¶ Driving and Adaptive Driving
Driving can provide significant independence for disabled people. This page covers the process of learning to drive or continuing to drive with a disability, adaptive equipment options, and the legal and practical aspects of driving with disabilities.
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¶ Understanding Adaptive Driving
Many people assume certain disabilities preclude driving. In reality, people with a wide range of disabilities drive safely using adaptive equipment and techniques:
- People who use wheelchairs
- People with limb differences or amputations
- People with limited hand function
- People with some vision impairments (meeting legal requirements)
- People with hearing impairments
- People with certain neurological conditions
- People with cognitive differences (varies by condition and individual)
The key question isn't "Can people with [disability] drive?" but "Can this individual drive safely with appropriate adaptations?"
Primary controls (steering, acceleration, braking):
Hand controls:
- Push/pull hand controls (accelerate by pushing, brake by pulling, or reverse)
- Push/rock hand controls
- Push/right-angle controls
- Electronic accelerator and brake
Steering modifications:
- Spinner knobs
- Tri-pin grips
- Palm grips
- Reduced-effort steering
- Joystick steering
Pedal modifications:
- Left-foot accelerator
- Pedal extensions
- Pedal guards
Secondary controls:
- Turn signal extensions
- Horn and wiper modifications
- Voice-activated controls
- Touch pads
- Remote control for vehicle functions
Wheelchair and mobility device access:
- Wheelchair lifts (for loading chair into vehicle)
- Wheelchair ramps
- Transfer seats
- Tie-down systems
- Wheelchair docking systems (drive from wheelchair)
Vehicle modifications:
- Lowered floors
- Raised roofs
- Widened doors
- Ramps (manual or power)
- Kneeling systems
No two drivers are the same. The right adaptive equipment depends on:
- Your specific physical abilities
- Your disability's stability or progression
- The types of driving you'll do
- Vehicle preferences
- Budget
Professional evaluation is essential to determine what adaptations you need and to learn to use them safely.
Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (DRS):
A driver rehabilitation specialist is a professional (often an occupational therapist) trained to evaluate and train disabled drivers.
What they do:
- Clinical evaluation of physical, visual, cognitive abilities
- Behind-the-wheel assessment
- Equipment recommendations
- Training on adaptive equipment
- Written prescription for equipment
- Help with licensing process
Finding a DRS:
- Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED): aded.net
- Your state vocational rehabilitation agency
- Rehabilitation hospitals
- VA medical centers (for veterans)
The evaluation process:
- Clinical assessment (physical, cognitive, visual abilities)
- Behind-the-wheel assessment (if appropriate)
- Equipment recommendations
- Training on equipment
- Final evaluation
- Documentation for licensing
State-by-state process:
Each state handles disabled driver licensing differently, but generally:
- Get evaluated by a driver rehabilitation specialist
- Obtain necessary documentation
- Apply for license or license modification
- May need to take modified driving test
- License may have restrictions coded (e.g., must use hand controls)
License restrictions:
Your license may be coded with restrictions indicating required equipment:
- Hand controls required
- Automatic transmission only
- Left-foot accelerator
- Corrective lenses
- Other adaptive equipment
Medical reporting:
Some states require doctors to report certain conditions. Know your state's laws.
Renewals:
You may need periodic medical review or driving assessment for renewal.
Paying for adaptations:
Vocational Rehabilitation:
If you need to drive for work or to get to work, state VR agencies may fund evaluations, training, and equipment.
Veterans Affairs:
Veterans with service-connected disabilities may receive vehicle modifications and adaptive equipment through VA.
Private insurance:
Auto insurance rarely covers adaptive equipment. Health insurance generally doesn't either.
Workers' compensation:
May cover if disability is work-related.
Charitable organizations:
Various organizations provide grants for adaptive equipment.
Out of pocket:
Many people pay for equipment themselves. Costs range from hundreds for simple modifications to tens of thousands for extensive vehicle modifications.
Selecting a vehicle modifier:
NMEDA members:
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) has quality assurance programs. Members meet certain standards.
Questions to ask:
- What certifications do you have?
- How long have you been in business?
- Can you provide references?
- What warranty do you offer?
- How long will modifications take?
Choosing a vehicle:
Consider:
- What modifications you need
- Vehicle size and type
- Entry and exit requirements
- Wheelchair storage or access needs
- Budget (new vs. used, modification costs)
Vehicle options:
Minivans: Most common for wheelchair access conversions. Lower entry height than SUVs.
SUVs and trucks: Can be modified but often require more extensive work for wheelchair access.
Cars: Work well for simple hand controls and someone who transfers to driver seat.
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles:
Side-entry conversions: Most common. Wheelchair enters from side via ramp.
Rear-entry conversions: Wheelchair enters from rear. Less common, different trade-offs.
Lowered floor: Required for most wheelchair access. Allows wheelchair user to enter and ride or drive.
Driving from a wheelchair:
Some people drive while remaining in their wheelchairs. This requires:
- Appropriate vehicle conversion
- Wheelchair tie-down or docking system
- Accessible primary and secondary controls
Vocational Rehabilitation:
- State agencies providing employment support
- May fund evaluation, training, equipment, vehicle modifications
- Must be connected to employment goal
Veterans programs:
- Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) grant
- Vehicle modification coverage for service-connected disabilities
Nonprofits and charities:
- Challenged Athletes Foundation
- Paralyzed Veterans of America
- Various local and condition-specific organizations
Driver Assessment Centers:
Each province has certified driver assessment services.
Finding services:
- Occupational therapists specializing in driver rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation hospitals
- Provincial motor vehicle offices for referrals
Provincial process:
Licensing is provincial. Generally:
- Medical evaluation/documentation
- Driver rehabilitation assessment
- Modified road test (if required)
- License with any necessary conditions
Medical fitness requirements:
Each province has medical standards for driving. Report requirements vary.
