The biggest problem is that the typical driver’s ed program does not have the experience, nor the understanding of strategies, to affect a better outcome.

For many years, MasterDrive has stood alone in providing an absolutely unique service for anyone who has special needs in learning to drive. Driving safety is the ultimate objective of the MasterDrive program, and the safety of a new driver is totally dependent upon the quality of the essential executive functions related to driving. These functions include:  balance … multi-tasking … focus and concentration … the ability to understand and follow instructions … visual processing and visual spatial awareness … reaction time … nonverbal working memory (the ability to use the past to plan for the future) … verbal working memory (self-talk, problem solving and reading comprehension) … self-regulation of mood/arousal (moderate emotional reactions to events) … motor control (control of off-task behavior and restarting tasks), etc.

According to Dr. Marquita Bedway, Ph.D., and a nationally known psychologist who has specialized in young people with learning and functional difficulties, “For our brain to operate as a high performance engine, executive functions must work properly. A teen driving with problems in any of these areas is at a high risk." In fact, research has shown that these young people are two to four times more likely to have motor vehicle crashes, and more than three times more likely to sustain injuries.

For more information on the MasterDrive program for teens with special needs, please click here to visit our Rehabilitation and Special Needs Programs section or click here to contact us.