To ask here to get advice on learning to drive a car with hand adaptions

[Worrysaboutalot]

As the title says I am asking here to get advice on learning to drive a car with hand adaptions.

I was assessed as being safe to continue to drive, in a small ford escort sized car last summer using the same hand adaptions.

I am lucky (after paying a large down payment) to be able to lease a mobility car though the mobility scheme, however this is a massive 7 seater and I am struggling to drive it.

However I use to have the same model 7 seater car for many years and was able to drive it fine, clearly using the feet pedals at that time. So I know I can handle this size of car.

The only localish adapted driving instructor doesn't have my adaptions in his car and it is another tiny car. He doesn't have any slot for 2 months and lessons start at £50! So that is not likely an option really.

I have driven twice on car parks with my DH over the last two weeks and today I (with DH) managed 20 minute drive to the local supermarket and straight back.

I am looking to hear from people who have had to learn to drive with hand adaptions.

How long did it take to get use to them?

Any hints or tips that could help me?

I don’t have any personal experience but I can tell you that my dad had to switch to a car with hand controls when he was about 60 and he was confident after a couple of weeks of practice. The more you practice, the sooner you’ll be comfortable with your new car.

Obviously it will be best to avoid heavy traffic and stressful situations (like difficult junctions or busy roundabouts) at first. Maybe you could put ‘P’ plates on your car temporarily so that other drivers think you’ve recently qualified and give you a bit more space?

Thank you for telling me about your dad.

My DH ordered and fitted P plates kn the car for me, before I got into it. So other road users would be on notice.

I guess it is more a lack of confidence than anything else.

Contact motability, they will help you.
Do you get their magazine? There are often adverts for driving schools in that

DD has a Motability car with hand controls (ring type not paddles) and she got some free lessons through Motability as part of the package. You should contact Motability to ask about this.

DD ordered some stickers from the internet that say 'Car with hand controls' and the provider of the hand controls also provided a sticker.
It took a while for her to stop kangarooing, but the only answer seems to be get plenty of practice.

@Sugarplumfairy65

Contact motability, they will help you. Do you get their magazine? There are often adverts for driving schools in that

Good idea, I will ring them.

@Gladimnotcampinginthisweather

DD ordered some stickers from the internet that say 'Car with hand controls' and the provider of the hand controls also provided a sticker. It took a while for her to stop kangarooing, but the only answer seems to be get plenty of practice.

I will make/buy some stickers for the car. I was thinking of a sticker saying "Give me space to offload my wheelchair" on the back window.

I like your idea of car with hand controls sticker too

I think you are right, it is a matter of gritting my teeth and getting out there and learning to get more confident.

After all I have been assessed as being safe with hand adaptions aka safe enough to drive on my own, I just need to women up and get out there!

Motability allocated lessons for this when we first had ours if I remember correctly, but dh didn't use the lessons in the end.

We have managed two car park drives, one drive from home to the local supermarket, two solo drives to the local supermarket.

DH has suggested I make a solo drive to another supermarket in a different direction to the first one. Which I might do Sunday.

Still very cautious but slowly seem to be getting the idea of it.

Practice is the answer

A month or so later.

I am getting use to my car. I am much more relaxed whilst driving.

I am confident I will get to my destination when I set off!

I have mainly driving to many supermarkets, however they have good parking!

I even went to the local hospital appointment on the motorway. Just two junctions and I kept in the left lane the whole time but I did it !

I will keep practising and hope that one day I will be as confident in my hand adapted car, as I was driving normally with feet.