A serious or permanent injury may impair the physical abilities required to drive a vehicle safely, but will not always prevent a person from ever driving again. In many cases, a person who has suffered an injury can learn to drive in an alternative way with appropriate modifications to their vehicle.
Note that a medical certificate of fitness to drive will usually be required, and any permanent changes in your medical condition or conditions likely to affect your ability to drive safely must be reported to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Common vehicle modifications
The modifications that can be made to a vehicle to enable an injured or disabled person to drive or ride in it include:
- ramps
- mobility aid hoists
- altered controls for steering, braking, acceleration and control systems
- grab bars
- swivel seats
- postural and air cushion support for acute pain
- transfer boards
- rear mounted hooks or roof hoists to transport mobility aids
- mirror modifications
Learn more about how a vehicle can be modified to accommodate your needs by talking with a driver-trained occupational therapist. They can prescribe modifications to your vehicle to enable you to drive legally and safely.
Best types of cars to get modified if you have a disability
There are several options when it comes to sourcing a suitable vehicle to modify for your requirements. You can purchase a custom made vehicle, import a special custom-made vehicle or modify a standard vehicle.
If significant modifications are required it may be more cost effective to purchase a new vehicle which is already fitted with features that will reduce the modifications required.
As a general rule, when purchasing a standard vehicle which is to be modified for someone with a disability, its best to look for one of the following features:
- automatic transmission
- wide doors that afford easy access
- reversing aids
- a parking brake that is easy to operate
- power steering
- cruise control
- electric seat adjustment and position memory
- ergonomic design with all standard controls within easy reach
- simple control buttons and levers
The following vehicle models can be easily modified to cater for wheelchair access:
- Nissan Elgrand E51 Wagon 2005 - 2010
- Toyota Alphard 2002 - 2014
- Toyota Noah/ Voxy 2007 to 2013 70 series
South East Queensland based car modification companies
The following cover South East Queensland including the Brisbane region, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.
Evolution Occupational Therapy - Driver Assessment and Vehicle Modifications
2/409 Logan Road, Greenslopes QLD
(07) 3103 3561
32 Moss St, Slacks Creek QLD
(07) 3474 6575
Address: 39/41 Butterfield Street, Herston QLD
(07) 3252 3809
1800 811 626
1/12 Robert Court, Narangba QLD
(07) 3202 0604
1440 New Cleveland Road, Chandler QLD
0418 741 741
Is financial assistance available?
Vehicle Option Subsidy Scheme (VOSS)
The Vehicle Option Subsidy Scheme offers financial assistance to disabled people for the purchase and modification of a private vehicle. It subsidises the costs of a driving assessment and modification prescription by a registered agent, vehicle purchase, vehicle modification, and driver training.
The subsidy is available to Queensland residents under the age of 65 who have a permanent disability. You can apply for the subsidy through the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.
WorkCover
If your injury is sustained at work and you are covered by the Queensland Workers Compensation Insurance Scheme, WorkCover will pay for your medical and rehabilitation expenses which includes any required home and vehicle modifications.
Compensation
If your injury is caused by someone else’s negligent act for example in a car accident or in a public place, you may be able to claim damages for your injury. The amount of compensation that you claim can include a component for vehicle modification if necessary.
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