10 replies to this topic

[wheelsMcwheelsy]

hello fellow crips! im a functional c-6 from a trampoline mishap almost 5 years ago, and i'm finally ready to start driving. I'm fairly confident that i know what i need, i plan on getting a truck with standard hand controls and one of those cool chair cranes, as well as air bags so i can raise/lower the truck for easy transfers. The problem that im running into is that everyone i try to call about getting a license/driver training is completely clueless. I live in CA, and first tried calling the DMV, who referred me to a Driver Safety office. When i called them, they referred me back to the dmv...awesome. I've tried contacting multiple private driving insctructors, and the best answer i got was to justgo to the DMV and they would give me my license, which doesn't sound right at all. Is there a thread with the standard protocol for getting back behind the wheel somewhere? Any info on this would be awesome, thanks for reading!

[dansbun]

You have to have a license to take the adaptive driving test. I'm not really sure how you get a license before that... In order to go to adaptive driving class you have to have a prescription from your Dr. I don't know where in CA you live but here is a place in Santa Barbara: http://www.risb.org/driving.html And here is one Northern California that serves several counties: http://www.northernc...er_training.htm


DisablityInfo.gov choose Vocational Rehab


http://www.rehab.cahwnet.gov/ might be helpful


http://www.dor.ca.go...faq.htm#quest11 Here is the FAQ's for the California Dept. of Rehabilitation


Let me know if I can help with anything else.

[KarenFerguson]

Did you have a drivers license prior to your accident? If so, then the process might be a bit different than getting a license for the first time. When I got my license I was able to get driving lessons from a student driving company that trained disabled drivers as well as "regular" drivers. So, my driving instructors car had hand controls as well as that second brake for the instructor. They really don't like you to drive your own car for the lessons ... of course times may have changed a bit that was over 11 years ago. Anyway, I'm rambling. My driving test at the DMV was with my own car, however.

Edited by KarenFerguson, 16 July 2008 - 04:34 AM.

[turbrotoy]

If you had a licsense before,then you will not need to do anything.I didnt have to take a test at dmv until I ordered a handicap licsense plate for my car.
I was pretty bummbed out when I got the new licsense that they had taken my M1 (motorcycle) endorsment off.I live in socal so pm me If you want any of my experince with hand controls.Ive only been injured for a couple years but I started driving 2 weeks after getting out of rehab.

[ParaforGod]

Where did you go for rehab and do they offer this? I went to Shephard Center in Atlanta and I had to take a written driving test and a driving test while there. This may be something you may can check into.

[sits2much]

dansbun, on Jul 15 2008, 07:02 PM, said:

You have to have a license to take the adaptive driving test. I'm not really sure how you get a license before that... In order to go to adaptive driving class you have to have a prescription from your Dr. I don't know where in CA you live but here is a place in Santa Barbara: http://www.risb.org/driving.html And here is one Northern California that serves several counties: http://www.northernc...er_training.htm


DisablityInfo.gov choose Vocational Rehab


http://www.rehab.cahwnet.gov/ might be helpful


http://www.dor.ca.go...faq.htm#quest11 Here is the FAQ's for the California Dept. of Rehabilitation


Let me know if I can help with anything else.

There is a lot of good info here, each state is different and thus you need to look a few places first... I got my license changed to drive with hand controls out in Maryland and they had me go through a standard rehabilitation specialist that only dealt with driving therapy. I also had to have a doctors letter of all my prescriptions and my diagnosis's (note not to elaberate on your pain medication or other medications that they may find you not fit to drive with (don't lie just don't offer more than they ask for!!)) . There are several private facilities that offer this as well as rehab centers. You will have to do your homework but its there in every state.. If you do not have a drivers license currently or have never had one the same rules apply but you will have to take a drivers course through your local DMV as well. After I got my letter from the rehabilitation center I still had to go and take a drivers course at my local DMV and the instructor was a special one that knew the laws as far as how and what I needed to have and do while driving!! Another consideration is in Maryland I had to own the vehicle I was testing in at the DMV and It was suppose to be the only vehicle I drive but since my hand controls are portable I don't really abide by that rule. The good thing is once all that is done and that headache is over you should have no problems getting your handicap license plate for the vehicle... Good luck with your endeavor...

[longhaul]

Hi I drive in Ca. and what I did was made an appointment and went to the DMV with my van equipped with all the required adaptive equipment installed took and passed the test. If the truck has all the stuff that allows you to operate it then they have to issue you a license. Go for it.............remember to study the book.

[Jackiefff]

I have to get my permit because I suspended my license since I couldnt drive with it and so now back to my permit, to do that i just called the d.o.t and i had to get a evalulation from my doc saying im OK to drive, I am supposed to drive 30 days with someone over 21(which im not doing since im getting training!)I went through voc rehab(they are paying for my training) they found someone who will come into my town for 1 week and during that week i have to do 15 hours of training, then i can get certified and thennn i have to take the written test over and drive with the D.O.T
ugh! soooo much work

[allis53ca]

i'm not in ca, but in co and tx i just went to dmv w/my van and took test

[meeklo]

if you have a license already just go rent a car with hand controls for a week........
take a trip out of town and id say you should be good behind the wheel......if you dont have your license that sucks because the dmv is hella stupid about it for sure.

Also air bagging and the crane arent very necessary.
Im a t-4 and my buddy is a c-6 and we both have trucks and get in and out of it fine with it lowered,when you bag it you face the element of blowing the bags and being stuck on your frame going nowhere.The crane im sure is cool but if you get an extended cab with the suicide back door you can get your chair in and out pretty easy.But i am sure the crane is great i just didnt want to spend the extra dough.. Heres a pic of mine to give you an idea,guess i should show the inside on the pic but oh well

good luck

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[Hapahowlee]

The driver's license my husband had when he started driving again was from when he was AB and when it was due to expire he went to renew it and they just took his picture and gave him a new one. He never took any driving lessons and the DMV never asked him for anything, except when he asked for handicap plates. All he needed was a form signed by his Dr. and it was a done deal. I guess it depends on where you live and also if you deal with someone who doesn't know what they are doing. Also this was about 22 years ago so things might have changed, who knows.