Driving with Vehicle Modifications

---

A physical disability may dictate the need for you to drive with specialised vehicle controls. There have been significant advances in technology with many choices now available for modified driving. 

The off road assessment will help your OT to determine whether it is likely that you will need to drive with any specialised vehicle controls. This will determine the type of vehicle organised for your on road test. Many of our instructors have vehicles with a selection of alternative driving controls for trial. This will help you and your OT determine the best set up for you. 

Examples  of driving controls include: 

Driving with hand controls

There are many choices now available for driving with hand controls. Vehicle hand controls which include modified steering, acceleration and braking controls eliminate the need to use your feet to drive. These start at the most basic "mechanical" hand controls and range to new wireless technology.  

Common conditions that indicate the need to drive with hand controls include spinal cord injury and peripheral neuropathy. Hand controls can be added to automatic vehicles only, as both hands must be available for effective control at the wheel. 

Steering aids

Use of a spinner knob to help with steering is a simple, low cost, but effective modification. Spinner knobs are recommended when use of one arm is impaired and unable to assist with steering  (e.g. stroke, amputation). They can also used when hand controls are used to brake and accelerate and both hands cannot be used to steer. Many spinner knobs now have the ability to add controls, such as indication, horn and lights. While this is a relatively simple modification, lessons and practice are essential to be able to drive safely and legally using these controls. 

Left foot accelerator

If you're having difficulty using your right foot to accelerate and brake, the accelerator can be moved to the left side of the foot well to eliminate use of your right foot when driving.  In this instance the left foot is used. While this is a relatively simple modification, lessons and practice are essential to be able to drive safely with this change so that use of your left foot becomes habitual when driving.  

Other modifications

Mirrors

If your ability to turn your head or twist at the waist  is affected you may be unable to safely check your blind spots or look over your shoulder when reversing. You may benefit from installation of additional mirrors in your car. Panoramic and adapted mirrors can be fitted, and with training can eliminate blind spots for added safety.

Driver access and passenger modifications

Whilst we predominantly specialise in modifications for drivers, we can help to point you in the right direction should you require vehicle modifications for passengers, or have vehicle access issues.

If further customisation is required, or an available product isn’t right for you, we will work with you and the vehicle modifier to find the right solution for your individual  circumstance.