United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi everyone

Well, i went for a drivin less ... and IM NEVER GOIN AGAIN!!!

IT WAS TERRIBLE! iv never done somethin that i felt was so pointless in my life! I think its cos i dont want to drive but i jst sat there and thot to myself "Y am i here?!" for the whole hour! i felt like cryin i jst didnt want to b in that car!

However, my arm was a wee bit alrite! it didnt keep bangin off of the door like i thot! lol but i did hav difficulty gettin my right hand to the bottom of the stearing wheel to go round the corner..and the instructor that id thot would have understood didnt....he told me with a bit of work my arm would be able to reach!? doubt it! So anyway! it was rubbish!

I feel terrible tho cos my mum and dad were so excited and probably relieved that they werent gonna have to drive me everywhere for too much longer! aaaannnnnd now they're so disappointed!

Im jst so confused but i will never go for another drivin lesson UNTIL! i want to!

Michelle

Michelle,

So sorry to hear this, my dear.
But keep at it, it will be worthwhile.

Can you use your mum or dad as an instructor? They surely understand your limitations and maybe can help you adapt? Or is it required to take official instruction.

My dad taught me how to drive, he was very patient and kind.

Nancy

Hi Michelle, sorry you didn't enjoy driving. I found it terrifying when I learnt, probably because of the road accident I'd got my bpi in. I found that using an instructor from the Advanced Institute of Driving was more expensive but well worth it, he was very understanding of my limitations and well up on the law regarding requirements to drive with any 'impairment' (sorry, I hate that word!). He also understood my fear and was very supportive, I passed my test after just 8 lessons with him, I'd never driven a car before the bpi. It definitely helped make me a better driver, I was taught to police standard, all that stuff like checking the mirror every 8 seconds is second nature to me now, there's NO WAY I want to cause a tbpi, like the obpi most tbpi in the UK are caused by someone else's stupidity.
If it's hard to get the bpi arm right round the wheel using a revolving steering knob might help, that way you can drive one handed if you need to. I have to use one as I have no use of the bpi arm at all, but I know people with severe arthritis who use these devices to help them and make their driving safer. I hope you get the confidence to try again soon, Michelle, it will be worth it!

Michelle

I guess I was so anxious to drive I did not realize that anyone would not want to... One of my daughters did not want to drive and did not until she was 19 the other two at 16 were out with us every day for driving lessons so they could drive...

You can do it if you want... but maybe you should as Mom or Dad to take you out for lessons you may feel more comfortable with them...

My older brothers taught me to drive and I just could not wait for the freedom...

Take a break and think about it... but remember where there is a will there is a way... and if and when you want... you will BE ABLE TO DRIVE.... and probably will be a great and careful driver...

Sorry you felt so bad after this experience
Kath

Hi Michelle.
If it makes you feel better to wait then do that.
Once you get your license though you will love it.
I didn't get my license until I was 21 due to fear.
Now I'm glad I have it. It gives you freedom.
I also drive an automatic in the USA. Good Luck. you'll be fine.

You'll do just fine. I'm 36 yrs. old and have never own an automatic. The time I'm able to drive an auto. is at work or my wifes 4Runner, I also drive a 4Runner.
Everytime I drive an auto., I'm tryin' to shift gears...not too good.
Just relax and enjoy y'self.

I'm 49 ROBPI. I am lucky that I can use my hand ,although I can't turn palm up or straighten the elbow. I've had a lot of stick shifts. They make them very easy to shift and although I had a little trouble with reverse, I enjoyed driving and shifting. My shifters were kind of low, so I didn't have to lift my arm up--I just ket it rest on the shifter. When overuse set in , I didn't have the power in the good arm anymore. Now I drive an automatic with power steering,locks,windows,trunk ( boot) opener etc. I also put my Erb's arm toward the bottom of the steering wheel for better control. I can't move it a lot there but it steady's the steering.
I was 18 when I got my license. My first instructor was hung up on putting your hands in the 10-2 o'clock positions on the wheel which I couldn't do. After high scholl I drove in my own adaptive way and did fine.
You'll drive when the time is right for you. Good Luck! Hope to see you at camp this year!!! Pat

Michelle:
I learned to drive with our 1948 Pontiac sedan when I was 16. It had a stick shift on the steering column and like Pat I could handle the low to second to high movements but reverse was much harder with my ROBPI. Figuring out the clutch was the biggest challenge however. Dad would cringe as we leaped down the street, stopping and starting with screeching tires. Driving schools didn’t exist in those days so Dad and I would go out early on Sunday mornings when I did my newspaper route. I was very nervous when I went to take my license exam but made it through OK. You’ll do the same I’m sure.

John P.