The right controls for you
The controls which are right for you will be those which you find easiest and most comfortable to use, and which you can use safely. This guide gives examples of what is available. Don't be put off by the variety of equipment - most people need only very simple attachments. If you need more than this, there is plenty of good advice around to help you make the right decisions.
Talk to other drivers
Disability motoring organisations should be able to put you in touch with other people who use similar controls to those you may be interested in.
Find an adaptation firm
It is important to have controls fitted by a specialist. They need to be safe and appropriate for you and the car. Specialists are also more likely to make a neater job of it than someone who is unfamiliar with the equipment. They will also be able to maintain and check the controls for you (they are not checked as part of the MOT).
It may be worth contacting two or three adaptation firms by phone for a general discussion about what you need and what they can do. Try to get a broad idea of cost. Most have brochures and web sites. If you can, go to see them. Nearly nine out of ten people in our survey described the conversion firm they had used as good. It is probably best and certainly easier to get all the adaptations you need from one firm. You can be reasonably confident that conversion firms will not try to sell you any equipment which is not right for you. In our survey over nine out of ten people were satisfied with the service they had received.
If you have not had an assessment the adaptation company will carry out some routine tests and discuss possibilities with you. They do not make medical judgements. If they consider that a medical opinion is needed they should tell you, and advise you where to go to get it.
If you are able to drive, the adaptation firm is likely to be able to provide, adapt or make controls for you. In the unlikely event that the equipment they suggest does not meets your needs, contact a Mobility Centre to see if they have come across a solution which may suit you.
Youll find a list of adaptation firms in our address list.
Try before you buy
This can be difficult in practice and few people in our survey tried more than one control. Some Mobility Centres have rigs which allow you to try out a range. Some adaptation firms have a rig and most will have demonstration models of the main controls they supply. They should also be able to show you equipment being fitted to vehicles they are converting at the time of your visit. Organisations of disabled motorists may be able to put you in touch with local members willing to let you try out their controls.
Don't judge by price alone. You may find that a more expensive control has features which far outweigh the difference in cost. And a better control may make it much easier for you to drive with confidence
Try after you buy
Try out the controls before you take the car home, in case they need fine tuning. One person in our survey recommended that you try and park the car as 'that should make any problems obvious'.
If necessary, take the time to learn
A feeling of confidence and being in control may take time and practice. Don't be put off trying - most people end up driving without difficulty or anxiety. All conversion firms will show you how the equipment they fit works.
Some have space off the public highway so that you can become familiar with it before you start driving on the roads.
Unless you are having only very minor controls fitted, try to get some practice with a driving instructor who specialises in adapted vehicles - details from a Mobility Centre.
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