Driving a Manual with Cerebral Palsy

misspl_x

Hi, 

Does anyone here drive a manual car with CP? Currently having lessons, and thought they were going ok until the last couple of lessons or so. Have hold of the basic controls such as clutch, gears, acceleration ect but all of a sudden struggling to stop panicking, but I do wonder whether some of this may be due to the way we process information or whether its due to the fact we take longer to learn in general? 
Its almost like I forget everything ive been taught, whether that is due to learning slower or not I'm not sure or just confidence maybe, I've had a couple of really quite alright lessons so I'm just wondering whether its been an off few lessons or whether I should consider auto? Not sure though, because as far as actually controlling the car I'm ok. And it'd be the better outcome to pass in a manual for me personally. 
Looking for peoples experiences in either! 

Thanks x 

Richard_Scope

Hi @misspl_x
Thanks for posting a welcome to the community. I have only ever learned in an automatic but that is because of how my cp affects me. I have friends that live with cp and drive manual cars. They manage very well.

When are you taking your lessons? Morning or evening? If you are tired that can have an effect on your performance. Do you think you are putting yourself under too much pressure?

atlas46

Hi @misspl_x

You could try speaking to Regional Driving Assessment Centre(RDAC) tel:0300 300 2240.

They have a network of assessment centres across the country, to advise disabled drivers. They have instructors and Occupational Therapists, who I sure would be happy to help you.

A friend of mine had their assistance following a stroke and is now back driving.

Have you spoken to your driving instructor to see if they have notice any changes.

Let us know how you get on.

Reg

I have mild cp and passed my driving test in a manual car but have always bought automatic cars. My left hand is clawed and I have had a number of ops and have used hand braces. I would get an automatic even if you get through a manual driving test as so much easier to handle . My passengers say the drive is so much smoother  and I have been able to resume driving more quickly after surgeries so worth searching for the right automatic with parking sensors ! 

Hartley

Reg said:

I have mild cp and passed my driving test in a manual car but have always bought automatic cars. My left hand is clawed and I have had a number of ops and have used hand braces. I would get an automatic even if you get through a manual driving test as so much easier to handle . My passengers say the drive is so much smoother  and I have been able to resume driving more quickly after surgeries so worth searching for the right automatic with parking sensors ! 

I dont have cp and drive manual all the way...but when i first passed my test i had a 3 ltr volvo 240 estate...it was like a hearse.....Automatic.!   was like driving a sofa(well,what i'd imagine it would be like if possible)

it was like so comfortable mentally...

Actually drove over a pigeon..and because the wheels were so large...i looked in the rear mirror and the pigeon was still standing totally untouched....quite a high car is seems!

Eve53

I have CP affecting both my legs and I drive a manual. It took me a while to learn, and there were lessons when things didn't go to plan. 10 years later and I'm still driving a manual. 

April2018mom

Eve53 said:

I have CP affecting both my legs and I drive a manual. It took me a while to learn, and there were lessons when things didn't go to plan. 10 years later and I'm still driving a manual. 

I’m curious about this. My son has SB and one of my goals for him is to be able to drive a adapted automatic car one day. What made it possible for you to do so? Who did you talk to? What adaptations were needed? How do you find a good instructor? 

Richard_Scope

@April2018mom
You son should be able to drive an automatic vehicle with hand controls to accelerate and brake etc. The RAC and AA provide lessons in adapted vehicles. This is how I took my lessons.

Motability adaptions

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @misspl_x, how are you getting on with driving?

redchicken43

I learnt to drive in a manual and drove them for many years, but I think it’s really depends on how your CP effects you. Mine is very mild and only effects my legs, more so the left which twists in quite a bit. However, in recent years I have bought automatic cars as pushing down on the clutch pedal was actually making my foot feel uncomfortable. That said on occasions I still drive my wives car that is manual. As with everything with CP it’s a bit of journey and learning how to adapt when you get older.

April2018mom

Richard_Scope said:

@April2018mom
You son should be able to drive an automatic vehicle with hand controls to accelerate and brake etc. The RAC and AA provide lessons in adapted vehicles. This is how I took my lessons.

Motability adaptions

Sorry I never replied. Thanks for the information! 

redchicken43

I want to point out that it was a typo and should have read wife's rather than wive's. Not sure I could cope with more than one!!