There is a wide range of vehicle modifications on the market which enable people with injury or disability to drive a vehicle and/or to access a vehicle.
Driver modifications:
- spinner knobs and other steering aids
- electronic steering aids eg steering knobs and satellite accelerators
- push/pull and push/pat hand controls
- over/under-ring accelerator
- indicator extension levers
- left foot accelerator
- automatic transmission conversion
Passenger / vehicle access modifications:
- wheelchair accessible conversions and fitouts
- wheelchair hoists and ramps
- lowered floors
- wheelchair tie-downs and docking stations/pins
- seating conversions
- wheelchair and scooter storage
So What do I do?
The general process with any vehicle modification is as follows:
1) Have an OT assessment and prescription from a qualified Occupational Therapist (must be a driving trained OT to prescribe driver mods). Prescription will usually require the team of client, OT, driving instructor and vehicle modifier to work together to determine the best option.
Clients returning to driving
2) Have lessons with the rehabilitation driving instructor to develop competence with the modifications
3) Have an OT on-road re-assessment if necessary
4) OT liaises with the driving instructor and informs GP/specialist that you have passed
5) Return to GP/specialist to gain new medical certificate,
6) Take updated medical certificate to QLD Transport to have licence endorsed with conditions “M” for medical condition and “V” for vehicle modification
All clients
7) Modifications must be installed and authorised by an approved officer
8) Modifications must also be reported to QLD Transport and a modification plate installed
