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Driving a Manual with Cerebral Palsy

misspl_x
misspl_x Community member Posts: 1 Listener
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 

Comments

  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,638 Scope online community team
    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?



    Scope
    Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

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  • atlas46
    atlas46 Community member Posts: 826 Pioneering
    edited August 2019
    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
    Reg Community member Posts: 109 Pioneering
    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 ! 
    Reg

    I am a Scope volunteer.
  • Hartley
    Hartley Posts: 114 Courageous
    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
    Eve53 Community member Posts: 15 Courageous
    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
    April2018mom Posts: 2,882 Disability Gamechanger
    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
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,638 Scope online community team
    @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
    Scope
    Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

    'Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.

    Want to tell us about your experience in the community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know. 
  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @misspl_x, how are you getting on with driving? :)
    Scope

  • redchicken43
    redchicken43 Community member Posts: 48 Pioneering
    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
    April2018mom Posts: 2,882 Disability Gamechanger
    @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
    redchicken43 Community member Posts: 48 Pioneering
    edited September 2019
    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!!

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