For me it was kinda like getting behind the wheel again for the first time. I was extremely nervous at first. Like you were saying you didn't get to drive for a long time. It took me awhile to get by the neurologist. I had to take a course with the brain injury institute, after I passed that, I had to get a opthamologist to prescribe some glasses for my double vision. Prism glasses, then I had to pass a driving course with the DMV. Just lots of obstacles. I always drove with someone else in the car for a long time, then progressed slowly, and began to venture out on my own. Now, I drive where I want to with no problems. It just takes time. But, it really is like learning to drive again. Practice makes perfect. Right?? Well, no ones perfect, but you know what I mean. As far as the falling asleep. That's kinda concerning. Don't fall asleep!

I do have to focus on my driving. I have to keep my focus on driving alone. I have ran off the road even with a small interuption. We just have to keep our focus, and our eyes on the road totally. I know I get distracted if someone else is in the car. So, I perfer to drive alone. Nope we can't let our minds wander! Just keep everything in focus.

I was restricted at first, but I never had to go test for anyone to drive again. I had and still do have some trouble driving.

1st problem I noted...birght lights...I wear yellow lenses at night...it's never good to close your eyes for any length of time when driving ;-)

2nd thing...yes, I get extrememly tired too! The longer the drive the worse it gets. I limit my drive time for this reason...and I've also stopped and walked around the car a couple times to get where I need to go when needed!

3rd...I found myself constantly driving 5 miles under the speed limit....I'm still scared although it is not a fear I'm aware of its in my subconsiousness. It is ever so slowly getting better. I'm now able to maintain the speed limit...even found myself speeding for the first time yesterday. On the freeway everyone was passing me...when I looked down...opps! I was keeping up with the pack though...and that is more typical than 5 under.

For the first time...I experienced some double vision last Friday....at dusk. Need to find something in between the yellow and dark sun glasses...I closed one eye and made it home. However, if someone else would have been with me...I'd have had them drive in my place.

Focus is the key...music was too much in the begining...so were other passengers. I explained...I couldn't handle it please refrain from talking to me. I added music first...low...and increased the volume as I could without distracting me. Then slowly added talking.

It depends now on how I'm feeling before I start to drive whether I can have the music on or listen to someone talk or even gaze at something on the side of the road. It's all about retraining ourselves. Start slow and as you get more comfortable add a little more.

Know your limitations...if you are tired...that's a big one. A lot of people fall asleep at the wheel...please stop and wake up before continuing anywhere!!!

Being aware is soooo important. I didnt know the extent of my injuries for the longest time. I knew things weren't right. And I new at times driving was difficult. But I was very lucky that the job I had at the time of the accident was three miles from my house. I did not know the extent of my driving difficulties.

My new doc took my driving privileges away from me after my getting lost for now reason. I would be on my way home, straight shot, should take me 10 minutes in bad traffic, and I would end up on the other side of town. Not knowing I had actually driven there. Very scary.

I had to test back into driving, which I was awarded late October. But I still need to be super careful and aware. And I am the same way about distance. For me its a 15 minute mark, I almost tune out. I started identifying the cars around me by make and model. That helped!

The night vision, the bright lights. I have to wear sunglasses at night most of the time. And sundown is the hardest time. Not sure why, but its almost like I cant see everything out there.

And no music. That was a new discover. Since the accident I have not been able to listen to much music. A Very low sound tolerance. Music is just noise now. Sad. But I am trying to integrate it back into my life through therapy and such. Started listening in the car, making goals to listen to a full song, two songs. Cant regulate my speed with the music on. So, quiet car it is.

And somedays, I get in the car and realize I should not be there! And i have called a friend, and once my parents to come get me.

Ah, well . . . Like everything else, its relearning. Learning how to process all that information differently. They assure me it gets better!

Thanks girls for adding your comments about your challenges with driving.

I will continue to be careful - fortunately my cautious nature wasn't injured in the accident so I have an awareness that there are times I shouldn't be driving.

I can tell long distances on the freeway are problematic because I do feel sleepy, so I will be careful about that.