Learning to drive is a monumental step for many people, including those with disabilities. Having a driver’s license provides independence and freedom of movement – but learning to drive and completing a disabled driving assessment is a bit more complicated for disabled drivers.
Here’s what you need to know about the disabled driving assessment and how to get your license as a disabled driver.
Driver’s License Requirements With Disabilities
In order for a person with a disability to obtain a driver’s license, the applicant must pass a medical examination that ensures they can properly and safely operate a vehicle while abiding by any state driving laws.
Simply having a disability of some kind is not a sufficient reason to be denied a driver’s license. However, the nature of the adaptive driving techniques and a person’s individual abilities will influence how you can proceed in obtaining that license.
The application for obtaining a license with a disability is still similar to the process for those without a disability. While it may vary from state to state, in general, a person must complete these tasks:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Finish a driver’s education course
- Pass a road test with an assessor from the state
- Pass the state’s written test
- Fulfill the unlicensed driver’s permit requirements
However, before any of this can take place, the driver has to understand what adaptations they may need in order to safely operate a vehicle. This is where the disabled driving assessment comes into play.
What Is A Disabled Driving Assessment?
In addition to other requirements to obtain a driver’s license, disabled drivers must also complete a disabled driving assessment to determine if adapted vehicle controls are required and what the most suitable adaptation is.
Who Needs A Driving Assessment?
Anyone who is injured and/or disabled, or who needs to drive a handicap accessible van or car, should have a driving assessment done. Check your state laws, because this may also be something required in order to obtain a driver’s license.
A driving assessment is advised for those who are driving with a disability, especially those who:
- Have not driven previously or have not driven since they became disabled
- Is unsure of their ability to maneuver a vehicle in traffic with modifications
- Have a physical disability that has changed in the wake of an accident or progressed due to an illness or disease
Disabled Driving Assessment: What To Expect
If you need to have a disabled driving assessment done, then what can you expect? That’s a good question! In general, this is what you may encounter during a disabled driving assessment:
Clinical evaluation
Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists clinically evaluate your physical function. They perform cognitive, perceptive, and vision screenings and also, when needed, complete a seating and wheelchair assessment.
On-the-road driving evaluation
Depending on your ability, you may be taken on the road in a vehicle outfitted with adaptive capabilities.
Prescription for vehicle modification
Based on your driving performance, vehicle modifications may be suggested. These include any mobility aids, such as a wheelchair or scooter, that may be used, as well as a description of other modifications that can help.
Driver’s education
You can train and practice vehicle operations with newly prescribed equipment that can help you to obtain a driver’s license.
Operational assessment
If desired, you can also have an operational assessment done on your modified vehicle.
Cost Of A Disabled Driving Assessment
There is normally a charge for a disabled driving assessment, but how much it may cost differs from place to place. Your best bet is to find a disabled driving assessment program near you and call them directly to inquire about cost and what their assessment entails.
Who Can Help?
A non-profit organization called the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists is the primary professional association used for disabled driving assessments as well as driver education and training. In the United States and Canada, you can contact them to find a specialist in your area to provide you with a disabled driving assessment.
If you’re looking for advocacy resources for disabled drivers for accessibility and mobility issues, you can contact the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. They may be able to help you locate resources for vehicle modifications, or help out if you’re interested in purchasing a new car, truck, or van with modifications.
No matter where you’re traveling, having the ability to drive a vehicle with the proper modifications is important. Disabled driving assessments help you to stay safe and stay comfortable behind the wheel, so look into getting one today.
Featured image by Maxwell Ridgeway on Unsplash