Can You Still Drive if You Have Limited Use of Your Legs?

Many people who have pain in their legs or limited use give up driving. Unfortunately, in many parts of the United States, that means giving up your independence. The thing is? You don't have to give up driving. There are options, of which the primary one is hand controls. This is one of the most common adaptive technologies for vehicles sold, and it allows even people who use a wheelchair to drive their own car.

What Are Hand Controls?

In their most basic form, hand controls are levers attached to the steering column that allow you to operate the brake and accelerator with your hands. While it is possible to get hand controls that also cover a clutch, it is easier to drive an automatic. The levers typically are attached directly to the pedals and move them. This allows any vehicle to be fitted with hand controls, giving you plenty of options.

What Types of Hand Controls Are There?

Hand controls come in a variety of styles. You want hand controls that fall within whatever limitations you have and also are intuitive for you to use. The typical types are:

• Push/pull. This is the most common. You have one lever. When you push it forward, it engages the brakes and when you pull it backwards, it engages the throttle. You can use this with limited finger dexterity.

• Push/rock. When the handle is pushed forward, you break, when you rock it back, you accelerate. These are designed for people who have little or no finger dexterity.

• Push/right angle style. The lever is pushed upward to brake and downward to the right to accelerate.

• Push/rotate style. You push the handle forward to break and twist it to accelerate. Needless to say, this requires more finger dexterity.

Another style is extension controls, which are used if you are also having issues with the steering wheel. There's a second steering wheel atop the first, which is easier to reach and has the hand controls built in.

Again, hand controls can be attached to any vehicle. Or you may be able to find a used vehicle with them already attached. They may be mechanical or electrical (where the hand controls are electronically integrated to the accelerator). The latter takes up less space in the footwell and is helpful for taller people. Mechanical hand controls can easily be transferred from one vehicle to another.

Do You Need a License to Drive With Hand Controls?

Yes and no. In most states you will need an endorsement on your driver's license. You will need to take lessons to make sure you are safe on the road when using hand controls. It's not a special license but you do need to prove you can use the hand controls. You will also need a prescription that lists the precise kind of hand controls, and any other adaptations (such as special knobs to control the windshield wipers, etc) you might need.

Most people have to be "fitted" for hand controls by a mobility specialist who can evaluate your specific needs and make sure you get controls that work for you. Your endorsement is for the specific hand controls you have and if your circumstances change and you need to move to a different style, you will need to be retrained. Most hand control designs allow the vehicle to also be operated in standard mode, so they do not make the car undrivable by an able-bodied partner or friend. Some advanced fly-by-wire systems may not allow this, so if this is an issue for you make sure that the system you choose easily switches back. Hand controls can give disabled and elderly people back their independence. They can be applied to any car and come in a variety of styles to suit your physical capabilities and preferences.