Written evidence submitted by Driving Mobility (SDV0007)

Driving Mobility is supported by The Department for Transport and provides a range of services including ‘fitness to drive’ assessments from its nationwide centres. Led by Occupational Therapists and Approved Driving Instructors, these services strive to facilitate personal mobility and driving independence for clients mostly signposted from the DVLA, Motability, Police and the NHS. As an established charity regarded by many as ‘the national voice of assisted driving and independence’, contribution to this consultation is important.

Our main point is that many of the safety related interfaces being developed are dependent on standard controls such as foot pedals and steering wheels. It is worth highlighting the need to ensure that as protocols are developed they take account of the needs of those drivers who may be using hand controls, joystick steering etc. instead of standard controls.

August 2022