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To assess the physical and psychological capabilities needed to drive, you should ask yourself a number of questions.

First:

Will I be a driver or a passenger

Can I handle the mental and physical stress and strain of driving?

Will I be able to transfer to a driver seat or will I need to drive from my wheelchair?

Will I need special modifications to operate the vehicle?

Will I be able to transfer to a car or van seat or will I need to ride in my wheelchair?

What are my preferences for seating position, visibility, etc?

If I can transfer, is a Companion Seat right for me?

Acquiring Information

Acquiring the correct information to answer these questions will require the assistance of a professional. Of course, your doctor and physical therapist will have input, but the assistance of an adaptive driving evaluator is recommended. A driving evaluator can be contacted through a rehabilitation center near you.

Many major rehabilitation centers conduct complete driver evaluation programs which are certified by their state's department of motor vehicles. This includes a pre-driver evaluation, behind-the-wheel lessons and assistance in licensing. Pre-driver evaluation includes testing eyesight, motor control, judgment and reaction time.

Driving programs stress that a consultation with your physician is necessary to make sure that you are physically and psychologically prepared for the driving experience. If you are evaluated too soon after your injury, there is the danger of recommending too much equipment and, consequently, spending money for adaptive equipment you will not need in the future. After a traumatic experience such as a spinal cord injury, there is a great deal to relearn. Don't put too much pressure on yourself too soon, even if you feel that you might be prepared.

Most driver evaluation programs utilize vehicles with hand controls and steering devices to instruct their clients. Some cars have a Chair Topper® mounted on the roof which mechanically loads and stores the wheelchair for the driver or passenger. Most programs also operate a fully modified van for people who drive from their wheelchairs. This van may have a raised top as well as a lowered floor. It may also have a Lift-a-Way or Vangater®II wheelchair lift with power doors on the side cargo door and a remote control entry device. Some driving programs including the low floor minivan conversion, such as the Braun Entervan. You may even be able to try out the Braun Companion Seat Assistive Power Seat Base. This device extends the passenger seat from the side of a Chrysler minivan and gently raises you into the vehicle.

After entering your vehicle, the evaluator can determine if you will drive from your wheelchair or from a power seat. The power seat base moves electrically into position next to you so that your transfer may be comfortable and safe. Generally, if you can transfer, you should drive from the van seat which is bolted to the floor. If you cannot transfer, an electric wheelchair tie-down can be added along with special stabilizing belts to secure you and your wheelchair behind the steering wheel.

There are many different types of driving controls and assistive driving vehicles. These include hand controls for throttle and brake, extended steering columns to position the wheel at the proper height, lower effort steering and braking, and modified vehicle switches. In a driver training vehicle, it may take a few sessions to fit this equipment to you. Once you have an evaluation from an instructor, you can begin to shop for a vehicle.

Finding a Vehicle To Adapt

Most driver education programs have a list of adapted vehicle suppliers in your area. Although not on every corner, there are more adaptive equipment distributors and more choices than you might anticipate. These companies will either modify a vehicle you already own, or they may provide you with a complete modified vehicle. Too often, people go to the local auto dealership and buy whichever car or van the auto salesperson recommends without considering whether or not it can be modified for their needs. The auto salesperson may think he has the best vehicle on the market, by he usually does not understand a disabled person's needs as well as an adaptive equipment distributor.

Due to the cost of conversion, the time spent doing your homework will ultimately pay off in savings. Extras, such as middle captain's chairs and front overhead consoles in vans, may go to waste if you purchase them from an auto dealer and then learn that they must be removed to adapt the vehicle.

The vehicle you purchase must have a suspension that is heavy enough to accommodate the weight of conversion, yet light enough to give a good ride. A heavy-duty electrical system, heavy-duty service options and factory-installed power accessories are all important features on your van.

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