Vehicle Adaptation Assessments

DriveAbility Scotland – Your journey to personal independence

At DriveAbility Scotland, we specialise in driving adaptation assessments designed to enable safe, confident, and independent driving for disabled people and those with medical conditions.

Whether you’re returning to driving after an injury or medical event, or you require adaptations due to a long-term condition, our professional assessment team works with you to identify the most suitable solutions to meet your needs and lifestyle.

Our goal is to ensure your vehicle fits you, not the other way around.

What Are Driving Adaptations?

Driving adaptations are modifications or control systems fitted to a vehicle to make driving more accessible, comfortable, and efficient for people who experience physical, sensory, or cognitive barriers to standard vehicle use.

Adaptations can assist with:

Steering – e.g. spinner aids, steering balls
Braking and Acceleration – e.g. hand controls, left-foot accelerators
Vehicle Access – e.g. swivel seats, ramps, transfer aids
Secondary Controls – e.g. remote-operated wipers, indicators, or lights

These systems are designed to work in harmony with your abilities, reducing fatigue, increasing control, and restoring driving confidence.

What To Expect

Your assessment will be carried out by our professional assessment team, which includes an occupational therapist and a specialist driving instructor.

Each assessment is tailored to your individual circumstances and typically lasts around two hours.

It usually includes:

Initial Consultation – We begin with a conversation about your medical history, driving experience, and personal goals. This helps us understand your needs and identify any barriers to independent mobility.
Off-Road Evaluation – We assess factors such as seating position, range of movement, coordination, and reaction times to gain a clear understanding of how these may influence your driving.
On-Road Assessment – If appropriate, you’ll drive a dual-controlled, adapted vehicle on a structured route to explore different control systems in real-world conditions.
Vehicle Adaptation and Mobility Advice – Based on your needs, we’ll recommend practical solutions such as hand controls, steering aids, transfer systems, or other bespoke adaptations to enable safe and comfortable driving.
Personalised Recommendations – You’ll receive a detailed written report summarising your assessment, including next steps, approved suppliers, and installation advice.

Please note that if your assessment was arranged by the DVLA, the report will be sent straight to them. If you’d like a copy, you can request it directly from the DVLA.

Who Can Benefit from Driving Adaptations?

Driving adaptations can enable a wide range of drivers to continue driving safely and confidently, including individuals with:

Arthritis or joint conditions
Limb difference or amputation
Spinal cord injuries
Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, or those recovering from a stroke
Age-related mobility challenges
Physical or cognitive changes following surgery or illness

At DriveAbility Scotland, we recognise that every driver’s circumstances are unique. That’s why we take a personalised approach, working with you to find the right adaptations that promote independence and confidence behind the wheel.

Common Vehicle Adaptations We Recommend

Hand Controls – Allow braking and acceleration using your hands instead of your feet — ideal for drivers with limited or no leg function.

Left-Foot Accelerators – For drivers with right leg impairments, these adaptations enable safe vehicle control by switching acceleration to the left foot.

Steering Aids – Devices such as spinner knobs or steering balls make one-handed steering easier and more comfortable.

Remote Control Systems – These systems allow you to operate secondary controls such as indicators, wipers, and lights without taking your hands off the wheel.

Swivel Seats and Transfer Aids – These aids make it easier to get in and out of your car, improving safety and reducing strain.

Wheelchair Hoists and Ramps – Provide straightforward access to store and retrieve mobility equipment securely and independently.

Pedal Extensions and Guard Modifications – Tailored modifications that improve comfort, control, and ergonomics based on your needs.

After Your Assessment

Once your assessment is complete, we’ll provide clear guidance on where and how to have your vehicle professionally modified. We can direct you to approved adaptation suppliers and installers to ensure your chosen solution is fitted correctly and safely.

We also provide follow-up advice as needed, to support a smooth transition into driving with your new vehicle setup