Having a vehicle that’s been modified for your disability requirements can make a big difference to your life and being able to get out and about.
There are lots of solutions to help disabled people drive and travel safely, from adding simple modifications to standard cars to choosing from a wide range of specially converted vehicles.
What changes can be made for disabled drivers?
Almost any car can be changed to help you if you have limitations in your upper body, lower body, or both. These changes include:
- modified hand controls if you struggle operating standard foot pedals
- push and pull devices can be used for braking and acceleration
- zero effort electronic controls and hydraulic joysticks
- a steering wheel ball can be attached and is often essential when hand controls are fitted, so you can control the car with one hand while steering with the other
- pedal modifications – for instance, installing a left pedal accelerator if you have limited mobility in your right leg
Adapting a vehicle for a wheelchair
A wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is a specially converted vehicle that allows a driver or passenger to have easy access and to travel safely while seated in their wheelchair.
Adaptations can include:
- an automatic ramp or lift to give access from the side or back
- lowered floor to give extra headroom
- automatic wheelchair loading system
As WAVs can require the removal of passenger seats to accommodate a wheelchair, they’re often larger vehicles like automatic vans and Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs).
For wheelchair users who can get from their wheelchair to a car seat, you may find a standard car fitted with modifications is a better and cheaper alternative to a WAV.
When thinking about what changes you can make to a vehicle, it’s worth noting they’ll nearly always require an automatic gearbox.
Whichever vehicle you choose, remember to keep it in tip-top condition with regular maintenance.
Should I keep my car or buy a new one?
It depends on what changes you need to make.
Often, having driving aids mean you can still take to the road in the car you love, gearing it towards your needs with a few simple changes.
Customising your own car can often be cheaper than buying a new vehicle.
More complex changes are likely to be more expensive as they’ll require specialist suppliers and fitters. Choosing a new car that’s easier to adapt will help keep costs down.
Alternatively, you can buy a WAV which, although more expensive, can be entirely tailored to your needs.
It’s best to do your research and get expert advice on what will suit you best.
Car insurance and disability modifications
As with any vehicle modifications, it’s important to tell your insurer about them in advance to make sure you’re properly covered.
For more tips, read our guide to what you need to tell your vehicle insurer.
Depending on your vehicle type and size, you’ll need either car insurance or van insurance.
Admiral has several types of cover available, from single car insurance to MultiCover, where you can combine your car or van with your home insurance to get a discount.
Driving with a disability in the UK
If you have a physical disability and want to drive in the UK, you’ll need to have a driving licence and comply with the medical standards of fitness required to drive.
You must let the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) know about any medical condition or disability that may affect your driving.
Similarly, if an accident or illness has left you with a physical impairment or disability, the DVLA will need to assess your condition.
If you want to find out more about driving with a disability, you can get help from Driving Mobility.
This is a charity with a network of centres that can assess your driving requirements and give you advice and information.
And if you’d like to learn to drive, the Association of Disability Driving Instructors can help you find your nearest specialist instructor.
