The ins and outs of choosing a car (view report contents)
Who can drive?
If you get the higher rate of the Disability Living Allowance you can drive a car at 16; otherwise it’s 17. There’s no top age limit to driving a car. You have to renew your licence when you reach 70 and every three years after that. A form will be sent to you automatically by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) and in March 2004 was made free for each renewal.
You must tell the DVLA of any disability if you are applying for a licence for the first time. You must also tell the DVLA if you have a new medical condition or if you have a condition which has got worse since you passed your driving test or since your last licence was issued.
Conditions you have to tell them about include fits or blackouts, seizures, diabetes, angina attacks which are provoked by driving, memory problems, stroke, brain injury, brain surgery, pacemaker, difficulty in using your arms or legs and any visual condition which affects both eyes.
If you have a condition which needs investigation you will be sent a questionnaire and will be asked to give permission for the Medical Advisor to contact your doctor or specialist.
If you need adaptations to drive, this information will appear on your driving licence. Further information from www.dvla.gov.uk or get a copy of What you need to know about driving licences from a post office.
Report contents
Introduction
Car design
Choosing a car
What to look for -
- Useful built-in features
- Getting in and out
- Seats and seating
- Major controls
- Secondary controls
- Accessories
- Loading and stowing
- Wheelchair users
- Staying in your wheelchair
- Buying second hand
Checklist
Techniques
Who can drive?
Getting insurance
Finance
Helpful organisations
Mobility Centres
Useful publications
Addresses
