Mobility revolution

Tackling the motoring issues that matter We take a look at the technology that’s making it easier for disabled people to get behind the wheel and give them the freedom to lead an independent life

We meet the disabled drivers breaking barriers to hit the road

ONE of the key selling points behind driverless cars is that they will provide mobility for groups of people who currently struggle to drive. Around 20 per cent of the UK population has a disability of some kind, which means driverless tech is likely to have a positive impact on millions of people who currently struggle with mobility.

But autonomous cars are still several years away, which is why the Government and the private sector are currently helping disabled drivers with various support schemes. To find out what it takes to learn to drive with a disability, and what life on the road is like after passing your test, Auto Express looked into the current driver training, financial support and vehicle tech that helps millions of people to drive. We also caught up with two motorists, one who is learning to drive with a disability, and another who’s passed his test and is now driving regularly.

Learning to drive

ACCORDING to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), there are over 1.98 million disabled drivers on the road, making them a significant part of the motoring community. Before taking lessons, the DVLA must know of any “notifiable” medical conditions. These range from epilepsy and strokes to physical disabilities and visual impairments, as well as mental health conditions.

Aside from this requirement, learning to drive isn’t much different, because everyone must pass the theory and practical driving tests to be given a driving licence, regardless of background.

The practical driving test can be taken in a modified car to suit various conditions (see our case studies), and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can also make reasonable adjustments, such as allowing extra time or providing diagrams.

None of this makes the test any easier, says DVSA examiner Nick Kimber, who has a disability himself: “When a candidate is driving they need to be able to control a car at the same level as anybody on test – whether they be male, female, young, old, able-bodied or not, and regardless of any adaptations,” explains Nick. “And I can say that hand on heart, having passed the test as a disabled person, and now working as an examiner with able-bodied people.”

“Learning to drive isn’t much different for a disabled person, because everyone must pass the theory and practical driving tests”