Driving Instructor Training
The quick and easy way to become a Driving Instructor. How, when, where?
Learning to Drive with Special Needs
Posted on November 26th, 2009 by admin, under Driving Instructor, Driving Schools.
Having moderate learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or Aspergers syndrome can’t deny you an opportunity to learn to drive. This opportunity is vital for you to feel independent and fulfilled. Learning to drive with special needs can be very challenging both physically and emotionally. But aren’t you facing challenges in your everyday life? So think of learning as just one more challenge. Thousands of disabled people hold their driving licence, enjoying the excitement of driving. With diligence, robust motivation and the right training, you will be able to overcome your disabilities, too. Find out how you are going to make it.
Applying for Provisional Licence
Before you start looking for the right driving instructor, you need to consult your GP on your plan to learn to drive. The doctor will brief you on existing DVLA (Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency) guidelines for learners with special needs who are willing to get a driving licence. The agency’s medical advisers will establish whether you are able to meet conditions for safety driving and issue a special certificate that entitles you to apply for your provisional licence with Driving Standards Agency. It would be advisable to get medical reports from your GP to reinforce your application.
Choosing Sensitive Driving Instructor
If you think that driving lessons come natural to pupils with no special needs, you are not quite right. Many people never pass their tests and have to start all over again. Frequently, it is not even their fault. Anyone wishing to learn to drive needs a good driving instructor. But you want to look for more than that, a sensitive, experienced driving instructor who has knowledge of your needs. These people have special training and they can teach you more than just to drive. They will show you how to get in and out of the car more easily and how to operate adapted controls. Big part of learning to drive is learning how to handle adaptive equipment that greatly eases driving and reduces discomfort. Another consideration may be to contact the Forum of Mobility Centers, a network of organisations across the UK that specialises in advising and teaching those with medical conditions which may impair a driver’s ability to drive safely. They also provide a special course for driving instructors who take on teaching people with special needs.
There is no need to say a lot of disabled people can drive a car. If you can do that too, you will accomplish much more than able-bodied learners because daring to get your driving licence is really a heroic deed you can be proud of.
