake pedal on the passenger (instructor seat) so we can allow the student to learn each driving input (steering, gas and brake pedals) separately.

This format helps the student begin the process of learning to drive in a safe and controlled environment and allows our instructors to assess the best course of action and curriculum for the student’s success. In some cases, the student may not have reached the necessary level of maturity to begin the driving education process. In those cases, we will work the student and parents with preparation and basic assignments that can be used to help better prepare the student for the process of learning how to drive. We work closely with the parents of all of our students, and it is a priority that parents of students with learning challenges come into this process knowing they play a important role.

There is a tremendous amount of research about students with challenges like Autism, Anxiety and ADHD and driving. These students required more attention and a stable, non-stressful environment in which to learn. They need patience and a degree of understanding when addressing the many driving conditions that are possible. Each individual processes and looks at the driving situation differently and we have substantial experience working with students with all types of disorders and diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Bi-polar, OCD, Dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning disorders as well as self-mutism, hearing impaired or deaf and low vision and those with a physical disability.

Our instructors and staff are continually taking classes through ADED (Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists) and other education resources to improve on instructional techniques in best meet the needs of these new drivers.

There are a lot of driving schools that claim they “work with students with special needs.” That doesn’t mean they know how to differentiate instruction and adapt to the student’s learning style. Only trained Driver Rehabilitation Specialists know how to truly work with these new drivers.

Safer Driver Solutions provides driving evaluations and lessons for anyone considered to be a low tech or medium tech level driver. Low tech or medium tech means the driver has a physical disability that does not require driving

All States require a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license to receive an on-the-road driving evaluation. You cannot be denied the opportunity to apply for a permit or license because of age or disability. However, a driver’s license with restrictions may be issued based on your need of adaptive equipment.

Driver rehabilitation specialists perform comprehensive evaluations to identify the adaptive equipment most suited to your needs and medical condition. As part of this process, a rehabilitation specialist will take into consideration your future equipment needs based on your medical condition and the repetitive stress an adaptive aid may place on a particular muscle group. In addition, you can expect a complete evaluation to include vision screening as well as:

• Muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion;
• Coordination and reaction time;
• Judgment and decision-making abilities; and
• Ability to drive with adaptive equipment.

After we finish the evaluation you should receive a report containing specific recommendations on driving requirements or restrictions. You should also be given a complete list of any recommended vehicle requirements or modifications. The recommendations should suggest obtaining on-the-road training to practice safe operation of the equipment and learn safe driving habits.