Any Examiners Out There?
Discussion
Not really an advanced motoring topic, but Advanced PHers may be able to advise 
My eldest daughter is learning to drive, however she suffers from the disability of being a left forearm amputee from birth. For obvious reasons she drives an automatic, but refuses to have a tiller wheel fitted to the steering. Jane copes very well and is determined to proove she came manage without, a trait of most of us with some sort of disability.
Initially I was sceptical that she could be able to prove to the examiners that she could be in full control of the vehicle at all time, however after 12 months of lessons, I think she is more than capable. She has failed 3 tests to date but with the exeption of the first, the fails were on technical detail (mirror, sigal, progress etc) not anything relating to control. I have stressed to Jane that the examiners will want to make doubly SURE that her disablity poses no threat to herself or other road users, and that she will be snagged on silly things until they are.
Anyway the question is this, Last night I met, socially her driving instructor ( another TR enthusiast) who mentioned that the senior examiner at the local test center, told him that even when Jane passes her test he would be writing to the DVLA, to have an endorsment put on her licence, to the effect of restricting her to drive only with a tiller wheel fitted, his reasoning for this was that if she had an accident, her (my!) insurance would refuse to pay, on the grounds of no tiller wheel, no insurance!
Now when I first looked into this, I was told by the DVLA that, if Jane could demonstrate that she could drive safely and in full control at all times, without any adaption,(if she could change gear there would be no reason not to drive a manual), then she would have a licence without endorsements, If however she took her test with any adaption, this would always have to be in place whenever she drove in the future.
Sorry this is a bit long winded, but comments would be gratefully received.
Regards
Dale
My eldest daughter is learning to drive, however she suffers from the disability of being a left forearm amputee from birth. For obvious reasons she drives an automatic, but refuses to have a tiller wheel fitted to the steering. Jane copes very well and is determined to proove she came manage without, a trait of most of us with some sort of disability.
Initially I was sceptical that she could be able to prove to the examiners that she could be in full control of the vehicle at all time, however after 12 months of lessons, I think she is more than capable. She has failed 3 tests to date but with the exeption of the first, the fails were on technical detail (mirror, sigal, progress etc) not anything relating to control. I have stressed to Jane that the examiners will want to make doubly SURE that her disablity poses no threat to herself or other road users, and that she will be snagged on silly things until they are.
Anyway the question is this, Last night I met, socially her driving instructor ( another TR enthusiast) who mentioned that the senior examiner at the local test center, told him that even when Jane passes her test he would be writing to the DVLA, to have an endorsment put on her licence, to the effect of restricting her to drive only with a tiller wheel fitted, his reasoning for this was that if she had an accident, her (my!) insurance would refuse to pay, on the grounds of no tiller wheel, no insurance!
Now when I first looked into this, I was told by the DVLA that, if Jane could demonstrate that she could drive safely and in full control at all times, without any adaption,(if she could change gear there would be no reason not to drive a manual), then she would have a licence without endorsements, If however she took her test with any adaption, this would always have to be in place whenever she drove in the future.
Sorry this is a bit long winded, but comments would be gratefully received.
Regards
Dale
Edited by Groovydale on Friday 9th June 22:58
vonhosen said:
I don't see if she passes without, that they can make it a condition that she has.
I haven't researched this, but surely it's simple: either it's required or it isn't. If she passes the test then she's passed, ready to drive the world's fastest car, on any road, the same day (in theory).
It seems odd that the insurance should come into question, given that she must already be driving under some sort of policy? Of course, accompanied by a responsible license holder, but still...
What does the DVLA website say about such disabilities? They do have plenty of information online about disclosures and restrictions etc.
The DVLA position is clear, if you declare a condition ( we did) that poses a risk to you ability to drive safely, you are refered to a local mobility assesment center ( generaly an interview or doctors report is required) Their recomendations are then passed to DVLA who issure a licence with restrictions if felt neccesary. ( we have none)
I feel the examiner in involving DVLA is
a: covering his backside
b: concerned of her ability to steer/ control the car.(Wy not simply fail on improper control of the vehicle?)
c: unsure of the rules
Both my insurance and that of the instructors are aware of Janes disabilty but have places no restriction on her, but as Whatever said that is while she needs to be accompanied.
I feel the examiner in involving DVLA is
a: covering his backside
b: concerned of her ability to steer/ control the car.(Wy not simply fail on improper control of the vehicle?)
c: unsure of the rules
Both my insurance and that of the instructors are aware of Janes disabilty but have places no restriction on her, but as Whatever said that is while she needs to be accompanied.
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