Provincial programs:
Assistive Devices Programs (vary by province):
- Ontario: Assistive Devices Program (ADP) covers some equipment
- Alberta: AADL (Alberta Aids to Daily Living)
- British Columbia: Various programs
- Other provinces have their own programs
Other funding:
- Workers' compensation boards
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Private insurance
- Charitable organizations
Vehicle acquisition:
Programs are limited. Most vehicle costs are out of pocket.
Driving Assessment Centers:
Driving Mobility:
National network of driving assessment centers. Provides:
- Assessment of ability to drive
- Advice on adaptations
- Tuition with adapted vehicles
- Information on vehicle grants
Referral:
- Can self-refer
- GP referral
- Referral from other services
DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency):
You must declare certain medical conditions to DVLA. Conditions that must be reported include:
- Epilepsy
- Stroke
- Diabetes (if taking certain medications)
- Physical disabilities affecting driving
- Visual impairments
- Many others
The process:
- Declare condition to DVLA
- DVLA may request medical reports
- May require driving assessment
- License issued or refused based on assessment
- May have conditions (e.g., must use adapted controls)
License codes:
Your license may have codes indicating:
- Adapted controls required
- Specific adaptations
- Automatic only
- Other restrictions
Motability Scheme:
What it is:
Scheme allowing you to lease a car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, or scooter using mobility component of PIP, DLA, AFIP, or WPP.
How it works:
- Use mobility benefit as payment
- Vehicle includes insurance, maintenance, breakdown cover
- Adaptations may be included or require advance payment
- Wide range of vehicles available
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles:
Available through Motability with Advance Payment varying by vehicle and adaptation needs.
Grants:
- Motability charitable grants (for those on Motability but needing additional help)
- Access to Work (for work-related transport)
- Local authority grants (limited)
- Charitable organizations
Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment:
Conducted by occupational therapists trained in driver assessment.
Where to find:
- State motoring organizations (NRMA, RACV, etc.)
- Rehabilitation hospitals
- Private occupational therapy practices
State-based licensing:
Each state has its own licensing authority and requirements:
- NSW: Transport for NSW
- Victoria: VicRoads
- Queensland: Queensland Transport
- Other states have their own authorities
Process:
- Medical assessment/declaration
- Occupational therapy driving assessment
- Practical assessment if needed
- License with any conditions
- May require periodic review
NDIS:
The National Disability Insurance Scheme may fund:
- Vehicle modifications
- Driver rehabilitation
- Some equipment
Must be:
- Reasonable and necessary
- Related to disability
- Support goals
State programs:
Various state-based programs may assist:
- Equipment loan programs
- Some rebates or grants
Other funding:
- WorkCover/workers' compensation
- TAC (Transport Accident Commission in Victoria)
- Private insurance
- Charitable organizations
Most countries with driver licensing have processes for disabled drivers:
- Medical fitness standards
- Assessment requirements
- License conditions for equipment
- Varying support for equipment costs
What to research in your country:
- Who does driving assessments?
- What are medical reporting requirements?
- What license conditions apply?
- What funding exists for equipment?
- What vehicle modification regulations exist?
Many EU countries have:
- Standardized license codes for adaptations
- Medical fitness directives (with national variation)
- Disability-specific driving assessment services
- International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (has some driver rehabilitation information)
- Country-specific disability organizations
Consider:
- Is driving possible with adaptations?
- Will it improve your independence?
- Are alternatives available (accessible transit, paratransit)?
- Is the cost justified for your situation?
- What are the ongoing costs (maintenance, insurance)?
Driving isn't the only option:
For some people, alternatives work better:
- Public transit (if accessible)
- Paratransit services
- Ride-share services (with varying accessibility)
- Taxis (accessible options in some areas)
- Rides from others
If your condition is progressive or you've had changes:
- Get reassessed
- Equipment can be modified as needs change
- Some adaptations allow continued driving with progression
- There may be a point when driving is no longer safe
Making the transition:
Stopping driving is a significant life change. Plan for:
- Alternative transportation
- Maintaining independence
- Emotional adjustment
Transfer drivers:
- Transfer from wheelchair to vehicle seat
- Wheelchair is stored (manually or with lift)
- Wide range of vehicles work
Drive from wheelchair:
- Remain in wheelchair while driving
- Requires wheelchair-accessible vehicle
- Wheelchair docking system
- Adapted primary and secondary controls
¶ One-Handed Driving
With appropriate equipment, people can drive safely with one hand:
- Spinner knob or other steering modification
- Relocated or voice-activated secondary controls
- Turn signal extensions
Options include:
- Hand controls for acceleration and braking
- Left-foot accelerator (for right leg impairment)
- Prosthetic leg use (with training and evaluation)
¶ Limited Hand Function
Options include:
- Modified grips for steering
- Reduced-effort steering
- Alternative switch placement
- Voice control for secondary functions
Driving requirements include minimum visual acuity. Some people with visual impairments can drive:
- With corrective lenses
- Using bioptic telescopic lenses (rules vary by state/country)
- Meeting specific visual field requirements
Driving with epilepsy or seizure conditions:
- Most jurisdictions require seizure-free period
- Length of required seizure-free period varies
- Medical clearance usually required
- Must report to licensing authority in most places
- Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED): aded.net
- NMEDA: nmeda.com
- State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies
- VA Automobile Adaptive Equipment program
- Provincial licensing authorities
- Assistive Devices Programs by province
- Driving rehabilitation services
- State licensing authorities
- NDIS
- State motoring organization assessments
What's your experience with adaptive driving? What resources should be added? What questions should be answered?
Share through our [contribution form] or email [email protected].
Last updated: November 2025
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