John’s Journey Back to Driving: How Herts Ability Helped Him Regain His Independence
At Herts Ability, we’re proud to support people on their journeys back to driving, helping them maintain their independence and confidence after illness or injury. Today, we’re celebrating one of our amazing clients, John, who recently completed a successful driving assessment with us. With our support - and the help of the Driver Assessment Grant - John is now back on the road with a wheelchair hoist fitted to his vehicle, allowing him to drive independently once again.
A Bit About John
John describes his day-to-day life as fairly quiet. “Moving around tends to be a struggle,” he says. “When I go out, I use a manual wheelchair, which is very difficult to use.” Earlier this year, John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Vertigo - conditions that have made mobility even more challenging.
A Lifelong Driver
John has been driving since 1961 and, like many of us, driving means so much more than just getting from A to B. “To me, driving means freedom,” he shares. However, due to his health, John had to stop driving for a couple of months. That’s when he was referred to Herts Ability by social services.
“I wanted a solution to be able to drive again,” he explains. “Social services recommended Herts Ability, and I got in touch straight away.”
The Assessment Experience
When John arrived for his driving assessment, he wasn’t sure what to expect - but he was quickly put at ease. “They were brilliant,” he says of the Herts Ability team. “Very kind and thoughtful. I felt very relaxed during the assessment, and afterwards, I felt very relieved.”
Our team of Approved Driving Instructors like Simon (pictured), and Occupational Therapists, work closely with each client to understand their needs and offer solutions tailored to their circumstances. For John, this meant a specially adapted vehicle - fitted with a hoist to lift his wheelchair in and out of the car.
Support Through the Driver Assessment Grant
John learned about the Driving Assessment Grant (DAG) through social services, and it made a world of difference. “The hoist helps as I can now go out by myself,” he explains. “Without the grant, I wouldn’t have been able to go ahead with the adaptation.”
The DAG helps cover the cost of assessments and essential vehicle modifications, removing financial barriers and helping more people stay mobile.
A New Lease on Life
Since getting back behind the wheel, life has improved dramatically for John. “It has made everything much easier,” he says. “It’s had a very big positive impact on my independence and confidence.”
His advice to anyone who might be unsure about taking a driving assessment? “Go for it! It will make your life much easier.”
Ready to Return to Driving?
If, like John, you’re navigating a medical condition or recovering from injury, you don’t have to give up driving. Our team at Herts Ability can help you explore safe, supportive ways to return to the road.
Using a fleet of modern, specially adapted, dual-controlled cars, our instructors work alongside Occupational Therapists to guide you through every step. And once you’re ready, we’ll support you with the process of adapting your own vehicle and notifying the DVLA.
Take the first step toward independence today. Call our friendly team on 01707 324 581 or email us at driving@hertsability.org.uk - we’re here to help!
