Independence Through Adaptive Driving Equipment

At Fitness to Drive, we know that driving is more than just transportation—it’s independence, confidence, and connection to the world around you. For individuals living with disabilities, medical conditions, or age-related changes, driving can sometimes feel unsafe or even impossible.

That’s where adaptive driving equipment comes in.

With the right tools and occupational therapy for driver rehabilitation, people of varying abilities can get back behind the wheel, ensuring safe, comfortable, and confident driving.

What Is Adaptive Driving Equipment?

Adaptive driving equipment includes specialized devices and vehicle modifications that help drivers with disabilities or physical challenges operate a car safely. Instead of forcing drivers to adapt to a standard vehicle, these modifications make the car fit the driver.

Examples of adaptive equipment include:

• Hand controls for accelerating and braking without foot use

• Left-foot accelerators for drivers with right-leg injuries or amputations

• Steering knobs or spinner wheels for one-handed control

• Transfer seats and wheelchair lifts for safe vehicle entry and exit

• Bioptic lenses are also worthy of mention here. While this is an addition to a pair of glasses, rather than a vehicle, they can be used to help people with low vision meet the state requirements for driving

By customizing a vehicle with the right equipment, drivers can regain independence and practice safe driving with disability.

Who Needs Adaptive Driving Equipment?

This technology is designed for anyone facing mobility or strength challenges, including those with:

• Amputations or limb differences

• Spinal cord injuries or Spina bifida

• Paralysis due to Stroke or neurological conditions

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) or muscular dystrophy

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Low Vision

The Role of Driver Rehabilitation

Choosing adaptive equipment isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. That’s why occupational therapists who are certified driver rehabilitation specialists are so important.

At Fitness to Drive, we follow a proven process:

• Evaluation – We will look at how your mobility challenges are impacting access to vehicle controls, discuss options, and give them a try.

• Training – We provide hands-on training with the equipment in our vehicle to ensure that the equipment is a good fit and you are safe using the new controls.

• Customized recommendations and Prescriptions – We will make equipment recommendations and write a prescription for the mobility equipment based on what has worked best for you during training.

• Final fitting – We will complete a check out and final drive with you in your vehicle, after the equipment has been installed, to make sure that everything is just right for you.

This approach ensures that adaptive driving isn’t just possible—it’s reliable and safe.

Real-Life Success: Safe Driving After Sensory Loss

Introducing Kimberly, a 65 year old female who experienced loss of sensation in her right leg after multiple spinal issues and surgeries. Although she could move her right leg she could not feel whether her foot was on the gas pedal or the brake pedal. She came to Fitness to Drive to find out if she could still safely drive.

Through our evaluation, during which she trialed a variety of adaptive equipment options, Kimberly found comfort and safety with a left foot accelerator. This device moves the accelerator pedal to the left side of the brake so that she can use her left foot for driving.

With training and adaptive equipment, Kimberly regained her independence, driving confidently to appointments, visiting family, and enjoying the open road once again.

Left Foot Accelerator

Take the Wheel with Confidence

Driving with a disability doesn’t have to mean giving up independence. With adaptive driving equipment and occupational therapy for driver rehabilitation, safe driving can be possible for ability levels.

At Fitness to Drive, we’re here to help you find the right solutions—so you can drive safely, confidently, and independently.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact Fitness to Drive today to schedule your driving evaluation.