Mobile despite disability
A disability does not have to be an obstacle
It can happen very quickly: an accident, an illness. Suddenly you find yourself confined to a wheelchair, or with another kind of disability. Nevertheless, many people with disabilities want to get behind the wheel, because it is important to them to continue to get around unimpeded. We help you to stay mobile even if you have a disability.
You want to get your driving licence now?
You have never driven and want to learn? Keep the following checklist in mind as you travel towards getting your driving licence.
- Register with a driving school. Your local driving instructors' association and rehab centres will be happy to tell you of driving schools that specialise in training disabled drivers.
- The driving school will pass on your driving licence application to the road traffic licensing department.
- Mobility also means responsibility. The authorities will decide whether you have to meet additional conditions, such as a obtain a report from a medical specialist or undergo a medical and psychological checkup at TÜV NORD.
In your driving test, you will drive a car with suitable technical auxiliary attachments. If the modifications are very extensive, you can also drive your own car, providing that it has been altered for driving instruction.
Already have a driving licence?
Sometimes, an illness or a momentary lapse in concentration can throw your life off course. Carrying on driving as you did before? Frequently not possible. We help you to stay mobile despite your disability.
- You become disabled suddenly? An existing disability has become significantly worse? You should report this to your driving licence authority for your own safety.
- An investigation will be required here, too.
- When you are given your medical diagnosis, the doctor will check your overall physical state, sensory functions and, if necessary, neurological functions.
- The psychological tests test your perception, alertness, responses and resilience.
- Do not worry: Nobody expects top performance from you. You only have to meet the minimum requirements for road users.
- The road traffic licensing department will enter any conditions or restrictions on your driving licence.
- Talk to us about how you can modify your car to make it handicapped accessible in line with the most modern technology. We’re here to help.
So that you can drive unimpeded:
Adapt your vehicle to your disability
If, as a disabled person, you want to get behind the wheel, your car frequently has to be modified first. Almost anything is possible with technology. Some manufacturers offer new vehicles with handicapped-accessible equipment. Many companies have their cars modified by specialists. Make use of our experience and know-how. We have the market overview and know what options are open to you.
- If you wish, we can inform you of competent vehicle modifiers near you.
- Beforehand, we can advise you on technical acceptance.
The TÜV NORD Handicap Checkcar:
more technology than a racing car
Before you decide on a car, you should test out all the technical options first. The Volkswagen AG corporate area of commercial vehicles in Hannover, the company Toll Vario-Car and TÜV NORD have developed the TÜV NORD Handicap Checkcar for this purpose. It has state-of-the-art driving aids and measuring aids for disabled drivers. You can test all of the technical aids directly. We will then design a customised vehicle for you, tailored to your individual needs.
- As a wheelchair user, you can get into your car safely using the linear lift.
- Once inside, you can try out the foot or hand controls required to operate a motor vehicle.
- You can test the wheelchair lift, hand levers for the accelerator and foot brake, steering wheel turning knob and control equipment for electric consumers.
- In test drives, you will discover how an automatic clutch works.
- Using video technology, we will determine further technical aids that may be useful to you.
- You can naturally also make use of this vehicle service in your place of residence, too.
TÜV NORD expert tip:
A pressing question asked by many people with disabilities: Who's paying? If you are employed, in some circumstances the employment office, your pension or insurance provider, your employers' liability insurance association or main welfare office may cover the costs of your driving licence and vehicle modifications.
Please contact us if you have any further questions.
