Has anyone had their car controls converted?

[Litty]

Sorry no, cannot help on that one. I decided about a year ago to stop driving but have kept my license because we live in the sticks and if there was an emergency I could drive still.

I think Patsy on LWA has?

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My reason for asking this question was to find out what conversions people had done and how they manage with the changes. I am awaiting results from the DVLA to determine whether I am competent enough to drive with hand control conversions.

[Nigel-2112]

Patsy does have hand controls, I currently drive an automatic so today I don't need them.

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Thanks Nigel.

[PatsyIpswich]

Hi

Yes I could talk at length about hand controls!!

As with anything else to do with handicapped, they are well over priced but for me a necessity that has given me independence.

My need for hand controls is due to 'jerk's in right leg.

Originally I had automatic car [Corsa] and Ataxia UK funded conversion with a grant. This worked fine apart from the 'fitter' not telling me I would need indicator extension. An online friend sent me one which was fitted by local garage for nominal charge rather than the £100 quoted by original 'fitter'.

However when I updated my corsa from 1994 to 2004, I found that it was not actually fully automatic AND the hand controls and indicator extension kit didnt fit so I bought kit from eBay for £25. [have had to get used to 'roll back' on hill starts and indicating when not using steering knob.]

I did try buying conversion kit from eBay but it didnt fit so had to buy another for about £400!!

So in summary - wonderful to have but must be fully automatic and trying to avoid extortionate prices doest work! Google Bekker hand controls.

You could also 'post' on FB for advice - search motability appreciation society.

Hope this helps,

Take care, Patsy

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Thanks for your reply Patsy and nice to hear from you on AUKs new forum site. I guess i'll have to shop around first before buying any adaptions. I was assessed at a medical driving test centre and was able to drive using a steering ball and right hand accelerator/break, push/pull adaption. The hand adaption has an indicator switch attached to the top and therefor I didn't need to use my left hand. A much safer way to keep better control of the vehicle I would think?.

I believe that hand controls can be fitted free of charge when purchasing a car through Motobility. If I'm to do this then I'll have to wait another two years unless Motobility will allow me an exchange.

Having said all that I still have to wait for feedback from the DVLA first before looking into it further.

Look at the site below and you'll see a picture of the type of hand control I used.

motabilitycarscheme.co.uk/m...