New Jersey Autism Driving Resources

New Jersey is one of the most noted states for autism services and organizations. It is often noted for having the highest rates of autism in the state. From what I saw, there are more driver rehab programs in non-driving schools than actual driving schools. Still, those programs can still give you a good rundown of what to expect and they could connect you to other places. As I always say, giving it a try is better than not trying.  
 
05/29/2023 Update: Special thanks to Erin White for sending additional programs to me. Exchanging information like this will help more people have the freedom to choose. 


Driving Schools:

Shift Above 2 Driving Schools
They contain the usual driver education programs and specific programs like the nighttime lessons, refresher programs, and road prep lessons. While no driver rehab program exists within the school, their main page mention autism as a program that was developed locally in New Jersey. 

Compas Driving School
Along with their regular driver education classes, they have special needs programs for the autism, ADHD, and disability populations. Students will meet with an instructor with special needs experience and do ten hours of behind the wheel lessons to gauge students' abilities. 



Non-Driving School Programs: 
 

Hackensack Meridian Health 

They provide driver rehab training and services with certified specialists and branded by the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists. They do a 90-minute clinical evaluation of the physical and cognitive skills of the individual. They also provide an hour for both behind the wheel evaluation and training sessions individualized for your needs. Some examples that some training sessions cover making quick decisions and knowing how to use driving controls like gas and brake pedals. While autism is not included, the program can help those with both mental and physical disabilities.  
 

St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center 

For over 20 years, they have been providing clinical assessments and driver training services. All staff are OT professionals, and the program is approved by the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission. Clinical assessments include the use of stimulated brake response and other cognitive assessments. The behind the wheel assessments cover residential and highway driving to address driving behaviors. To enter this program, you need a valid permit or license, a physician's referral, and ability to get in and out of cars.  

 
St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center 

Located in Paterson, this program teaches individuals with disabilities to be safe and independent drivers in the community. Services include physical/visual assessments, cognitive perceptual assessment, behind the wheel evaluation, and recommendations. The most interesting service they have is a WT-960 TRAN-SIT Car Transfer Simulator, which is used for people to safely practice skills and environments.  
 
 JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Center

"Their testing process has 2 parts, one in-office 90-minute evaluation which includes vision,
cognition, visual-perception, physical movements, and reaction time.  The second part of the test is a 60
minute behind the wheel evaluation in their adapted car (clients must have a valid permit or license to
participate in this section of the program).  Typically, following the 90-minute test, they recommend
whether or not the client should proceed to pursuing a license or wait a few years.  The pre-driver
Evaluation costs $204, and the behind the wheel evaluation costs $216. Lessons are $166/hour.  They
require a prescription with a diagnosis & ICD 10 code stating Pre-driver evaluation, Behind the wheel
evaluation, and lessons PRN."
 
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
​
"Perform Pre-driver evaluations in a clinical setting. The evaluation includes an assessment of
physical abilities, vision, reaction time and perceptual-cognitive capacities. Their behind-the-wheel
evaluations are performed in a Kessler Institute vehicle that is adapted/modified to meet any special
requirements. Clients will drive in a variety of different traffic patterns according to their capabilities.
Clients must possess a valid driver’s license or permit to be eligible for behind-the wheel evaluation.
The evaluation will include recommendations for further training, vehicle modification and/or a referral
to the Division of Motor Vehicles."


Other: 
Rutgers Center for Advance Infrastructure and Transportation conducted several research reports on driving. Cecilia Feeley was one of the main authors of these reports and they can be found on the link below. 

Transportation Autism Project - Rutgers CAIT 


Laws:
New Jersey in the 2023 year has signed in the bill that allows people to put an autism designation on their license/ID card. 

People with autism can now have it noted on their driver’s license, thanks to N.J. law (msn.com)

Update 5/29/2023:
The bill was signed, and the law will take into effect on December 2024. 
People with autism can now have it noted on their driver’s license, thanks to N.J. law (msn.com)


If you are interested in checking out my main website, this is the link to go back to home menu. 

Book me for your next autism event. ​