The Road to Freedom
When I first began the process to get my license back (mine was revoked after I had Guillain Barre Syndrome and started using a power wheelchair 5 years ago), I was told it would take me about a year to complete. This seemed like a long time, which surprised me and frustrated me. I was ready to drive! It had taken me a while to get to the point of actually wanting to drive again. It was a scary thought to be behind the wheel without the use of my feet to control the pedals. With both of my hands in use at all times, how would I text my friends and apply mascara at stop lights? Joking. I was/am a good driver. In all seriousness, I had grown comfortable with my PCAs, friends, or family members driving me around and the responsibility of getting behind the wheel again caused me to feel anxious. The freedom of having a license, however, pushed me to pursue it. I wanted, no, I needed, to be able to run to Target at any time, meet up with friends on a whim, or take my son out because being trapped in the house with an energetic 5 year old can literally be exhausting. So anyways, when I was told the process would take a year to complete, in my head I scoffed and said to myself, "Yeah right, they're exaggerating. I'll have it in 6 months tops." Well, I am happy to report that 2 and a half years later (yes, you read that correctly) I just passed my competency road test and officially have my driver's license (no need to clear the roads just yet…). Also, before you freak out, let me say that this timeframe is totally NOT normal! I'll explain why…
There are definitely several reasons as to why it took me 2 and a half years to get my license but here are what I believe to be the top 3 reasons:
I wasn't always good about following-up or being persistent about getting information that I needed (because, well, life).
I started the process then stopped because of financial reasons, then started and stopped again but with a different vendor, then waited for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to provide funding to finally start and finish the process of obtaining medical clearance to drive again! MRC FAQ Document
The process actually does take a little time to complete. Most recently when I scheduled my driving appointments, there was a 10 to 12 week wait to get an appointment. If you qualify for funding from MRC, it takes a little time as well because there are paperwork and approvals that need to be done.
Ok, I said 3 reasons but one more...I didn't have a good grasp of the process and what was "right" and "wrong" so I hope this blog helps you!
Next up "The Process"
First and foremost, speak to your primary care physician or physiatrist to make sure that you are a candidate for driving. If you are, ask them to refer you to an Occupational Therapist (OT) that does driving evaluations. Make sure that when this referral is made that you have some plan of how to pay for it. This is not covered by insurance! My experience as a power wheelchair user who requires the use of a (already purchased) van is that it cost around $20,000 for my evaluation, lessons, and vehicle modifications. Depending on your current vehicle situation, driving experience, and whether you're a manual or power wheelchair user, it could be more or less.
Complete your initial evaluation with an OT (about 2 hours long). This evaluation takes place in the clinical setting, not in a vehicle. This is a general evaluation for anyone who needs adaptive driving lessons, whether it be from a stroke, spinal cord injury, or other reason. Since it is not specifically for wheelchair users, they may ask you questions that seem silly such as, "What do you do when you approach an intersection with a flashing red light?" (You stop as if there was a stop sign, in case you are wondering, haha) Just demonstrate your knowledge of operating a vehicle on the road and try not to overthink or doubt yourself. You will also demonstrate physical strength and range of motion so that the occupational therapist can make appropriate recommendations for equipment that will be necessary for you to drive. By the end of the evaluation, you might feel frustrated that you just dropped hundreds of dollars and didn't get get much out of it but know that you provided helpful information to the OT and you are on your way to getting behind the wheel very soon. This evaluation also allows your OT to assist you with applying for your driver's permit (if needed).
Scheduled and complete your first evaluation with the driving instructor (the OT also attends). Do not be surprised if you only drive for 5 minutes (or not at all) the first time you get behind the wheel. It sucks, I know, but the instructor needs to figure out what is going to work best for you and make you the most comfortable when you actually do drive. This is all done by trial and error. Maybe not the most efficient way to go about it but at this time it's how it gets done. Your wallet probably won't be happy about it either but you will actually drive when you see the instructor again.
Receive your evaluation report from the driving instructor that contains equipment recommendations. At this point, you may need to purchase equipment and have it installed in your own vehicle. There is a wheelchair accessible van that is available; however, it costs additional money (an extra $80/hour). I was able to use that van so have not yet had my vehicle modified, which is why I'm not out driving myself just yet. I'm hoping to get the equipment installed later this month.
DRIVING LESSONS!! (Recommended hours vary from case to case.) Breathe. You're going to do fine. Plus, if you don't, that's why the instructor has a break pedal on the passenger's side! Depending on your situation, you may likely use your own vehicle for your lessons (which means that you would have had equipment installed prior to this step). If you use your own vehicle, make sure to change your insurance to reflect the coverage required by the driving school. FYI- Depending on what the client needs for a vehicle and whether they need to be picked up at home for his/her lesson, for an hour and a half session, he/she could pay anywhere from $240-$560!!
Schedule your road test. I did this very easily online but I believe you can also schedule one over the phone. If you schedule your test online, call (or, if you're already on the phone, be transferred to) the RMV Medical Affairs Department to request the medical form to bring with you to your road test (they mail it to you). The examiner will need to complete it on the day of your test. .
Fill out your portion of the medical form and bring it with you to your road test. Remember to bring your permit too!
Road Test! This costs money so make sure you bring cash or a card to pay for your new LICENSE! Congratulations!
If you don't pass, don't get discouraged! Speak with your instructor to determine what you need to work on, schedule more driving hours and reschedule your test. It usually can happen within a few weeks.
So, in summary, I thought I would put together a list of Dos and Don'ts:
DO NOT…
Drive with hand controls that you ordered online without professional guidance. You may still have your driver's license after being injured; however, your body has changed and the way you drive will likely change as well. Believe it or not, hand controls are prescribed devices.
DO…
Go through the necessary process to get the appropriate hand controls for you.
DO NOT…
Drive without getting medical clearance. If you do not receive medical clearance, then you may be considered at fault (even if you weren't) if you happen to get into an accident.
DO…
Schedule a road competency test with the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to demonstrate your driving ability and receive medical clearance.
DO NOT…
Feel like you have to be rich to drive. (I'm definitely not!) There are many grant programs out there that will pay for at least a portion of vehicle modifications. (Check out the GBC's Vehicle Modifications Grant!)
DO…
Try the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission if you plan to return to work or are already working but remember, be ready to commit a little extra time to the process.When you first apply for MRC eligibility, there is an automatic 60-day waiting list. When I was determined eligible, however, they payed for everything but my actual vehicle (evaluation, lessons, and vehicle modifications).
DO NOT…
Misplace your permit. It costs money to replace and can slow down the process. (2 hour wait at the RMV, anyone?) You will need it with you every time you drive and at your road test.
DO…
Put your permit in one place where you know where it will always be. (I learned that lesson the hard way!)
DO NOT…
Let too much time pass without following up with a phone call or email. Remember that "the squeaky wheel gets the grease."
DO…
Keep a log of what you did, who you spoke to, the date, and next steps. This way, you can track the process and what you need to do next.
So, that's all from me. I'm sure I left a few things out but I hit the major items. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! Safe travels!
"May the road rise up to meet you!" -Irish Blessing
If you have more questions about my experience email me at Heather@sciboston.org