Driving any vehicle is a daunting process for anyone. The first time you get behind the wheel, as a learner or as a qualified driver is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Those feelings don’t always disappear.
Whether you were born with a particular disability or are learning to live with one following an accident or medical procedure, driving becomes a whole other challenge. Thankfully there are a wealth of car adaptions that can make driving easier and your day-to-day life much more simple.
There are many things able-bodied people take for granted, especially when it comes to driving. Even the simplest of tasks like steering, pressing the pedals, or just getting in and out of the vehicle can be difficult, if not impossible for some. These issues can not only hurt their ability to drive, but also spread into their everyday life, but it doesn’t have to be like that.
Mobility Car Adaptations
Adaptations can be made to a car via the Mobility scheme. These can include but are not limited to roof stowage systems, steering aids, radio remotes, left-foot accelerators, or drive from wheelchair adaptations.
The changes don’t have to be limited to the control of the vehicle. You can, for example, have swivel seats or transfer plates installed to help you get in and out of the car. Swivel seats allow the seat, not only to go back and forth but up and down too. Transfer plates allow you to pivot in and out of position which helps you get from a seated position to standing, allowing you to get out and into a wheelchair.
If that isn’t possible, you can also have an adaption called ‘Drive From Wheelchair’ or DFW. This means that the driver’s seat is taken out completely and allows the driver to drive the car directly from their wheelchair, without the need to transfer from one seat to another.
It’s important to mention that car adaptions aren’t limited to driving aids. If you need help accessing a vehicle as a passenger, there are numerous ways to do this too.
Whatever adaptations you need or choose, there will be a degree of relearning when it comes to driving. Becoming familiar with your new controls may take some time, but there was a time when driving at all seemed unusual. It may be a good idea to start driving in less populated areas or industrial estates until you get used to the new adaptations and gain confidence with them. It won’t take very long until you can put some miles on the road and enjoy driving again.
From mobility cars, wheelchair vehicles through to car adaptions, they all work to offer disabled drivers and passengers the ability to see the world beyond their homes. Being able to take to the road, for business or pleasure cannot be underestimated.
If you would like to find out more about how we, PB Conversions, can help you, get in touch today on 01525 850588 or head over to our contact page for more details.
Recently had my fourth vehicle adapted by Paul At Pb Conversions.always does a first class job and with first class service & always easy to deal with. Thanks for the great service Paul from you and your crew over the years.
Kiran was very helpful today explaining some of the issues I had with my hoist, and how to avoid them from happening again.
Dealt with the adaptations for my son's new motability vehicle - very friendly, efficient and helpful. Really pleased.
Very helpful and knowledgeable engineer, fast and efficient service
Thank you so much for all your advice, help and very professional job on adapting our car. Without your advice I would never have known to apply for a grant. You were excellent, thank again.
Due to my husband's condition we need a car with adaptions, we were advised by his paraplegic group to visit and this place is the best. Felt so relaxed talking about what we needed, all the staff were so friendly and so well informed, going above and beyond, especially Paul Berridge. I fully recommend this business. Honest and reliable. Thank you.
Staff are super super friendly, helpful, extremely informative and really nothing Paul & Co can’t do to any vehicle. PERFECTION is their middle name! Thank you so much for your outstanding service to me over the years and I look forward to using your company all my driving life.
Excellent work done on our car and very professional company. Great customer service and prompt response to emails.
Would you like an assessment?
If you are a disabled driver, or know a disabled driver in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Northamptonshire, please contact PB Conversions for a free no obligation quote to assess what products would benefit you.