Car Modifications for the Disabled in NJ

Everyone looks forward to the day they get their license. That one piece of plastic signifies freedom in the eyes of an eager teenager, but if you have a disability and the state makes it difficult for you to get your license, what are you supposed to do?

The state of New Jersey’s MVC is the first place you should turn if you believe that getting a license will be a challenge for you. Considering this governmentally operated agency handles everything driving related for the state, they will be able to tell you whether or not you can get a license through the same process as someone without a disability and whether or not they think you will need any modifications or adaptations to your car, which will require specialized driving lessons.

Step 1: Lessons/Where to Turn

Should it be determined that you will need specialized driving equipment and lessons, either for a simple spinner knob and blinker crossover bar, or because you are in a wheelchair and need hand brakes, the first step you will need to take is finding a company that can educate you about the modifications and how you can drive with them.

While it may be difficult to find such a business, you can begin by researching local rehabilitation centers in your area. These locations, including hospitals such as Health South and JFK Medical Center, conduct each lesson as though you are learning to drive for the first time. Whether it is indeed your first time behind the wheel, or you have suffered an injury and are required to relearn how to drive, you will be taught with the same enthusiasm, dedication and care.

Although this may seem like a sidestep from simply getting your car modified, it is important that you go through the evaluation process at one of these centers because they will evaluate your capabilities and determine your specific needs. Going through the full evaluation session and having everything from your peripheral vision to your reaction times tested will provide not only the state, but also you, with the knowledge you need in order to understand your driving/modification needs.

Step 2: Modifications

After the evaluation is complete and you have gone through proper training, meaning you have completed on the road lessons and your instructor believes that you are prepared for your driving test, it is time you begin researching car adaptability centers in your area.

Although there are only a few modification centers throughout the state, these centers are all highly qualified and offer full service adaptations. They will always ensure that when you get your car back, it is customized not only to your specific needs, but also you as a person. Knowing that everyone is a different height, build, has different hand sizes and has a different level of peripheral vision, companies specializing in special needs car adaptations will inquire about your feedback, request you try the systems they installed and want you to drive away happy.

Companies That Can Help

Considering you are putting your car, and ultimately your source of safety on the road, into the hands of technicians you have never met, you want to ensure that you visit a reputable service center. Through numerous hours of in depth research, you will find that there are only two companies in the entire state that can provide the modification services you likely require. While there are numerous companies that sell pre-modified cars that are wheelchair adaptable, you may wish to have your personal car modified. If this is the case, turn to either MobilityWorks or Drive Masters: Total Mobility Center.

MobilityWorks, with locations in Farmingdale, Cinnamonson, and Woodbury, NJ, is the leading car accessibility company in the state. Their service centers, which have displays of modified vehicles on the floor, are employed by service men and women who know and understand your needs. Upon calling this center and inquiring about an appointment, they will request a copy of your license, the prescription you have for modifications and the date you would most like your car to be modified.

Once the appointment is set, you simply bring your car in and, depending upon the extent of modifications needed, either wait for the service to be completed or get a date and time in which it can be picked up.

MobilityWorks makes the overall modification process is simple on your end. Once their work is complete, they simply put you behind the wheel, ask you if everything feels OK based on your body build and special needs then, if anything feels “off” to you, they will make further adjustments and ensure you drive away happy.

Another thing that makes this company unique is that if you do not want to deal with the hassle of purchasing a car and then sending it in for modifications, they will sell you one of their display cars. If the cars they have are not modified to your exact needs, but can be altered to your specifications, the servicemen will be more than happy to do the work. Furthermore, if there is no way for any of their vehicles to be altered to meet your needs, they will notify you should a suitable vehicle be available at another location, or arrive at a later date.

Yet another reputable auto adaptation center is the Drive Master: Total Mobility Center. They are located in Fairfield, NJ and offers full conversion service of vehicles to suit your specific needs. They seem to do it all, wheelchair accessibility, steering adaptations, scooter and wheelchair lifts, turney seats and braking adaptation systems.

With over 58 years of experience in the car accessibility industry, you can certainly feel safe bringing your vehicle to these specialists. Much like MobilityWorks, Drive Masters: Total Mobility Center will treat your car right. They pride themselves on their craftsmanship and want to give you the best quality products, things that will make you want to drive.

Additionally, all work completed at Drive Master’s is given warranty repair and tune-up service guarantees. They want to ensure that you are not only happy with the service you receive and the aesthetically appealing look of your new vehicle, but they also want to make sure you are safe. If at any time you feel that one of the accessories is not functioning properly, you simply call the center up and schedule an appointment for examination.

Step 3: Enjoy!

The final step of the driving lessons and modifications process for drivers with disabilities is to simply enjoy yourself! The most frustrating aspect of getting a license if you live in NJ and have a disability is certainly the lack of knowledge throughout each step. First you do not know if you can get a license at all, then there is the question of “what extra lessons/modifications will I need”, which can be even more frustrating. So, by the time you get your license and modify your car, it’s time to celebrate!

Because you survived all of these arduous processes, you definitely need to go out for a celebratory drive. Once you are behind the wheel of YOUR OWN car and you are going where YOU want to go, everything will feel worth it. You finally have the freedom you so desperately desire and, although it may have taken a little bit longer than your friends, you can now get out and drive around all of the beautiful roads in NJ!

Find other special needs resources and accommodations in NJ to increase your knowledge and awareness.

Have you gone to a different location to get your car modified? Let us know!