Vehicle adaptations
A physical disability doesn’t automatically disqualify you from driving. There are several vehicle adaptations available that allow you to stay behind the wheel, even if you have no use of your legs and severely limited use of your arms.
Your driving assessment comes with a report that includes adaptation suggestions specific to your condition. Before you turn the key, however, you will need to take driving lessons to learn how to use the adaptations smoothly, without thought, to ensure everyone’s safety on the road. You will also have to pass the DVSA driving test, so that your licence will show the proper restrictions.
Vehicle options
You have three options when it comes to adapted vehicles:
- You can adapt your current vehicle (if you have one)
- You can purchase a vehicle customised with the adaptations required
- You can lease a car with the adaptations necessary for your condition
There are pros and cons to each option. As you know exactly what adaptations you need, the vehicle adaptations specialist will be able to give you a quote so you can see if it’s more cost-effective to adapt your current car or purchase a new vehicle.
In some cases, the cost of adaptations or a new vehicle are partly subsidised. Contact Motability to find out about your financing options.
What types of adaptations are available?
Steering aids:
- A ball or knob fitted to the steering wheel for one-handed control
- A tetra grip system that enables you to control the brakes and accelerator, hand brakes, and secondary controls (indicators and windscreen wiper, for example)
- Wireless keypads go with steering balls or lollipop (joystick) steering aids and operate secondary controls (indicators, windscreen wipers, and headlights, for example)
- Steering spinners are designed to hold your hand in position if you have poor grip. Lightened power steering then helps you to steer with only one hand.
Foot controls:
- Automatic transmission instead of a manual gear stick saves the use of an arm and removes the clutch from the picture.
- Moving the accelerator to the other side of the brake if your left leg is stronger than the right
Hand controls:
- Push/pull levers are placed adjacent to the steering wheel on your stronger side. Push the lever to engage the brakes and pull the lever to accelerate.
- Accelerator rings are placed above or behind the steering wheel. They work on a similar principle to push/pull levers, as you squeeze the ring toward the steering wheel to accelerate and push a lever to brake.
Seating and access:
- Rotating car seats make it easier to get in and out of your car without putting any strain on your legs
- Swivel seats with built-in lift lower to a level that is easy for you to get on without any strain on your legs and arms. It raises and swivels into position smoothly.
- Hoists come in a range of makes and models but all of them are designed to lift you from your wheelchair into your car and back out again.
- Tail lifts allow you to drive onto the lift with your wheelchair or mobility scooter and then lift you up and into the car. Lifts can be placed at the side or the back of the vehicle.
Some of these are rather large adaptations, but there are a lot of simple adaptations that can enhance your comfort and safety, some of which include:
- Adaptations to the wing and rear-view mirrors
- Adaptations to seat belts and safety belts, including customised harnesses
- Specially designed seat cushions to provide support and, in some cases, to raise the driver’s position