Driving and vehicle adaptations

Driving is associated with greater independence, participation and wellbeing. Access to work, errands and community services may also improve.

A professional assessment determines readiness and identifies relevant health or functional limitations.

Assessment considers medical history, vision, physical abilities, cognition and practical driving performance. An occupational therapist or driving rehabilitation specialist matches equipment to the assessment findings.

Driver rehabilitation provides supervised practice with the selected equipment and strategies.

Vehicle choice depends on transfers, wheelchair space and personal needs. Some drivers transfer into a standard seat; others remain in their wheelchair and require more interior space.

Adaptations can assist entry, wheelchair storage, steering, acceleration, braking and secondary controls.

Assessment, training and equipment costs can create barriers; funding varies. Expenses include both initial modifications and the rehabilitation needed to learn new controls.