I’ll be honest, when Noah was born pretty everything I knew about Down Syndrome I learned by watching TV. I knew very little about what life was like for a person with Down syndrome, and had a lot of fears and questions about my child’s future. I wondered if he would play like typical kids. If he would smile and laugh like typical kids. If he would go to college like typical kids. And if he would ever be able to drive a car like typical kids.
As I’ve mentioned before most of my fears were never came true, and the fact is there are people with Down syndrome that can do all of the things mentioned above…including getting their driver’s license and driving a car!
From time to time I’m asked questions like, “Can people with Down syndrome drive a car?” or “Can people with Down syndrome get their driver’s license?” and since I’ve heard stories of people with Down syndrome driving, I’ll typically answer “Sure, they can!”
However, I thought I’d take some time to do some research and publish a post about it so the next time I’m asked the question I can send it to them (and so can you.) I have to say, I was encouraged by all of the stories I found as I was writing this post. People with Down syndrome are breaking all sorts of inaccurate stereotypes and accomplishing milestones many (wrongly) assumed they never would (or could.)
I want to remind you that getting a driver’s license doesn’t determine a person’s worth. A person has value and purpose simply because they are created in the image of God, regardless of anything they do or don’t do here on Earth. The truth is, Noah may never get his driver’s license or drive a car, and I’m ok with that. I really am.
I choose to celebrate, not compare our boy to anyone else. Noah is unique, and is his own person. Heck, he’s not even three years old yet and is already making a difference all over the world! I love this kid.
I hope the stories listed below encourage you and that after reading it you help us create more awareness by sharing this article on you Facebook, twitter, linking to it on your blog, etc! Thanks so much!
A came across Jay’s story on the National Down Syndrome Society’s website and was greatly encouraged! When Jay was 16 his parents enrolled him in a driver’s education course at his high school and he took the courses but not the exam. When Jay was 18 his neuro-psychological exam indicated that his judgment and problem solving skills where at a level of a 15 or 16-year-old (which is the average driving age for many teenagers.)
Jay’s parents got him a tutor who helped him study for the drivers permit test and after six months of studying was able to pass the oral exam on his first try! Then Jay preformed his driving evaluation at a local rehabilitation hospital with a driving simulator, which Jay also passed with flying colors!
But receiving his driver’s permit wasn’t enough….
Jay’s driver’s ed teacher worked with him and his parents drove with him for an hour a day for six month. When he was 21 years old he took the driver’s license test and passed it with no restrictions except eye glasses!
Jay has his own truck and drives to work, Special olympic practices and social events!
How cool is this! I’m proud of Jay and I don’t even know him!
Source: A Green Light To Driving
When John was 15 years old he started his driver’s training classes, and received his drivers permit which allowed him to drive with an adult. Then at 18 his parents took him to the DMV where he was able to pass his driving tests and become a licensed driver!
Source: Young Man With Down Syndrome Gets His Driver’s License
William Loughane, a 26-year-old, special olympic gold medallist, was the first person with Down syndrome in Ireland to receive his Driver’s license. William drives his Toyota Yaris to commute to his job, and to go into town!
Source: Man With Down’s syndrome become first to pass driving test
Clayton Marr was the second, and youngest, person with Down syndrome in New Zealand to receive his Driver’s license at 19 years old. Clayton helps his mom and dad put wine into boxes, tapes them up, and takes them to local supermarkets in his Mercedez-Benz smart car.
I also agree with this great quote from Clayton’s dad:
It’s important young people with Down syndrome keep in touch with mainstream kids. One reason they achieve so much this way is because they set goals against their peers…
Source: Down Syndrome Teen Gets License
Kelly Fitgerald is one of only two people with Down Syndrome in New Zealand that has her full driver’s license (I’m assuming Clayton is the other.) Check out this video to learn more about Kelly’s story.
Meredith is a 24-year-old women with Down syndrome from Nebraska who has her own apartment, has three jobs (works at a local hospital, a grocery store, and an assisted living facility…wow!) and has her driver’s license! She’s also active in her church, her community, and enjoys kickboxing, pilates and riding her bike!
Wow, you go girl!
Source: National Down Syndrome Congress Self Advocate Council
Jon is a volunteer at Petaluma Valley Hospital and drives to visit patients, take their requests for meals, delivers flowers, and helps our when needed…and has his driver’s license! His mother says that Jon is the best driver out of all their children, because he never speeds or takes chances, in other words he is careful.
And how about this, because Jon has his driver’s license he gets to take his girlfriend of 4 years on dates to the movies…by himself! Now that’s pretty awesome…and encouraging!
Source: How Jon Learned To Drive
These are just a few stories I found of people with Down syndrome driving cars and getting their driver’s license. What I find really encouraging is that these stories are from the last few years which means we are just getting started! The future really is bright for people with Down syndrome!
What’s your thought after reading this post? Do you know other people with Down syndrome who have their driver’s license? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts in the comments below, and I hope you’ll use the share buttons below to share this post with other people. Thanks so much!
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I LOVE this post !!!!
Thanks! Pretty awesome stories, huh?
This story is very insperational! Thank you so much for finding good information on so many topics! Ive learned so much from you already! Please keep it up!
Thanks for the kind words. It's my honor to share encouraging and helpful information.
Do you have a child with Down Syndrome?
Awesome stories here !
I don't have a child with ds but I'm impressed that these young adults with ds can learn to drive.
Yes I do he is 12 years old he is very smart, he can swim better than most at his age . He also can maneuver a 16 ft boat on his own with minimal supervision . I do believe he will drive some day .
