Can an Orthopedic Handicapped Person Get a Driver’s License?

For individuals with physical disabilities, obtaining a driver's license is often a significant milestone. While it can present challenges, many are successfully able to drive with the right modifications and support.

Physical Adaptations for Driving

The evolution of automotive technology has led to a range of devices and modifications that enable people with various physical handicaps to drive. These include:

Height-adjustable pedals Hand controls for accelerating and braking Steering knobs or hand controls attached to the steering wheel Wheelchair lifts and ramps for easy entry and exit Voice-activated systems for hands-free operation

While individuals who are blind or nearly so may not be able to drive due to the reliance on visual cues, those who are deaf can still drive but may require additional awareness of auditory signals. The key is finding the right combination of adaptation and support to ensure safe driving.

A Personal Journey with C6 Quadriplegia

Meet Tamar, a C6 quadriplegic who had a transformative experience learning to drive. Despite her significant physical limitations, Tamar’s journey underscores the possibility of overcoming such challenges.

Tamar purchased a VW T6 Multivan and had it converted to accommodate her needs. The vehicle features a push-pull device next to the steering wheel for acceleration and braking, a set of buttons and indicators, a knob for turning the steering wheel, an automatic door with a ramp, and a manual driver’s side back door. The removal of the row of seats allowed her to drive from her seat comfortably.

The Training Process

In order to obtain her driver’s license, Tamar engaged the services of the California School of Driving, a specialized driving school for individuals with disabilities. The training involved:

Reading the laws and rules of the road Practicing in a safe environment, such as the DMV parking lot Building confidence through repeated driving sessions

During her training, Tamar was paired with an instructor named Dick Gageant, who drove a car with dual steering wheels and controls. They would begin each session at the Riverside DMV for a written test, followed by practical driving in the surrounding area. Dick, known for his approachability and support, even treated Tamar to a milkshake and coffee after the first lesson!

Following a nervous breakdown, Tamar moved back to her parents' home in Long Beach, where Dick continued her training. Eventually, Dick removed the dual steering wheel and brake pedal to further simulate a regular car driving experience.

The Licenses and Lessons Learned

After the lessons, Tamar passed her driving exam with a score of 89, allowing her to drive independently. Interestingly, Tamar also surpassed her many boy cousins during their driving tests, which they had to retake multiple times.

Over a span of 21 years, Tamar had five cars and experienced her share of accidents, despite her initial clumsiness with left turns. However, she has continued to drive, even sharing a memorable trip to Disneyland and surviving a couple of rear-end collisions before a major accident that still impacts her today.

Her journey with driving taught her valuable lessons about her abilities and the importance of continued learning and adaptation. Tamar urges others seeking to drive with disabilities to explore driving schools that offer personalized support.