A spinal injury can have a devastating effect on your life, but many people with permanent disabilities still enjoy the freedom of driving a car. If you're keen to get back behind the wheel, you probably want to know what difference your spinal injury will make. Find out the steps you need to take if you have a spinal injury, and learn how you can get back on the road as quickly as possible.
How will your injury affect your driving?
When you're driving a car, you are in control of a dangerous machine, so it's vital that you can keep in full control. Competent drivers must have strong visual, physical and thinking skills. A spinal cord injury can limit some of these skills, but that doesn't mean you can't drive. That aside, you may still need to change the way you drive and the authorities need to make sure you are competent enough to get behind the wheel.
Why do you need to tell the authorities about your injury?
In Australia, the law states that you must tell the licencing authorities about any long-term medical conditions that could affect your driving ability. If you don't disclose this information, you could face a fine and lose your licence. In Queensland, the fine is as much as $6,600.
The licencing authority does not decide if you are fit to drive. Your doctor will assess your readiness to drive, in line with Austroads guidance. Many people with these injuries get cleared to drive again.
What tests will you need to have?
You'll need to undergo a medical review and send the report to the licencing authority. Your doctor will use the medical review to assess the type of injury, the severity of your injury and the effects this could have on your ability to drive. Your doctor may also suggest that you need vehicle modifications to allow you to drive. If he or she cannot make a conclusive assessment, you will probably need an occupational therapy driving assessment.
A trained occupational therapist will carry out this assessment, which you normally have to pay for. You will have an off-road assessment, where the therapist will check your physical, visual and sensory skills, along with your knowledge of road law. You'll also have an on-road assessment, with a driving instructor in a special dual-control vehicle.
Will you need vehicle modifications?
Some people with spinal cord injuries need special modifications to their vehicle. These modifications include:
- Hand controls
- Modified driver's seat
- Adjusted driver's door (to open wider)
- Additional electrical controls
- Adjustments to cope with your wheelchair
The driving assessor will recommend the modification you need (if any). He or she will normally also help you find a qualified supplier to make the changes.
Will you get a disability parking permit?
Disability parking permits are for people with injuries that restrict their ability to walk. You won't automatically get one when the driving authority issues your licence, and you will need to apply for the permit separately. Your doctor or occupational therapist will need to agree that you have medical grounds to receive a permit.
A spinal cord injury doesn't need to stop you driving. Follow the correct steps to renew your licence, and you could soon find yourself back on the road. If you're a little nervous, consider taking some driving courses with a company like Mitcham Driving School to help you get comfortable behind the wheel again.
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