Driving motorised vehicles—mobility

Driving a motorised vehicle can be a key goal for promoting and maintaining the independence of a person with disability. Motorised vehicles can include electric wheelchairs, scooters, gophers, cars, trucks and vans.

Workplace solutions and adjustments

It should not be assumed that a person with disability cannot drive a vehicle.  There are a variety of modifications and adjustments that make it possible or easier for people with physical disability to drive a vehicle:

• anti-vibration wraps
• car seats—anti-vibration
• car seats and seat extenders—swivel
• clutches—automatic
• cushions—lumbar support
• cushions—vehicle and driving
• pedal extenders
• seat belts and seat belt extenders
• steering grips

Car hoists provide easy access to vehicles for people who use a wheelchair:

• hoists—car

Other supports for people who may be unable to drive or can’t drive the vehicles at the workplace include:

• buses and coaches
• drivers
• private hire vehicles
• public transport
• taxis for people with disability

Where vehicle modifications are needed, vehicle assessments can be arranged as well as car modifications training on how to use the equipment:

• car modification training
• vehicle modifications

Driver rehabilitation and assessments may be required to assist a person with a disability to drive safely or to be transported safely.

References and resources

Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc, viewed 3 May 2007, <http://www.ilcaustralia.org>.

Trombly, CA and Radomski, MV 2002, Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction, 5^th Edition, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia.