Moving Forward: Your Guide to Driving with a Disability
Having a disability doesn’t automatically put the brakes on your ability to drive. Keep reading as we walk through some ways you can maintain independence behind the wheel.
Challenges of Driving with Different Disabilities
Some disabilities can make driving a vehicle more demanding or, in certain situations, unsafe. These include:
Epilepsy
Seizures can cause sudden losses of consciousness or motor control, making it dangerous to operate a vehicle. Still, those individuals with well-controlled epilepsy may be able to drive if they have been seizure-free for a while (usually 3-12 months, depending on local laws).
Cerebral Palsy
People with cerebral palsy may face challenges with muscle coordination and involuntary movements, affecting their ability to control a car’s pedals, steering wheel, and other components. But thanks to adaptive equipment—like hand controls, steering wheel knobs, and pedal extensions—it’s still possible to safely operate a vehicle.
Paralysis
Whether partial or complete, the loss of muscle function and mobility can make driving a severe safety risk. Depending on the extent and location of the paralysis, some individuals may be able to drive using modifications like wheelchair lifts or specialized seating.
Acute Diabetes
Most individuals with diabetes can drive safely. However, acute episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to disorientation, tremors, and impaired cognitive function, which can be dangerous while behind the wheel.
Heart Problems
Certain heart conditions can cause unexpected episodes of breathlessness, chest discomfort, heart rhythm irregularities, and exhaustion, which can suddenly occur while driving and take your attention off the road. If you have a history of heart problems, consult with your cardiologist and follow any recommended restrictions or precautions.
Dementia
As dementia progresses, declines in memory, reasoning, and awareness can increase the risk of accidents. Individuals with mild dementia may still be able to drive in familiar areas and during daylight hours, but as the condition advances, they should stop driving.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease can cause uncontrollable shaking, slowed movements, and muscle stiffness, affecting a person’s ability to react quickly to road conditions. Some individuals with mild to moderate Parkinson’s may be able to drive safely during “on” periods when medications are controlling their symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, driving may become unsafe.
Respiratory Problems
Respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe asthma can cause breathing difficulties, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and potential loss of consciousness. Individuals with respiratory problems should consult their healthcare provider to determine if their condition is well-managed enough to permit safe driving.
Vascular Issues
Poor blood circulation may impact cognitive abilities and the physical coordination needed for safe driving. The severity and location of the vascular issue will determine its effect on driving ability. As always, you should follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy causes gradual weakening of muscles, which can restrict the range of motion required to control a vehicle. The impact on driving ability depends on the type and progression of the individual’s muscular dystrophy. Adaptive equipment, such as hand controls or steering wheel knobs, may help some individuals maintain their driving ability.
Visual Impairments
Bad vision, blind spots, or poor depth perception issues increase your collision risks. Individuals with mild to moderate visual impairments may still be able to drive using corrective lenses, specialized mirrors, or bioptic telescopic lenses.
Remember, the decision to drive with a disability should be made on a case-by-case basis. Always consult with medical professionals and driving rehabilitation specialists to determine your specific driving eligibility and any necessary accommodations.
Legal Protections & Your Right to Drive
Every state has its own set of laws and regulations about driving with a disability. If you have been diagnosed with a condition that could potentially affect your ability to drive safely, you are likely required to disclose this information to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the agency responsible for issuing driver’s licenses.
Reporting your disability to the DMV does not automatically suspend your driving privileges. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) offers protection against discrimination based on disability status—including driving privileges—and the DMV cannot deny a driver’s license solely based on your disability status.
However, they can conduct a driving test to determine how much your disability impairs your driving ability. If it does, they might issue you a disabled parking permit or a restricted driver’s license, which limits the time of day, geographic areas, and roadways you can drive on. Depending on the nature of your disability, you might also have to modify your vehicle.
Adaptive Equipment & Vehicle Modifications for Drivers with Disabilities
The road should be open to everyone, and with the right technology, it can be. Here are some adaptive tools that make driving with a disability possible:
Wheelchair Restraints
Wheelchair restraints secure a wheelchair in place while driving, even during sudden stops or sharp turns. They can be easily adjusted to accommodate different chair sizes, thanks to a four-point tie-down system that attaches to the frame.
Specialty Seats
Specialty seats are designed to make it easier for individuals with mobility challenges to enter and exit their vehicles. These seats can rotate, lower, and lift to help drivers transfer from their wheelchairs to the driver’s seat more comfortably.
Scooter & Wheelchair Lifts
Scooter and wheelchair lifts are designed for drivers who prefer to remain in their mobility devices while traveling. There are two main types: interior lifts and exterior lifts.
Interior lifts are installed inside the vehicle and can raise and lower the mobility device through the side door, allowing the driver to easily roll in and out of the vehicle. Exterior lifts, on the other hand, are mounted on the outside of the vehicle and can lift the mobility device into the cargo area.
Hand Controls
Hand controls allow the driver to operate the gas and brake pedals using a hand-operated lever or push-pull system, eliminating the need for foot pedals. Typically mounted on the steering column or dashboard, they’re easy to reach and even easier to use.
Lift Pedals
Lift pedals are designed for drivers with difficulty reaching the standard gas and brake pedals. These devices use a mechanical or electronic system to raise the pedals to a more suitable height.
Steering Ball
A steering ball, also known as a spinner knob, is a round device that attaches to the steering wheel, allowing drivers with limited hand or arm mobility to control the vehicle with a single hand.
Turn Signal Adapters
Turn signal adapters, like extended levers or joystick, are designed to make the turn signal controls easier to operate for drivers with limited hand dexterity or reach.
Foot Wheels
Foot wheels provide an alternative way to steer the vehicle for drivers who have limited or no use of their hands or arms. These devices typically consist of a specially designed footplate that is connected to the steering system, allowing the driver to control the direction of the vehicle using their feet.
Get Back on the Road with Southern Bus
For many drivers with disabilities, the path to independence starts with finding the right mobility equipment supplier. That’s where Southern Bus can help. We offer a wide selection of adaptive driving solutions, from full-size wheelchair vans to mobility products. Because when it comes to driving with a disability, we know it’s more than “just” getting from Point A to Point B—it’s about freedom, and being in control of your own journey.