17 Yr Old Girl w/ CP Wants To Drive - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

Sasha615 · 07-14-2004, 10:47 AM

I'm 17 years old with CP and I really want to be able to drive. I took the written test when i was 16, in drivers ed, and passed. I know for sure that i won't be able to drive a car without hand controls. I've searched online endlessly trying to find some place that could give me lessons. i haven't found a place yet.
it's just so fustrating because i want to get a part time job somewhere. The thing is my aunt who is my legal guardian doesn't have a car. She says if she had one she'd be more than happy to help me with the job situation. I think that if i had a car it would just be easier plus i'm going to college in less than a year. it would just be easier all around if i could drive. Anyone who could help with my situation, it would be very greatly appreciated!

musicmaker650 · 07-15-2004, 11:35 AM

Hi Sasha615,
what State are you living in? Are you in the USA? If you are, contact your nearest GM (General Motors) dealer. GM has supported driver's with disabilities since World War II. They can provide you a car with hand controls or point you to the people that can. If you were in Montana, I could help you. I've been using hand controlled cars all my driving life. I got my license when I was 16. I am 54 now. Go to your nearest Wal-Mart and ask one of the disabled drivers that park in the special parking areas, where they got their equipment. Do a Google search for "adaptive driving"...

JellyRJFan · 07-15-2004, 07:58 PM

Musicmaker, I've never used hand controls, but might look into them for the future. I'm kind of confused on how they work though... what happens if you need to use 2 hands to steer around a curve or something? You wouldn't be able to accelerate or brake, would you?

edited because I can't type today!

musicmaker650 · 07-15-2004, 10:40 PM

JellyRJFan,
it's really simple... one lever controls the brake and the gas. Right or left handed. Just pull down towards your lap for the gas, release the lever and it goes back up, then push the lever in towards the dashboard for the brake. After some practice you never take you hand off the control except when you use the cruise control.

As far as steering, beginners use a spinner knob so they can turn corners using only one hand, After time you can steer and corner or turn using just one hand without a spinner knob, or suicide knob as we called them. Haven't you ever seen your father or mother steer corners using just one hand? It is really easy with a little practice...

nutcase16 · 07-18-2004, 12:20 AM

Yay, someone else to relate to! I don't have my license either. Only I'm 18, and college is coming up THIS year...*sigh* I don't think I need hand controls, either. I have an appointment with a place that tests to see if a person has the ability to drive (potential ability) on August 3....I hope that provides me with some answers....because I leave for college on August 28....I'd love to chat more if you want.