“How do I find a disability driving instructor?” This is a very common question asked by people with disabilities and their families.
The ability to drive enables a person to get around easily, to visit friends and loved ones, and to run crucial errands. Having a vehicle and a full driving license is even more essential for people with disabilities. It allows people who lack physical mobility to explore the world and to enjoy a level of freedom and independence that they couldn’t otherwise.
For many disabled people, their vehicle is one of their most prized possessions, and their ability to drive is one of their most empowering skills. Driving opens up new vistas for disabled people and can improve their quality of life in myriad ways. So what’s involved in a disabled driver’s training? And how can you find an appropriate disability driving instructor?
Learning To Drive With A Disability
Learning to drive with a disability is different in many ways to learning to drive as a non-disabled person. Several considerations apply only to disabled learner drivers.
Depending on a person’s specific disability, there are usually various vehicle modifications that need to be understood and mastered. Vehicle controls are often adapted and bespoke. Even getting in and out of the vehicle can pose challenges for disabled drivers.
Specialist Instructors For Disabled Drivers
For these reasons, it is crucial for a disabled person to find a skilled disability driving instructor to teach them. Disability driving instructors, also sometimes called specialist driving instructors, specialize in disabled driver’s training.
These instructors have expertise in disabled driving techniques and a thorough knowledge of all of the different types of adapted controls and vehicle modifications.
Who Do Disability Driving Instructors Teach?
Disability driving instructors specialize in teaching a wide variety of different disabilities to drive. The most common disabilities that qualify a person to get a physician’s letter that verifies them as a disabled driver are:
- Not being able to walk 200 feet without needing to stop to rest
- Not being able to walk without the aid of an assistive device
- A neurological, arthritic, or orthopedic condition that reduces mobility
- Heart disease of Class III or IV severity
- Lung disease
- Portable oxygen tank usage
- Being an amputee.
What Makes A Good Disability Driving Instructor?
It can be hard to pinpoint what makes a great teacher. Patience, an ability to communicate clearly and effectively, a good understanding of what each specific individual student needs in order to progress and master the skill being taught; these things are all vital.
With a disability driving instructor, it is also crucial that they have a very high level of driving skill, a deep understanding of the rules of the road, and a thorough and fully up-to-date knowledge of adaptive driving technology and vehicle modifications.
How To Find A Disability Driving Instructor
Finding a good disability driving instructor is easier than you might think. Most cities and towns have driving schools dedicated to teaching people with disabilities. These are usually called Adaptive Driving Schools.
Most non-disability driving schools have at least one disability driving instructor on their staff. There are also lots of disability driving instructors working freelance in pretty much every area of the country.
Disabled Driving Assessment
Before a disabled person takes their full driving test, they will need to take a Disabled Driving Assessment, which will ascertain exactly what adaptive controls they will need.
Vehicle Modifications For Disabled Drivers
The reason disabled people need to learn to drive from a disability driving instructor is that they often have to master adaptive controls and vehicle modifications.
The most common types of adaptive controls and vehicle modifications are:
- Adaptive hand controls
- Reduced effort braking systems
- Pedal and steering wheel extensions
- Left foot accelerators
- Wheelchair lifts and ramps
- Transfer seats.
Is There A Special Driving Test For Disabled Drivers?
No, there is not. Disabled drivers take the same test as non-disabled drivers.
However, because a disabled driver will be using modified controls, they will need to take their test with a tester who is an expert in adaptive driving and adaptive controls. They will also need to take their test in a modified vehicle, ideally their own.
How To Book A Disability Driving Test
You book your driving test by applying to your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. When you apply, you will need to inform them:
- That you are disabled
- That you will need a tester who specializes in adaptive driving and modified controls
- That you will either be using your own vehicle or will need to use a vehicle with modified controls.
How To Apply For A Handicap Parking Permit
Disabled drivers are entitled to get a disabled parking permit. The easiest way to apply for a disabled parking permit is through Disabled Parking.
The team will set up a consultation online between you and a local licensed physician who will examine you and then write you a letter of recommendation for a disabled parking permit.
Featured image by monsterpong09 on Pixabay