This is a great post!! It's very encouraging!! Our kids can do anything they set their minds too!! I love what you're doing and spreading awareness! Keep up the good work!! We love Noah and your family ❤️❤️
There are actually several individuals here in FL (Orlando especially)that have their license -and many that have their permit. Camille Gardiner and her son Andrew are setting new expectations a d goals at Down Syndrome Foundation.
Love this article!
Rick, great post! My daughter Kayla McKeon has had her NYS license for about 6 years. She also is the 1st Registered Lobbyist in the nation with Down syndrome for the National Down Syndrome Society. Very proud of her every day! She needs a couple more classes to obtain her Associates Degree. Never say never!
I believe the founder of the Downs Syndrome Association Rex Brinkworth's daughter Francois passed her driving test many years ago,
So cool! Thanks for sharing!
Dear Mr Malcolm Gibbons,
Did you personally know Dr Rex Brinkworth ? I was a friend of his other daughter Ann Mary (30 years ago) and I lost contact with her and her family. Might you help? Thanks in advance.
Best regards,
Jean-Loup Rennesson
(FRANCE)
My son, who just turned 20, got his learner's license 2 years ago. We just renewed it for another 2 years. Not sure that he will ever get a driver's license because his attention span may not allow it (if he sees a pretty blonde, he forgets all about driving! Lol) but at least he was able to get his learners license. I loved when we were at the DMV and his number was called and he would get up to go take the test (He passed the road sign part first time. The law section took him a couple of times.) The look on the other peoples faces was priceless. Yep, even kids with down syndrome can get a learner's (and drivers) license! DON'T try to put limits on our kids. Michael loves to dance, he's a red belt in tae kwan do, he's an equestrian and he's learning to surf. I can't do any of these things!
Wow...I want to learn to surf also! :)
I love what you said about people in the DMV all turning their heads! What a proud parenting moment!!
Great post Rick. I am all about allowing young people with Down Syndrome the opportunity to interact with and participate in peer activities. I am the legal guardian of my 37 year old brother with Down Syndrome. We just returned from a three week vacation in Australia, what an experience for all of us, great time!
Keep in touch. I have a lot to share on my brothers very sheltered upbringing and the challenges we have faced because of that upbringing.
Thanks again for the post.
Regards
Scott
Wow,that's awesome Scott!
I'd love to do a guest post from you as an older brother of someone with Down syndrome and that is like for you. I think what you are doing is really awesome.
And that vacation sounds awesome as well. I wish I would have gone! It sounds like you guys have a loving family. Love that!
What part of the world do you guys live in by the way?
Rick,
We live in Southern California. I've posted multiple pictures on my Facebook page. Scott Bicksler Riverside, CA
it's very touching to see how older siblings would love to take care of their younger ones with Down's. I worry as a mother alot because both my children have DS. it's been very challenging but we are managing it by God's grace. I just worry what will happen to them once we are gone :(
I would also love to hear more about your experience as the older brother with guardianship. My 12-year-old son is already asking for guardianship for our almost 3-year-old son when he is an adult.
Thanks for your post!
I look forward to support anything my son wants to do in the future. I don't put limits on him and I do have high expectations, however they are my expectations not his rule book. Teagan will decide, when he's old enough, the things he would like to accomplish! I think he will accomplish a lot! He is has the strongest will and is stubborn, when he wants to do something, so if I could imagine the future I'd say "president" lol. Good luck and God bless all of you on this wonderful journey God has given us!
I totally agree with you! There's lots of great things in store for kids with Down syndrome. The future is bright!
By the way I like the name Teagan....pretty cool1
Also your email made me curious..did you go to Baylor by chance?
My name is lorrie bay. Lol this is a pic of teag!
He is just too cute! I grow up with one of my dearest friends having downs syndrome and have always held such a special place in my heart for the truly amazing, kind hearted people they are. I have the highest respect to you all who are not labeling, or putting limits on your children my daughter does not have downs but does have some other issues going on and I know how hard it can be at times. Tonight being one of those nights for me, lots of tears shed from us both, so I truly admire you.
God bless you,
Heather
Wow! I did not know this! Thanks for sharing. I'm not sure I want my son driving though. I'm afraid I would find him at Pizza Hut or McDonald's every day! :)
It's a new era! Our children can do anything their heart desires. If there is motivation, a loving caring home, great team surrounded them, and you have strong faith great things will happen. Our children have no limitations. Ava may drive at 18, she may practice for years and years, or she may never drive. What is important is that she has motivation to want to learn and explore to help her grow as an individual. She amazes me everyday to say she may be able to drive by the time she is ten years old wouldn't shock me!
Teagan has a lot of temper tantrums, does Noah? Teagan is 4.
My son Owen is also 4! He is generally pretty happy and goofy but when he does get mad, it's usually a big tantrum. Does Teagan have tantrums in response to anything specific?
Thanks for the Post!
I was just talking to my friend last night about how my 4 month old son Nate won't have an opportunity to drive and get his licence.... and look at what you just happened to post this morning! I realize my son may not drive a car but knowing now that there is that possibility is awesome.
It was also great to see 2 people from New Zealand (where we are) featured here!
This was so awesome to read!! I know that very few people with Down syndrome get their drivers license--so this was encouraging to read!! My son Tucker is 8 1/2 right now and his dad was the biggest classic car guy and he wanted so badly for Tucker to be able to drive!! Especially the 1955 Chevy in the driveway!! Tucker's dad just passed away this July and I hope with all that I can hope that he will be lucky enough to learn the skills he needs to pass the driver's tests and get his license!!! :D