Disabled drivers thread
Discussion
Thanks stuart. I recently (November) had a transfemoral bilateral amputation and shortly afterwards got rid of both my day car and my toy. TBH I'm really only interested in getting mobile again. Unfortunately my house has many external steps, so I have to change that before I get any car at all. But there's no reason not to start getting prepared for a return to driving again. I imagine step 1 is to tell DVLA and step 2 is contacting Mobility and getting a blue badge. Am I right?
It's not complicated but there is quite a lot involved. I'm not sure of your exact disability but I assume you have had both legs amputated?
First step, tell Dvla. They're pretty helpful
Blue Badge: normally you need to contact the local council, assuming they issue them. You'll need a letter from your doctor or they may contact them directly.
Get the forms for PIP ( formally DLA) from the DWP (get number from Internet, they normally do an initial assessment on the phone)
Hopefully you'll qualify for the higher rate of the mobility component and this will entitle you to a Motability car. These aren't free cars
I currently have a Hyundai x35 which is adapted with hand controls (free) and a wheelchair lift (subsidised). The system is brilliant. It's allowed me to continue an interest in cars which certainly wouldn't be suitable for everyday use! Hand controls are easy to use and nothing to be scared off. It's funny what suddenly becomes important in a car. Ease of access and a big boot are essentials. Keyless entry etc are also a god send. I could never have been able to justify a new car but now I have one and don't have to worry about things like reliability. There's no way I could walk to get help!
It all looks a bit daunting but I managed to navigate it all fairly easily and I can be a bit rubbishy at these things.
The first step (excuse the pun, you have to be able to laugh and I think asking for advice is a good start to making the most of a bad situation) is to make an appointment with your a Doctor, they'll be able to get most of these things rolling.
They'll also be able to refer you to an occupational therapist. They will come to your home and be able to make suggestions for adaptations. The steps are difficult but it can be overcome. We ended up moving to a nicer bungalow and the ended up putting a lift in and converting the attic to bedrooms, tbh though this was a bit of an extreme solution to overcome a few steps
Like I said, it all looks a bit daunting but there's plenty of help out there and there are plenty of people to guide you. You just need to ask
First step, tell Dvla. They're pretty helpful
Blue Badge: normally you need to contact the local council, assuming they issue them. You'll need a letter from your doctor or they may contact them directly.
Get the forms for PIP ( formally DLA) from the DWP (get number from Internet, they normally do an initial assessment on the phone)
Hopefully you'll qualify for the higher rate of the mobility component and this will entitle you to a Motability car. These aren't free cars
I currently have a Hyundai x35 which is adapted with hand controls (free) and a wheelchair lift (subsidised). The system is brilliant. It's allowed me to continue an interest in cars which certainly wouldn't be suitable for everyday use! Hand controls are easy to use and nothing to be scared off. It's funny what suddenly becomes important in a car. Ease of access and a big boot are essentials. Keyless entry etc are also a god send. I could never have been able to justify a new car but now I have one and don't have to worry about things like reliability. There's no way I could walk to get help!It all looks a bit daunting but I managed to navigate it all fairly easily and I can be a bit rubbishy at these things.
The first step (excuse the pun, you have to be able to laugh and I think asking for advice is a good start to making the most of a bad situation) is to make an appointment with your a Doctor, they'll be able to get most of these things rolling.
They'll also be able to refer you to an occupational therapist. They will come to your home and be able to make suggestions for adaptations. The steps are difficult but it can be overcome. We ended up moving to a nicer bungalow and the ended up putting a lift in and converting the attic to bedrooms, tbh though this was a bit of an extreme solution to overcome a few steps
Like I said, it all looks a bit daunting but there's plenty of help out there and there are plenty of people to guide you. You just need to ask
I'd say any car can be adapted with hand controls. I've a friend who's had a 1971 Daimler adapted for his use. I think there's someone on here with an Elise?
It's basically a push/pull handle, by the steering wheel, connected to the brake/accelerator pedal by rods. A "normal" driver can use the car with no problem.
You can also get versions which are "rings" around the steering wheel but I've never tried one tbh.
They can be removed when you sell the car with out any visible damage ;a couple of small holes under,the steering column usually.
Cost is around £400 for a push pull adaptation on your own car and around £1000 for a lift.
I'd suggest visiting the Naidex exhibition in Birmingham in March (?) if you can. There's also Motability roadshows you can visit and permemeant assessment centres where you can try out various styles of adaptations. You can find them online.
I use Des Gosling. for both private and Motability car adaptations and they're very friendly.
http://desgoslingmobilityltd.co.uk/
It's basically a push/pull handle, by the steering wheel, connected to the brake/accelerator pedal by rods. A "normal" driver can use the car with no problem.
You can also get versions which are "rings" around the steering wheel but I've never tried one tbh.
They can be removed when you sell the car with out any visible damage ;a couple of small holes under,the steering column usually.
Cost is around £400 for a push pull adaptation on your own car and around £1000 for a lift.
I'd suggest visiting the Naidex exhibition in Birmingham in March (?) if you can. There's also Motability roadshows you can visit and permemeant assessment centres where you can try out various styles of adaptations. You can find them online.
I use Des Gosling. for both private and Motability car adaptations and they're very friendly.
http://desgoslingmobilityltd.co.uk/
Edited by stuartmmcfc on Saturday 2nd January 16:34
drainbrain said:
Can literally ANY car be adapted for hand controls? I take it the adaptations can be retro-fitted.
In fact, he used to do a fair bit of semi-pro banger racing in the 90's.
You're right. I use automatics but you can have a manual car fitted with a "duck clutch" which is basically a button on top of the gear knob which actuates a rod which operates the clutch.
Can be expensive though. I considered one for my Integrale but decided to go down the auto route as basically I'm a lazy slob
Can be expensive though. I considered one for my Integrale but decided to go down the auto route as basically I'm a lazy slob
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