Driver Readiness Program Celebrates First Graduate!
On Monday, April 27, 2026, Drive to Thrive, a new driver readiness program designed by Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering, and offered by Trinity Services, celebrated its first graduation. Wesley, a person supported by Trinity Services, passed the driver readiness program and now has the opportunity to take the next steps toward potentially renewing his driver’s license.
The Drive to Thrive program welcomes participants with a wide range of disabilities and learning needs. In fact, more than 60% of autistic teens and young adults experience difficulty getting a driver’s license. Drive to Thrive was created to help close that gap by building skills, confidence, and emotional readiness for driving.
“Wesley did a great job and we are very proud to have him as our first graduate,” said John Young, Director of Assistive Technology at Trinity Services. “The program provides realistic driving scenarios, step-by-step instruction, practice without real traffic or safety risks, and adjustments based on each participant’s comfort and ability.”
Participants sit in a replicated driver’s seat complete with steering wheel, gearshift, gas and brake pedals, and a functioning instrument panel. They watch an AI-powered, high-definition screen that features realistic scenarios that challenge learners by starting with foundational skills and progressing to traffic navigation, night driving, adverse weather, and emergency situations. An instructor observes each participant’s progress on a separate computer dashboard that monitor’s the driver’s status, with digital controls to change weather conditions, modify the traffic density, and trigger real-time situations.
Dana McFarlin-Lloyd, who assists Young with the program’s day-to-day operations, presented Wesley with his diploma and a special Drive 2 Thrive license plate. McFarlin-Lloyd points out that the program is for educational and preparatory purposes only. “Completion of the Drive to Thrive program does not guarantee obtaining a learner’s permit or a driver’s license,” explained McFarlin-Lloyd. “This program does not replace required driver education, behind-the-wheel instruction, official written on-road driving exams, or other State or DMV requirements.”
If a participant makes strong progress, possible next steps may include enrolling in a licensed driving school, practicing with a family member or support person, applying for a learner’s permit, and creating a gradual driving plan.
In addition to people supported by Trinity Services, the driver readiness program is also available to local area families with teens or young adults with autism who are interested in learning to drive. A referral is required. For more information about participating in Drive to Thrive, contact John Young at jyoung@trinityservices.org, or Dana McFarlin-Lloyd at dmcfarlin-lloyd@trinityservices.org.
Photo: Dana McFarlin-Lloyd, Wesley, and John Young