[starstruck*]

how many of you can drive a car?
i know this isn't a really good topic nor do i know if there is another one.
but i am of age to get my g1, before my accident i was excited to being able to get it. now 4 years have passed and im finally of age, but now im in a wheelchair with a C4-C5 injury. i want to drive a car so badly, i just dont know where to start? or what to do? or even if i can? im just wondering, how many of you can drive? where did you start? how did you know you can?

i needa little help here.
thanks.

This post has been edited by starstruck*: 20 July 2009 - 07:57 AM

[azx43]

Hi Starstruck! I'm glad to hear that you are looking into driving! First off, you might want to start with a driving evaluation. Here in the StaTes, Occupational Therapists and rehab centers usually can help you get set up with this- it might require a referral from your Dr. They'll take you out in a car that already been adapted (hand controlzx, etc.), and help you figure out the adaptations that work best for you, and help you Answer questions about what your vehicle needs to be like so you can be independent. Do you want to transfer into a car seat or stAy in your chair? Do you want to have a ramp or would you prefer a lift, or do you want to take your chair apart and drive a sedan? Does it rain or snow a lot in your area? Do you like to go off-road a lot (require higher clearance) or tool around on the paved roads? Do you take a lot of road trips?

Did you drive at all before your injury? If not, maybe the same OT or rehab center offers driving lessons or classes, just to learn the "rules of the road" Another source would probably be the Department of Motor Vehicles-here in AZ, the high schools also offer driver's ed classes. If you pass that class, you don't have to tAke the road test to get your license.

At leAst that's A start- I hope that it helps! I will admit that I'm not as fAmiliAr with how such things work in the UK, hopefully someone who is will help!

[Webwych]

Starstruck, I can't give you specific advice as I'm in England but as far as learning to drive itself goes, just go for it! I learned to drive just before my 18th birthday (oh god, that means I've been driving 18years! haha). It feels really strange to be moving under your own steam for the first few lessons but once you pass your test there'll be no stopping you - a whole new world opens up.

Good luck!

[Ratticis]

I've pretty much been driving since before I could walk, so not being able to walk now sure as hell isn't gunna stop me. Grew up on a farm, so was always driving and running equipment and ext ext. Could ride my dirtbike before my peddle bike. As soon as I was stable in the hospital I started thinking about how to drive now. Where there's a will, there's a way. Good luck!

[Slowlegs]

Hi, I drove before my injury from age 11 on back roads with my parents. To change over to hand controls I did a driving assessment with an instructor who worked for our automobile association as they had a vehicle with hand controls. Took all of an hour and I was cleared to drive again. You may want to talk to the automobile association. They may know of someone who does driving lessons with vehicles with hand controls. Other than that or consult your specialist, Occupational therapist, physio or GP. Honestly, you won't believe the freedom driving gives you. Good luck with learning to drive.

This post has been edited by Slowlegs: 15 August 2009 - 09:05 AM