Handicap Driving Certifications: Step 1 In Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Journey
For people with disabilities, to be able to drive and be independent is so desirable. But did you know that driving can become a reality for many people with disabilities? What makes it possible for almost everyone, including those with limited extremity movement, is the range of wheelchair accessible vehicles and vehicle modifications available nowadays. But before getting behind a wheel of a wheelchair accessible vehicle or modified vehicle, there are some points you need to know.
To drive your accessible vehicle, as a wheelchair user, you have to be thoroughly evaluated by a driver rehabilitation specialist first. A driver rehabilitation specialist is skilled in driver education and transportation equipment modifications, especially for people with disabilities. A specialist plans, develops, coordinates, and implements driver rehabilitation services for people with disabilities. There are two processes involved during the evaluation. The first process is a clinical or pre-driving education section and the second one is a driving evaluation with training.
Driving Certification: Clinical Evaluation Process
Keep in mind, before starting your clinical evaluation with a driver rehabilitation specialist, a prescription from your doctor is required. It may also be advantageous to have your therapy reports, neuropsychological testing results, or clinical testing results on hand if possible and applicable.
Usually, the clinical section addresses your medical and driving history, tests your visual acuity and perception, and assesses your coordination and reaction time, judgment and decision making, cognitive skills, and mobility issues.
To complete this portion, it generally takes more or less four hours. Just relax. Remember, it is not a pass or fail test. Most importantly, your specialist is your strongest driving advocate and would help you in your goal to get you back behind the wheel.
Driving Certification: Driving Evaluation Process
Once you’ve completed your clinical evaluation, you are ready for your on-road assessment in a handicap accessible vehicle. In this process, your specialist will evaluate your ability to drive a vehicle with adaptive equipment. He will also help determine what type of specific equipment you need or is most comfortable for you to operate.
But before going through the second part of your evaluation, you must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. In regards for acquiring a driver’s license or permit, you wouldn’t be denied the opportunity to apply because you have a disability. However, you may be given a restricted license based on the use of adaptive devices.
During the driving test, your driver rehabilitation specialist will perform your evaluation in a van or car equipped with the same type of adaptive equipment you would need in your vehicle.
The evaluation begins in an open area to check primary control of acceleration, braking, steering, turning, parking, and overall ability to handle the vehicle. From there, the evaluation process would elevate to the street and see how you perform in moving traffic. And eventually, an analysis of your ability to drive on the highway and at higher speeds would take place at the final step. The process differs from one person to another based on that individual’s specific needs and usually than not, it takes more than one session to complete.
After the final appointment, the specialist will summarize the results and determine if you will require additional training. They will also suggest what type of vehicle would be the best fit for your needs and personal situation. The driver rehabilitation specialist will also work with you and the mobility equipment dealer to make sure that the equipment is positioned sufficiently for your needs and that you can safely and independently operate your adapted vehicle.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Disability Driver’s License?
Generally, the driving certification and evaluation process take three to six months to complete, including evaluation, receiving a permit, conducting training, and receiving a driver’s license. It is essential to be fully aware that it may take a while before your evaluation can get scheduled, so it’s always a good idea to get the process started early.
Key points to remember:
- You must be at least fifteen (15) years old before you begin driving instruction. And must be sixteen (16) or older before you can legally drive yourself and others on the road.
- You must pass both the written and driving portion of the test to get your license to operate a wheelchair accessible vehicle. If you have a hearing impairment, the tests’ theory portion is available in many formats, including video, written, and audio.
- Another vital point to remember is that each state bureau of motor vehicles has requirements for reporting changing medical conditions or diagnoses. If you were to be involved in an accident while operating a vehicle without completing the process, you may face additional consequences. It is why, it is very crucial to register first before getting behind the wheel of an accessible car.
Paying for a Driving Evaluation and Parking Permit or Placard
The cost of a driving evaluation will vary depending on your equipment needs. If you are eligible for services from workman’s compensation insurance policy, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Veteran’s Administration, or other agencies, funding may be available to help cover these costs.
A handicap parking permit from the DMV generally costs between $20 and $40. It is a unique tag that is hung from your rearview mirror to signify that you require handicap accessible parking at the places you visit. Read more about how to get a handicapped parking permit here.
Local driver rehabilitation centers can help you find a certified specialist in your area. Additionally, you can visit the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) for a list of accredited specialists near you.