Advances in technology offer many more disabled people the chance to drive.All standard vehicles can now be modified for a physically disabled driver
Modifications
These can include
- hand controls for braking and acceleration
- steering and secondary control aids
- left-foot accelerator conversions
- clutch conversions
- parking-brake devices
- additional car mirrors
- seat-belt modifications
- harnesses
- special seating
- wheelchair stowage equipment
- joystick and foot steering; a four-way joystick can now be used to steer, accelerate and brake
- infra-red remote control systems that enable a wheelchair user to get into or out of a vehicle with complete independence.
Assessment
Mobility centres for disabled people are available to
- test driving ability
- give advice on the sort of controls and adaptations needed to drive safely and in comfort.
For a complete list of mobility centres, visit
drivingmobility.org.uk
For information about paying for modifications and adaptations, visit
motability.co.uk
The major motoring organisations and some motor manufacturers offer special services for disabled drivers.