Hand controls in Wisconsin

[toot2818]

I am just starting the process of getting hand controls. First I contacted a business that installs them. They told me I had to first have an evaluation and they gave me two local people who do that. I spoke to one person last week and she told me I would need to take the written test to get a learners permit. I have a license now.

I sent an e-mail to Wis DMV and they said first I have to get a doctor to recommend hand controls.

So I will start the process with my next visit to the doc on May 23rd.

I just wish my foot worked better and I didn't have to go through all this. But I know I will be safer with hand controls and I do want to drive again now that winter is over.

Thanks for listenting as I vent

toot

[jazzgirl]

Here is what I did (I live in PA):

• I checked with the people who sold me my conversion van, and they gave me the name of someone who would train me AND certify me in the use of hand controls. The people who sold me my car installed the hand controls for me (expensive little suckers!)
• I took one lesson (2 hours), they certified me and gave me a paper outlining what they had done with me, and that was that! The gentleman who trained me does this kind of driving instruction exclusively!
  

Hopefully, you can find someone in your area who can do this for you without it costing an arm and a leg! Call your chapter of the MS Society and see if they have any names for you.

[toot2818]

Thanks jazzgirl, I will make some calls and will keep you posted

toot

[toot2818]

Wisconsin hand controls

Well I had my doctor complete the required for the DMV. I mailed it June 17th and now I just wait for them to send me a letter. Then I'll take the written test to get "temps". I can't wait to start the required training with a driving rehab specialist. I do miss driving

Guess I just have to cool my jets and wait for the DMV

Toot

[toot2818]

DMV notice

Letter came June 29th. Said "to avoid cancellation of your driver's license, you must pass the vision, knowledge and signs test within 20 days of the date on the letter." Letter is dated June 27th. I called concerned about what 20 days meant. I was told my file would stay active till July 27th

Got a ride to go Friday, July 8th. I think I'm ready I've been driving for years, have reviewed the book.

Wish me luck !!

Toot

[reesamarch]

I passed!

Hi toot,

recently went through a similar scenario here in Jersey as I am working on getting a new conversion van w/hand controls.

I had hand controls already installed in my '99 van, but back then I was not told I had to get my drivers license recoded. In the process of getting evaluated for a new van conversion, found out I could go to the dmv and request a road "retest," no written test required. I passed on the second try -- had to practice my parallel parking, which I hadn't been doing lately.

After I passed, I returned to the dmv and had a quick eye test, and then they gave me a new license with a hand controls restriction.

Every state has its own rules ...

[lifesjustgr8]

My process was in IL

Neuro wrote an RX, Went to a local rehab hospital. They put me thru several cognitive tests, a couple eye sight tests and reaction with foot pedal tests. Went thru 5 training sessions for about an hour. Order had to be signed by trainer and neuro and sent to the DMV. The trainer worked with the co that installed the hand controls on my minivan. DMV advised me when I needed to come into be tested. I was allowed to drive until then. Went in -had a written test, eye exam and drivers test and then got my restricted license. Whole thing took about 60 days.

[toot2818]

DMV tests

Well today I passed the vision, knowledge & signs test at the DMV. I'm now ready to schedule my training for the hand controls.

Nice lady at DMV gave me her number to call when I'm ready for the road test.

Called person who will do training, she was out with another person. Hope she gets back to me today.

I had also applied for a grant with MS Foundation Brighter Tomorrow but have heard nothing. I'm itching to drive so I'll just have to pay myself

Toot

[toot2818]

Training

Well today the person came to my house to do the assessment and show me the different hand controls. I passed all her test. She then drove to an empty parking lot andI got to try driving. We used the left hand push to brake and pulled & turn for gas. I did good for my first time. She'll call me next week to set up next training. Will probably take a few times before I feel confident enough to get them in my car.

But I'm sure ready

Toot

[toot2818]

2nd driving lesson

Well Tuesday, July 19th I had my second driving lesson. Liz drove to nearby cemetery and then I drove, right turns, left turns using turn signals. I then went out on the real streets

Liz let me drive back home, only making right hand turns. It sure feels good to drive again. She thinks I will some beable to have the controls put on my own car!!

We'll go out next Tuesday again.

Wisconsin is baking right now, I'm staying in the air for now.

Toot