Advice for disabled drivers
The Forum of Mobility Centres is a great place to start looking for advice about disability and driving. This independent organisation has 17 centres across the UK, recognised by other mobility organisations such as Motability and the DVLA.
The centres can offer advice and assessment to a range of drivers including:
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People with a disability, who may require special modifications to a vehicle
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People with a medical condition that has an impact on their ability to make appropriate decisions with regard to safe driving
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Carers who need to transport individuals with restricted mobility in a motor vehicle
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Older drivers with mobility requirements
It offers, the following assessment and advice:
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Help on adaptations to overcome physical problems with vehicle control
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Advice regarding a driver’s ability to drive safely
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Wheelchair and scooter loading and transportation advice
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Wheelchair selection
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Passenger and driver access to vehicles
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Motorcycles or heavy goods vehicles
Learning lessons
The minimum age for driving cars is 17, but people who are getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate (the mobility component), can drive at 16. However, all new drivers should have professional driving lessons and disabled drivers may want to look for instructors who have specialist knowledge of their needs.
Mobility Centres can assist in finding an instructor who is skilled at teaching disabled people, and have taken a special course to do this.
Passing the test
For disabled drivers taking the driving test, it is worth booking theory and practical tests as early as possible because waiting lists can be long.
Drivers must pass the theory test before they can book the practical test, and if they don't pass a practical test within two years of taking the theory test, they will have to take the theory test again.
The theory test has been designed to be accessible in the following ways:
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It is available in spoken as well as written format
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Candidates with hearing difficulties can watch a video of the test in sign language
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The test conditions can be adapted if you have light-sensitive epilepsy
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You can ask for extra time for the multiple-choice element of the theory test
It is important to mention any special requirements you may have when you book your test with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Requirements may include:
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Wheelchair access
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Being deaf or having hearing difficulties
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Being dyslexic or having reading difficulties
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Not reading or understanding English
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Difficulties with the practical test itself
Altering the vehicle
Nowadays, many alterations can be made to cars to make them suitable for disabled people.
Accessories include:
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Hand controls to operate the accelerator and brake
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Joystick steering, or steering wheel knobs to turn and control the wheel more easily
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Accessories to help get in and out of the car (wheelchair hoists, ramps and tail lifts)
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Cushions, covers and supports
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Adapted mirrors
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Safety belts, seat belts and harnesses
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Rotating seats, people lifts and wheelchair hoists
Further assistance
The following resources may be helpful in exploring mobility issues further:
Go online and see how Privilege can help you with car insurance, breakdown cover and more.
Sources:
www.direct.gov.uk
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