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Am I Eligible to Drive with My Disability?

Having a medical condition or disability does not necessarily mean you can't or won't be allowed to drive. Most states subject people with disabilities to a standard battery of tests, so when they pass these certifications they're allowed to drive. Even if you're not able to pass the test to be able to drive there are side entry and rear entry handicap vans that are designed to be wheelchair accessible.

Each state offers accommodations for drivers with disabilities, such as handicap placards that permit the use of designated handicap parking spaces. These spaces usually have access to ramps as well as a closer proximity to a business's entrance. Most states require a physician to fill out paperwork establishing a medical need for a handicap placard which then needs to be renewed each year. The necessary forms and specific requirements can be downloaded at your state's Bureau of Motor Vehicles' website.

Laws have also been put in place to further accommodate drivers with disabilities. One that isn't widely known is when a handicap driver pulls into a self serve gas station, that station's attendants are required to pump the gas for you, without charging any additional fees. They are to post signage informing you how to get the attendant's attention of your needs without having to exit the vehicle (i.e. honk the horn). The only exception to this law is in a situation where there is only one attendant on staff at the gas station, although it is still strongly recommended they do so.

A person with a disability wishing to obtain a driver's license follows the same process of passing a written exam to obtain a temporary permit that allows you to drive with a licensed driver in the front passenger seat. For the person with a disability, it is at this point that you make the DMV aware of any medical conditions or disabilities that may affect your driving. Some of the conditions they should be made aware of are epilepsy, strokes and other neurological conditions, mental health problems, physical disabilities, and vision and hearing impairments. Your state may require your physician to fill out additional paperwork identifying which mobility equipment is necessary for you to drive safely. Any forms you need including the additional medical forms for your physician to fill out can be downloaded and printed at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website. Then, the DMV will possibly put a restriction on your permit that only allows you to drive a vehicle upgraded with specialized driving aids.

Once you know what adaptive equipment you need to safely drive, you'll need to obtain a vehicle with the adaptive equipment you will be using to take your driving test in. You'll also need to get car insurance that covers drivers with disabilities and special riders. You'll need to begin the process of applying for a handicap placard should your physician feel you need one. Then, you'll be directed to take a driver's education course. Many driver's education companies cater to disabled drivers and have accessible vehicles available to train you in. They will teach you the knowledge you need on how to drive with your mobility equipment to pass both the written and driving parts of the license exam.