Motoring after amputation (view report contents)
Plan of action
1. Ask some basic questions
Prepare to compromise as you may not find everything in one car. Think about what you may need in future.
Will you drive the car?
Or will you be a passenger? Whichever, think about getting in and out and comfort. See Products and techniques and our guide Ins & outs of choosing a car.
Will you need special controls?
There is a big range – from simple gadgets to more complex controls. See Products and techniques and our Car controls guide.
What equipment will you carry?
Think about every day and occasionally.
Do you use a wheelchair?
See Products and techniques and our guides Getting a wheelchair into a car and People lifters. If you travel in your wheelchair as a passenger, a Mobility Centre can advise you about vehicle converters and adaptations that can be fitted.
2. Collect information
Start with articles in motoring magazines and on the internet plus manufacturers’ brochures. If you are disabled, there are other sources:
Reviews by disabled drivers
These appear regularly in Motability’s magazine Lifestyle and in the newsletter published by Mobilise the organisation representing disabled drivers.
Mobility Centres and organisations of disabled motorists give independent advice and provide a range of services. Mobility Centres can assess if you can drive and find out what equipment may suit you. Assessments are free if you are referred by the DVLA and, at a few centres, by the NHS. Most charge £45 upwards. Adaptation firms can use the assessment report to help them find the most suitable equipment for you.
Mobility Roadshow
An event with cars and adaptations; you can test drive vehicles there. For more information see Mobility Roadshow
Motability
Motability have a list of accredited car dealers with specialist knowledge and facilities for disabled people. A video on choosing a car, Right first time, is available from Motability (£3.99) or borrow it from an accredited dealer. Also see the Motability website for an interactive Vehicle Suitability Guide.
3. Try out before buying any car you are considering
Dealers may bring one to you and should be able to find an automatic version. Try getting in and out several times. If you use a wheelchair, check that it fits. You might be able to try out adapted cars at a Mobility Centre or an adaptation firm. They will tell you whether the adaptations can be fitted to your car.
4. Get plenty of practice
It is advisable to have lessons with an instructor using the adaptations you have chosen – essential when learning to use a left foot accelerator (see Products and techniques). Mobility Centres can provide details. Make sure that you are not driving with adaptations for the first time when you collect the car.
Learning to drive
If you are learning or returning to driving, Mobility Centres and disabled
drivers’ organisations can help you to find a specialist driving
instructor. They use cars with adapted controls or will teach you in your
own vehicle. Go to Helpful organisations
for contact details.
Report Contents
About
this guide
Driving
after amputation
Choosing
a car
Plan
of action
Products
and techniques
Getting
in and out
Primary
controls
Secondary
controls
Finance
Further
information
Helpful
organisations
