Travel
Neurodiversity Hub Wirral
There are many ways to plan a journey. Many people find phone apps the easiest.
Apps like Google Maps can show you how to get somewhere by car, bus, train, walking, cycling, taxi, motorbike, or even flying.
The app shows the best route in blue. Other routes are grey.
You can also look on the internet. Many places share maps or give travel advice on their websites.
Some people prefer paper maps. These can help you see the whole area and choose a more interesting route.
Bus and train timetables are usually online. You can also find them at stations, or on electronic boards at some bus stops and train platforms.
A visual plan may help you. This could be a simple list, a drawing, or pictures that show each step of your journey.
Think about the type of transport that works best for you.
For short trips, you may want to walk or cycle.
Public transport, such as buses and trains, can be quick and easy.
Taxis can give you more choice about when you travel. You can book a taxi through apps like Uber
Driving can be the most flexible way to travel. A car lets you set your own timetable and route.
However, cars cost money. You need to think about:
* petrol
* insurance
* road tax
* repairs
* the cost of buying a car
* the cost of learning to drive
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You must do several things before you can drive a car or ride a motorcycle.
This includes:
* getting a driving licence
* registering your vehicle
* having insurance
* paying road tax
* getting a valid Ministry of Transport (MOT) certificate
Most people can start learning to drive at age 17.
Before you drive or ride, you must:
* have the correct driving licence
* be the legal age for your vehicle
* meet the eyesight rules
Rules for learners
If you are learning to drive, you must:
* have a qualified driver with you when driving a car
* show L plates (or D plates in Wales)
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Your vehicle must:
* be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
* have valid road tax
* have a current Ministry of Transport (MOT) certificate (if needed)
* be safe to drive (roadworthy)
You must also have at least third‑party car insurance.
This covers damage to other people and their vehicles.
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To apply for a provisional licence you must:
* be at least 15 years and 9 months old
* be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
* have permission to live in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for at least 185 days
You can apply online here:
<https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence>
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Support for your theory test
When you book your theory test, you should say if you have a reading difficulty, disability, or health condition.
You can ask for reasonable adjustments.
These are changes that make the test fair and accessible.
Examples include extra time or someone reading the questions.
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The driving test is the same for everyone.
To pass, every person must show the same level of:
* skill
* safety
* control
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Rules for autistic learners
You do not have to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about your autism diagnosis if it does not affect how safely you drive.
If autism does affect your safe driving and you do not tell the DVLA when applying for your provisional licence, you could be:
* fined up to £1,000
* prosecuted if you have an accident
Safe driving includes many skills, such as:
* vision
* hearing
* attention and concentration
* memory
* judgement
* planning and organisation
* quick reactions
* muscle control and coordination
* understanding what is happening around you
It may help to talk to your General Practitioner (GP) before you start learning.
They can explain the guidelines and help you decide what to tell the DVLA.
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Some autistic learners can get extra time for their test.
Speak to your driving instructor.
They can tell you what adjustments are possible and how to ask for them.
For more information, visit the National Autistic Society website
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Some disabled people can get a Blue Badge.
A Blue Badge is linked to the person, not the vehicle.
This means you can use it in any car where the badge holder is a passenger or the driver.
A Blue Badge lets you park closer to where you need to go.
You can use disabled parking spaces and other marked areas where Blue Badge parking is allowed.
Who can get a Blue Badge
You may be eligible for a Blue Badge if you receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and have 10 points for descriptor E under the activity called planning and following journeys.
Descriptor E is for people who cannot make any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress.
You may also be eligible if you:
* find it very hard to plan or follow a journey
* struggle to control your actions and may not notice how this affects others
* often have strong and overwhelming reactions that cause a temporary loss of control
* become very anxious or scared in public or open spaces
Asking for a space near your house
If you have a Blue Badge, you can ask for a disabled parking space near your home.
This is usually free, but local councils may have different rules about who can apply.
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Many neurodivergent people find it hard to use public transport on their own.
You may be able to get free or reduced‑cost travel, such as bus passes or railcards.
You can apply for a disabled person’s bus pass here
You can find information about railcards here
There is also support to help with the cost of travel in the UK, including support for:
* young people
* disabled people
* people who are not working
You can find details on the government website.
Getting help when using trains
You can book Passenger Assist for any train journey in the UK.
This service is free.
You should try to book as early as you can, and at least 2 hours before you travel.
Staff will try to help you if you arrive without a booking, but you may need to wait if they are helping someone else.
There are no rules about who can use Passenger Assist.
If you think you would benefit from help, you can book it.
Free bus travel
In England, a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass gives you free travel on buses at certain times.
You can travel for free:
* any time on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays
* from 9:30am to 11pm on other days
Local councils issue the passes, but you can use them anywhere in England, even outside the council area where you live.
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You can book Passenger Assist for any train journey in the UK.
This service is free.
You should try to book as early as you can, and at least 2 hours before you travel.
Staff will try to help you if you arrive without a booking, but you may need to wait if they are helping someone else.
There are no rules about who can use Passenger Assist.
If you think you would benefit from help, you can book it.
Saving money on train tickets
You may be able to get a Disabled Persons Railcard if you receive certain benefits.
The railcard gives you one third off the price of train tickets in England, Scotland and Wales.
You can use it even if you live in Northern Ireland but are travelling in these countries.
Visit the website to check if you are eligible and how to apply.
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Sometimes things can go wrong when you travel.
You may feel overwhelmed, scared, or stressed.
You may feel a meltdown, shutdown, or panic attack starting.
Try to stay calm and use techniques that help you, such as
* taking slow breaths
* using grounding techniques (for example, noticing things you can see, hear or feel)
* distracting yourself by reading or listening to music or a podcast
* stimming or using a stim toy
* calling a friend or family member
* taking prescribed medication if you use it for panic attacks
If you have a sunflower lanyard or an autism card, it may help to wear it.
This shows people you may need extra help or time.
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If you are on a bus, you can press the stop button.
Speak to the driver at the next stop and explain the problem.
If you are on a train, try to find the train manager.
If you cannot find them, ask another passenger for help if it feels safe.
What to do if you get off at the wrong place
If you miss your stop, do not worry.
You can normally get off at the next stop and go back.
On a bus, you often only need to cross the road to find the bus stop for the same route going the other way.
On a train, you may need to move to a different platform.
You may need to buy another ticket for the extra part of the journey.
What to do if you lose an item while travelling
If you lose something on a bus or train, contact the bus or train company.
They can check their lost property.
They will tell you if your item has been handed in.
For more tips about travelling by bus or train, visit the National Autistic Society website
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Travel Training helps people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) learn to travel independently.
This can include training for:
* buses
* trains
* walking routes
Being able to travel on public transport is an important life skill.
It helps you:
* make your own choices
* be more independent
* take part in daily life
* reach your goals
You can read more about Travel Training here:
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If you have a diagnosis of autism, or traits that affect how you use transport, you can get a card that clips onto a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard.
This card shows that you may need:
* more time
* extra support
* understanding from staff or other passengers
This can help make travel less stressful.