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Article title: Can I Qualify for a Driver’s License with Cerebral Palsy?
Individuals with cerebral palsy have numerous challenges making it hard to live a comfortable life enjoying most activities. Despite the numerous challenges, most of these patients don’t have huge problems with moving around. For instance, those having mild cerebral palsy have fewer challenges when moving around to carry out different routine tasks. Alternatively, vehicle modification will be the appropriate way to enhance their movement for some of them. However, they’ll need to apply for a driving license with a license to get around legally and easily using the car.
Most individuals with the condition have been wondering if they can qualify for a handicap placard with the condition. Yes, you can qualify for the handicap placard if you’ve got the condition. This article provides a comprehensive guide and information on driving and parking your car when having this condition.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
It’s a congenital disorder that may have adverse effects on the tone & posture of your muscles and generally affect your movement. The main causes of cerebral palsy are the abnormal development of the brain cells or complete damage of the developing brain. The damage or abnormal development of the brain affects the individual’s ability to control various body muscles.
The severity and the symptoms of the condition vary from one individual to the other. The symptoms may range from walking awkwardly to the inability to walk or move at all. These symptoms may vary between the individuals within the disease’s development, and the condition can become worse as it proceeds over the years.
Can the Authorities Allow you to Drive with Cerebral Palsy?
The authorities can allow you to drive with the condition, depending on the severity of the disease and the specific symptoms. They consider the symptoms to check if you can drive as the disease manifests differently among each patient or individual. You might not have any movement difficulties if you have mild cerebral palsy. Thus, you can achieve various routine tasks and even drive yourself around.
Alternatively, some individuals with cerebral palsy can also drive themselves after having some modifications and customizations on the car. The car manufacturers make the customizations specifically for fitting your needs. The vehicle modifications may range from wheelchair lifts to hand controls, depending on your needs to allow your car’s effectiveness and safe driving.
Importantly, the manufacturer will modify and customize your car depending on your needs. If you’re looking for great car customization to suit your cerebral palsy needs, sites like CerebraPalsy.org offer the best alternative to consider. The site will direct you to various resources that guide you in the proper direction to ensure you get a car you can drive easily and safely.
How Do You Apply For the Driver’s License?
Applying for your driver’s license is a straightforward process involving going to your local state Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) website. You’ll find the appropriate directions for applying for your driver’s license at the site. Before approving your applications, most states may require you to have a particular duration to practice driving while using your learner’s permit. In addition, you’ll need to have a driving test then a written test with one of the DMV workers before getting the actual license.
By visiting the local DMV office or website, you’ll get all the information and requirements as you prepare for the tests.
Does Cerebral Palsy Condition Qualify for a Disabled Parking?
When you’re suffering from a cerebral palsy condition and have a car, the condition shouldn’t hinder you from applying for the disabled parking permit. It’ll be vital to enable you to move around and get a suitable parking lot.
Most of the local or state DMV recognize the condition as one that limits your mobility. Therefore, you easily qualify for the handicap placard when you have the condition. Importantly, you can benefit from the permit either as a passenger or driver.
How Do You Apply for the Disabled Parking Permit?
Applying and getting your handicap in the United States is an effortless process. You start by completing an application form, which you can pick at the local DMV or download from the website and print. Additionally, you’ll need a medical certification for a faster and more effective process. The medical certification comes from a physician who accesses and verifies your condition to establish if it’s limiting your mobility.
When having the medical examination, the physician will have to fill out the essential information on the application form before signing. After getting the medical certifications, you can submit your application online, in-person, or through the state’s mail. If you qualify, the DMV offices will send the handicap placard through the mail. The permit or placard allows you to park in the designated wheelchair-friendly parking space. Most parking lot designers mark these lots with a blue curb or a posted sign, offering you convenient parking wherever you travel, especially in places with high traffic volume. Some local states offer more benefits, such as free parking in centers with metered parking lots.
Importantly, if you want to enjoy all the benefits, experts advise that you keep the permit or placard up-to-date. Therefore, it’ll be imperative to be keen on the expiry dates and renew whenever it expires or the date approaches. The time your permit will last, and the renewing varies with your local DMV, but generally, it may take a few years. It's also good to look for a replacement placard if you lose your permit or placard. When using the placards, it’s important to understand that the law and authorities prohibit sharing the placards with your family or friends. More so, to use the permit, you must be in the vehicle, either as a passenger or driver.
Your caregivers can benefit from the permit, as they can apply for the handicap placard on your behalf, especially if you’re unable to walk without support or drive yourself. Additionally, with this valid and up-to-date permit and you’re in the car either as the driver or passenger, you can have access to the specifically designed parking lot. You can also access spaces drivers or passengers seeking close parking places or extra space while exiting or entering their vehicles. These parking lots are vital for individuals with cerebral palsy relying on wheelchairs or support for moving.
When having cerebral palsy, don’t let the condition limit your ability to move or get around the world. If you can drive your car, it’ll be important to apply for a driver’s license. You can also apply for a handicap placard or disabled parking permit, making it convenient to access parking places even in high-traffic places.
