Driving Lessons With a Disability

Many people with disabilities can drive safely with the right evaluation, equipment and training. The usual path starts with an assessment by a driver rehabilitation specialist, then any vehicle changes they recommend, then on-road lessons with that equipment.

This applies to a teen with a congenital condition learning to drive for the first time, and to an adult returning to driving after an injury, stroke or amputation. Here is how each step works and how to find qualified help.

Key takeaways

A disability alone can't stop you from applying for a permit or license, though a license may carry restrictions such as required equipment.
Start with a driver rehabilitation specialist's evaluation, not with buying equipment.
Expect both clinical testing and an on-road assessment.
Funding may come from vocational rehabilitation, workers' compensation, auto insurance or other sources, depending on how the need arose.
Use ADED's directory to find a certified specialist.

Can you get a license with a disability?

Yes. NHTSA says age or disability cannot bar you from applying for a learner's permit or driver's license. Every state requires a valid permit or license before an on-the-road evaluation, and a license may be issued with restrictions based on the adaptive equipment you need.

Step 1: The driver rehabilitation evaluation

A driver rehabilitation specialist is a trained expert who works with people of all ages and abilities to find solutions for drivers with special needs. Look for the Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) credential. ADED says both therapists and driver educators perform driving evaluations and in-vehicle training.

According to NHTSA, the evaluation looks at:

Vision (screening)
Muscle strength, flexibility and range of motion
Coordination and reaction time
Judgment and decision-making
Your ability to drive with adaptive equipment

AARP describes what this often looks like in practice: a clinic portion with a reaction timer (how fast you move from gas to brake), vision tests for depth perception and side vision, and checks of memory, attention and judgment, followed by an on-road drive through things like complex intersections.

What you get: a report listing any driving restrictions, recommended vehicle modifications, and whether you need on-road training.

Timing tips from NHTSA: get your doctor's approval first, and avoid being evaluated too soon after an injury, stroke or trauma, because the results may overstate the equipment you will need long-term. Bring the aids you normally use, such as a walker or neck brace.

Step 2: Choosing equipment and a vehicle

Adaptive equipment ranges from simple to complex. NHTSA gives cost examples from about $50 for a seat-back cushion to under $1,000 for hand controls, while a new vehicle modified with adaptive equipment can cost $20,000 to $80,000. AARP mentions hand controls and a left-foot accelerator as examples.

Before buying a vehicle, NHTSA suggests you:

Make sure there is room for passengers, equipment and enough cargo capacity
Check parking space at home and work for loading a wheelchair or using a walker
Sit in it, and test-drive if possible, keeping about 10 inches between your breastbone and the steering wheel airbag
Get a written statement of coverage first if a third party is paying

Choosing who installs it: small changes matter. NHTSA notes that even a half-inch change in a van floor can affect your ability to use equipment. Ask whether the dealer is registered with NHTSA (registered modifiers must give you a written statement of the work and label affected safety standards) and whether it takes part in a recognized quality assurance program, which some state agencies require.

Step 3: Adaptive driving lessons

NHTSA says both new and experienced drivers need training on new equipment, and strongly advises on-the-road training with a specialist who has advanced adaptive-technology expertise.

How many lessons? AARP reports that some people need one or two refresher sessions, while learning adaptive equipment can take up to 10. Early lessons often happen in the instructor's car, which has a passenger-side brake, starting with short local trips before highway driving.

For a teen who has never driven, adaptive lessons sit on top of the usual steps: a learner's permit, supervised practice and the state's driver education rules. Our Learner's Permit Practice Hours by State: A Log Guide guide covers practice hour minimums, and How Many Driving Lessons Does an Adult Beginner Need? covers adults starting out.

What it costs and who may pay

AARP reports evaluations of about $200 to $500 and driving sessions of $100 to $300, and says these are usually not covered by insurance, though it is worth asking. Prices vary by area; ask for a written quote.

NHTSA lists possible funding sources:

State vocational rehabilitation agencies, and possibly the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Workers' compensation, if the need came from a job injury
Auto insurance, if it came from a car crash
Health insurance (check whether a prescription is needed)
Local nonprofits and state disability services offices
Manufacturer rebates, usually up to $1,000, on vehicles less than a year old
Some states waive sales tax on adaptive devices with a doctor's prescription, and costs may be tax deductible (ask a tax professional)

How to find a certified specialist

ADED (the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists) lets you search for a CDRS, a Driver Rehabilitation Professional (DRP), or any member offering driver rehabilitation services, as well as mobility equipment dealers. ADED notes that listings reflect membership and are not endorsements.
AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association) offers referrals to state organizations for occupational therapists.
Local rehabilitation centers are another place NHTSA suggests looking for specialists.

ADED also trains professionals. Its foundational course on the impact of disability on driving covers acquired, congenital, developmental and progressive conditions, clinical assessments and adaptive equipment. It is fair to ask a provider about their credentials and training.

Questions to ask a provider

Are you a CDRS, or what is your credential?
Do you do both clinical and on-road evaluations?
Does your training vehicle have the equipment I'll use?
Will I get a written report with recommendations?
What will the evaluation and lessons cost, and do you work with my funding source?

Many of the same questions apply to any driving school; see Questions to Ask Before You Pay a Driving School.

FAQ

What is a driver rehabilitation specialist?

A trained professional who evaluates how a medical condition or disability affects driving and recommends equipment, restrictions and training. The Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) credential is offered through ADED.

How much does a driving evaluation cost?

AARP reports evaluations of about $200 to $500. Funding may be available through vocational rehabilitation, workers' compensation, or health or auto insurance, depending on your situation.

Do I need a license before an adaptive driving evaluation?

NHTSA says all states require a valid learner's permit or driver's license before an on-the-road evaluation.

How many adaptive driving lessons will I need?

It varies. AARP reports some drivers need one or two sessions, while those learning new adaptive equipment may need up to 10.

Finding the right instructor

Adaptive training is specialized, so start with ADED's directory. For general lessons, choose a school your state has licensed. You can search our directory and look for the verified-school check mark.

Find a verified driving school near you.

Driving Lessons With a Disability: Adaptive Training Explained