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Learning to drive
by Martyn Sibley
Well its been a busy time recently. I’ve been busy with fundraising work, visiting Guildford and Peterborough in the past 5 days via Cambridge to see my parents and grandparents. Also 2 weekends ago I was in Manchester delivering a talk to the youth group at the JTSMA charity that I am a trustee of.
The talk was on learning to drive from a wheelchair. So with all my driving and this talk I gave, I thought it to be a good blog topic.
I do not want to drone on too much about the processes. I hope by stating it is do-able, some of you may have your own views or even questions which I’m happy to answer.
Seriously though, it really is do-able with Motability (www.motability.co.uk) supporting the financial impact of the adaptations needed, alongside their knowledge of what you specifically will require, its easy. From the financial application being sent to receiving a newly adapted vehicle it can be as quick as 6 months.
I drive a Mercedes Sprinter van with a rear ramp, hand controls and a lockdown for the wheelchair. As mine is older and temperamental I am expecting my new, smaller, smarter and all round cooler car in one months time – a Kia.
To finish I want to express the amount of independence I have gained from driving. Since passing my test 5 years ago I have visited friends without always having a support worker with me. I drive alone to work and back everyday. I attended T in the park festival up in Scotland and many great trips.
With having a lot of support in my daily life, driving is one thing I do from start to end all on my own. A good feeling when singing along to the radio. I’m just glad I didn’t think – ” I surely cant do that” – all those years ago.
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