4 Ways to Teach Driving Without Needing a Car

Have you ever had a student come into your room and say, 

In that situation, we hoped our student picked up on our concerned facial expression. Lucky for this student, we were well prepared for this moment and had a resource that breaks down the drivers manual to prepare them for their learners permit. We created this resource a few years ago when we realized there are so many different ways to target speech and language goals while having the students prepare for their permit exams beyond just reviewing the manual. Our resource includes graphic organizers, visual images, fill in the blanks, follow-up questions, and so much more!

Learning how to drive is an essential life skill that can greatly benefit older students. It provides them with a sense of independence and freedom, allowing them to go wherever they need to without relying on others for transportation. Having a driver’s license can also improve their job prospects, especially if the positions they are interested in require them to travel or commute to different locations regularly. Additionally, driving can be fun and enjoyable, giving them the opportunity to explore new places and have new experiences. However, it is important to remember that driving comes with a great deal of responsibility, and proper training and safety measures should always be followed to ensure the safety of both the driver and others on the road.

There are several other ways to help your students pass their driver’s test while targeting speech and language goals. Here are four activities that can help you incorporate driving skills into your speech and language therapy sessions:

1. Role-playing scenarios: Use role-playing activities to simulate driving situations. Discuss and practice the language needed for tasks such as giving directions, interpreting road signs, or handling emergencies. This can help improve communication skills related to sequencing, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
2. Visual aids and worksheets: Create visual aids such as maps, traffic signs, or driving instructions to support language comprehension and expression. Worksheets with questions related to driving can also be used to enhance vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills.
3. Creating and Following Maps: Have the student create maps with directions to identify different locations. This activity can help improve their spatial awareness, sequencing skills, and ability to follow instructions accurately.
4. Safety discussions: Use driving as a context to discuss safety rules and regulations. Practice giving and following safety instructions, explaining the importance of rules, and discussing the consequences of not following them. This can help improve comprehension of safety-related vocabulary and enhance communication skills in emergency situations.

By incorporating driving skills into speech and language therapy sessions, students can work on a range of communication goals while engaging in practical and meaningful activities. Adjust these activities based on individual needs and goals to maximize the effectiveness of therapy sessions.