If you have lost an arm, leg or both legs it may still be possible for you to drive. Depending on which limb was lost, modifications may need to be made to the vehicle and you may need to notify your local licensing authority.
Loss of an arm, hand or fingers
To drive a manual vehicle, both arms are required. A car with an automatic transmission can be driven with one arm, but a steering wheel spinner may be required if you have lost any more than a few fingers and modifications to some of the controls may need to be made so they are within reach. Steering wheel spinners with switches for wipers, lights and indicators are available, or those major controls can be modified with larger levers and switches or can be moved to other locations.
You may need to upgrade your vehicle to a more modern vehicle. Your licence may have the condition ‘Vehicle to have dual circuit brakes or handbrake operable by left/right hand’ added to it.
Loss of a foot or leg
To drive a manual vehicle, a driver must have two legs.
Drivers that have lost their left leg can usually drive a standard automatic vehicle with the accelerator on the right. If you already have your licence, it will be augmented with the condition that you only drive an automatic car.
Drivers that have lost their right leg would usually require that the accelerator is moved to the left of the brake pedal, unless otherwise approved.
Drivers who use an artificial or prosthetic limb to operate foot pedals must pass a disability driving test before being able to drive solo using the prosthetic limb.
If you use an artificial (prosthetic) leg to operate the foot pedals, you will need to pass a disability driving test before you can drive on your own using the artificial leg.
Drivers that have lost both legs must have the foot pedals converted to hand controls
Darren is an expert on driving and transport, and is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists
