Driving and cp

niceboots

Hi I’m in my early 30s and have diplegic cp, mainly affecting my legs - although my fine motor control in my hands is slightly affected. I don’t drive at the moment, as I’m not sure about my reactions. 
I’d really like to learn to drive, as it would give me so much independence, I live in a semi rural area and the public transport is rubbish! 
I currently have a motability car that my mum drives for me, which is great, but I’d really like to get around on my own! Especially as my mobility is getting less in the way of walking.
 I would like to know what of people’s experience of driving with cp is. How do you find driving? Was learning easy? Did anyone have an assessment before learning?

Richard_Scope

I took lessons in the early 2000s. I had no formal assessment beforehand. I had to give up because of the price of the lessons.

Jean_OT

Hi @niceboots

Personally, I think that for some people it is a really good idea to have an assessment prior to booking lessons, sometimes the DVLC will require an assessment before issuing a provisional licence.

The assessment  can check out things like their reaction speeds and make suggestions about suitable adaptations etc. Here is a website that might be of interest: https://www.drivingmobility.org.uk/information/

Best Wishes
Jean

niceboots

Thank you! I’ve started looking into getting an assessment.