These “special controls” are usually installed to help road users control the vehicle better in a boost to safety.
Age UK explained: “Having a medical condition doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll lose your licence.
“You should be able to continue driving if your condition doesn’t affect your ability to drive safely. It might just be that you need to make some adjustments or adaptations to your car.
“The DVLA might issue you with a driving licence for 1, 2 or 3 years and then review things again.
“They can also issue you a licence that says that your car must be fitted with certain adaptations (such as special controls) for you to drive safely.”
According to GOV.UK, special adaptations may be required for drivers with permanent limb and spinal disabilities.
These can be individuals who have suffered from amputation, cerebral palsy or severe arthritis.
Those with neurological-based illnesses such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease may also be affected.
New safety features installed on models can include automatic transmission and extra steering wheel knobs,
Hand switches to control the vehicle’s power can also be installed instead of an accelerator or brake pedal.
Specially adapted swivel seats and hoists for those with mobility issues are further examples of adaptations common on vehicles.
The Older Drivers Forum stressed that ”specialist adaptations can be very helpful” for people struggling to get into their cars like before.
GOV.UK explains: “DVLA will need to know about a disability and whether any controls require modification, and will ask the patient to complete a simple questionnaire.
“The driving licence is coded to reflect any vehicle modifications.”
