Hi, I’ve only just joined the MS society so this is my very first post, I hope it is not a stupid problem! I have recently had to change my vehicle from foot pedal controls to hand controls, my problem ? every ounce of confidence in driving seems to have been sucked out of me. I have had 6 familiarisation lessons in a driving school car and seemed to do ok, but now it comes to getting into my brand new vehicle and go solo I use absolutely any excuse not to do it. It’s so ridiculous . I have been driving for over 40yrs so why is this change over to hand controls so difficult for me. I would really welcome any tips or ideas from others who have successfully made the change. I’m getting more and more frustrated with myself as yet another day goes by and I haven’t taken my car out, even though it will give me back my independence and get me out and about again.
So, you’ve had some time in an instructors car, and your own car has been adapted?
Do you live in a particularly built up / busy area? Is there somewhere you could go for another practice session in your own car where there’s less traffic? Perhaps there’s someone who could drive you and your car somewhere where you could practice?
It does get more comfortable honestly. I remember when I first had my car adapted, it seemed very strange to me. But once I’d got more used to it, there was no problem.
I don’t currently drive anything because I can’t get myself plus wheelchair into the car, so there’s no point.
But, adaptations do become more normal than you’d think at first. I drove my adapted car for several years. The worst problem was always taking a ticket from a car park machine, you always had to put the handbrake on in order to wind the window down etc.
Sue
I don’t use hand controls but a few years ago I had to get my automatic car adapted to fit a left foot accelerator, as I had very little feeling in my right foot. After 25 years of driving with the right foot controlling the accelerator and brake it was weird to switch to the left foot being in control.
The car still has a right foot accelerator (so that others can use it as a normal car - but only one accelerator is available at any given time), so my wife would drive me to a quiet old car park to enable to practice, practice and practice. When I felt I was competent enough I drove on the road. Just me in the car, no distractions, no music playing. I concentrated like a demon and slowly but surely driving with the left foot became natural. Now I don’t even think about.
I can totally relate to your feelings of frustration right now but Give it time. Be patient. Hope all goes well.
derek
Morning.
I had to get hand controls about 3 years ago. For me, I accepted feet were useless and asked to go go on a driving assessment. It came as no surprise when I was told I needed them. So, this crappy ms just takes and takes but I’d prefer to be independent in an adapted car then rely on others 100%. I think what I’m saying is you need to mentally accept this as a positive thing. Once you’re happy with situation, are there any quiet places you could go and practise?
This is good good good, you can still drive. Please focus on the positives and not the initial oddness of it. Practise makes perfect. Learn to enjoy driving again, good luck xx
Thank you Ssssue, Derek, Slug for your replies (hope I’m doing this right, soon finds out!). Your words of encouragement definitely help and knowing that I’m not “odd” because I’m finding the change over challenging to say the least. My friends are all having a think as to where I can find a quiet area or better still a disused/rarely used car park near by to practise on.
You are all perfectly right practice will I hope make perfect. My friend and neighbour who is insured to drive my new vehicle ( obtained through the Motability scheme) is on holiday at present. When she gets back I will ask her to take me somewhere quiet to allow me to practice.
I’m glad I’ve joined the MS society, it’s so reassuring being able to get advice/ opinions/ support from people who really do know how you are feeling.
Hi and welcome
It’s like all your 43 (my number) years have disappeared but it hasn’t, you need to be going somewhere even if 5mins there and 5 mins back. Next time 10 mins but have a destination in mind, one that you know really well. I am in the same situation also try stop start on a quiet road so that YOU know you can do it. Accelerator, brake, leave roundabouts for a while. You have been using your legs for 40 years, ‘cut yourself some slack’.
Courage, I so know what you are going through. Baby steps, take care, M
I have been using hand-controls for a few months and things do take a while to sink in but practice was/is the only way. Start on quiet roads, industrial estates when closed and build up the confidence levels. Driving lessons in your car perhaps. I am sure confidence will build.
I am looking for a third hand that will give messages to other drivers when they cut me up.
all the best
Neil
ahhh Dograbs - your message echoes so many memories! Don’t give up - it gets easier and soon it will become second nature.
As neil14 suggested - industrial estates are a great place to practice on a weekend and if possible - get someone to take you down and leave you to practice alone - much less stress! my husband and i were ready for divorce when he was in the car with me at first!
oh and make sure you have a steering wheel ball - a MUST for roundabouts - makes life much easier trust me!
good luck and keep us updated with your progress xx