“Specialised driver training” is a term used to describe driving lessons, assessments and courses delivered by driving instructors operating in the disability sector.
“Specialised” is a term rather than a qualification. It describes instructors with the necessary skill sets to work with drivers who need specialist help, take longer to learn or require modified vehicle controls to drive.
The Drive Smart Instructor Team are back on the road with COVID Safe Plan in place.
We have COVID-Safe Hygiene protocols in place including wiping down contact surfaces between lessons.
We ask that all clients help everyone to stay safe by washing hands immediately before and after lessons. We also strongly encourage everyone to download the COVID-Safe App. This means we will quickly know if any clients or instructors have been in contact with someone who contracts the virus.
We know it is become harder to find a driving instructor at the moment so have put a few Driving Lesson Tips up. Check out Drive Smart Driving School on YouTube.
Specialised driving instructors
In truth, good Specialised Instructors have much more than a skill set. They have a real heart for the work and the capacity to support people overcoming disability to achieve their life goals. They will “still “be there” even on their clients worst days.
Our goal is to help drivers of all abilities achieve their driving related goals. This includes drivers choosing to overcome a disability and become great drivers.
Working with you or together with a team of medical professionals and vehicle modification experts, we will help you learn to drive for the first time or learn to drive again.
Driving lessons in a standard car or with modified controls including Spinner knob, Hand controls, Left Side Accelerator and many other vehicle modifications.
Learning differences
Some people talk about learning difficulties. We talk about learning differences. For example, we know that Aspergers and other Autism Spectrum clients often become good, safe drivers. It is all about understanding how people learn then tailoring lessons to suit.
Learning for the first time or returning to driving
If you have never driven, driving lessons will get you on the road safely then take you all the way through to getting your P Plates.
If returning to driving, our experienced Specialist Driving Instructors will help you overcome any challenges and achieve you return to driving goals.
Getting your licence – The Medical Pathway
If you have a Medical Conditions that may affect your driving or how you drive a car, you may need to get your licence by what we call the Medical Pathway.
You will need to get your Doctor or other Medical Professional to complete a Medical Fitness to Drive form. You may also need help from other Specialists or a (Driver trained) Occupational Therapists to help you achieve your driving goals.
We developed a table which can help make sense of the Medical pathway.
Medical and OT support
We are happy to provide support for Driving OT Assessments. After the assessment, driving lessons will help gain the skills and confidence needed for safe return to driving or to get your P Plates.
Driver Trained Occupational Therapists can help you get on the road. Becoming more mobile involves more than just driving the car. An OT can help you become more independent.
Formal referral required
Due to unprecedented (there is that word again) demand we can only accept new Specialised Driving Lesson clients by formal (written) referral. We also reserve the right to prioritise clients who require Modified Vehicle Controls over those who require a standard driving school car for lessons or assessments. We really struggle with doing this but recognise that we just can’t help every one.
Please email the office, detailing how we can help, funding arrangements, your / your client’s location, specialised driving needs etc. Once we have confirmed we have capacity to help, we will forward you a Referral Form to complete and return. Having all the necessary details we can then confirm bookings, provide accurate quotes etc.
Call or email us
Give us a call and leave a message or send us an Email.
Or call and talk to Mark, Specialist Driving Instructor about your driving needs.
Tell us about your driving needs. We are here to help.
Please understand that we have a ‘No Phones’ policy during all training sessions. If we can’t answer, please leave a message, send a text or email. We will get back to you.
Finding a way……
A spinner knob helps.
A spinner knob can offer you great freedom. Easy to fit and simple to shift from one car to another, sometimes a ‘spinner’ is all you need to drive safely and stay in control.
A left side accelerator can be a much simpler solution than fitting hand controls. In a short time you will be driving with confidence. We recommend a few lessons in our driver training car while you are learning. Yes, we have a safety brake on our side.
Indicator cross-overs / extensions are relatively easy to fit.
There are many options to make driving easier. Indicator cross-overs and extensions are simple and easy to fit. Our car is also fitted with electronic indicator and wiper controls that you can try.
Satellite Accelerator Control system is now part of our option list. With only five or ten minutes practice, you will look like you have been driving that way for years.
Is your car is already modified? No trouble, we can have lessons in your car.
