amputee

[Harpo]

As a recent amputee I'm wondering if is possible or even legal to drive my manual 911?

Thanks

David

[GH85Carrera]

Legal, yes. It can be converted to be easier to operate, depending on what limb is amputated.

Likely it would be easier to sell an older air cooled 911 and get a modern 911 with a PDK transmission.

I met this young man's parents just recently. His parents are both now retired from active duty. Their son is considered a double amputee as you will see in the video.

https://www.hagerty.com/media/videos/3-pedals-no-problem-wounded-war-vet-never-stops-driving-why-i-drive/

[Seahawk]

I did some quick searches:

https://www.driverknowledgetests.com/resources/can-you-drive-as-an-amputee/

The above had some solid info. I would, of course, contact my State DMV.

I wish you well!

[Nostril Cheese]

I knew a guy who lost his right arm. He drove a manual SAAB 900 turbo quite well.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Not quite the same league as an amputation, but I drove my 69 911 around with one foot when I had a broken ankle once. The ace up the 69's sleeve was it's tunnel lever throttle which would let you rev the engine high enough to release the clutch and go.

Everything else just fell into place.

Really worked fine.

[Steve Carlton]

I would think it would boil down to your ability to drive the car and the Michigan DMV's evaluation of it. I wish you the best of luck!

[stomachmonkey]

If Richie Parker can legally drive I'm pretty sure you'll be OK.

Love this guy, a true inspiration.

And great taste in cars.

[vash]

OP. sorry for your troubles.



best of luck friend. i'd definitely push the limits.

[jamesnmlaw]

"Nothing I can't do. Only things I haven't done yet."

Strong spirit, Harpo.

[Harpo]

Thanks everybody. Even with my manual factory "choke" lever driving my car will be very difficult and a PDK is in my future.

My car is currently in project status:

Finish welding and paint
finish front suspension
trans works fine so dont open it up to install ZF limited slip, Wevo goodies
rebuild engine due to low oil pressure.

Opinions welcome

[sc_rufctr]

I'm guessing you've lost a leg and if you're driving with a "choke" it's most likely your right.

Using your left only to operate the clutch or brake would be something you'd get used to very quickly.
You can get the car adapted with hand controls for the accelerator. (small lever or twist grip just next to the steering wheel) I'd bet with all of the disabled Vets around there would be a company nearby that could design and build a device for you for not a lot of money. The cost may be covered by your health insurance.

How it's done locally - Once the modifications are complete your DMV should be able to approve you and the car so you can legally drive it.

[aigel]

In CA there are no hard rules on what body parts you need to use to operate your vehicle. I looked at this when having to drive with my RH leg in a cast. I threw it up on the bench of the auto transmissin pickup truck and used my left to operate.

I'd encourage you to get creative and also do more research what modifications you can do to the car and your body (prosthetics) to make it happen. Especially if you have the means.

I do recall in Europe, where I grew up in the 70s when there were a lot of amputees from WW2, cars were usually heavily modified to keep these guys driving. Hand controls to replace pedals for example. I once read that driving is super satisfying for handicapped people because they can participate in moving around normally at last.

All the best!

[Tobra]

There was a guy who worked at the prosthetic lab who rode a bike with a prosthetic leg after a BKA. Was the side for the rear brake.

[flatbutt]

I'm not an amputee but I lost full use of my right arm due to spinal injury. NJ DMV tested me on a simulator as well as a road test in order for me to keep my license.

As for mods...well my truck is not modded but my Ducati Monster has been modified by placing front brake and clutch on the left bar and using a thumb lever for the clutch. Though my right arm is mostly a whiskey dick, mostly, I am able to hold on to the throttle but must rotate thru my shoulder as I have no wrist or finger movement.

My point is that there are engineering solutions available to keep you moving. Good luck.

[sc_rufctr]

Hats off to you Flatbutt. Keep going brother!

[Sooner or later]

Good luck! Where there is a will there is a way!

[Zeke]

With my right shoulder in a sling, I found driving an automatic somewhat difficult. If that was a permanent thing, I'd buy an old Dodge or Plymouth push button drive. The buttons were on the left.
Similarly, Porsches have ignition on the left up until who knows? I don't follow modern cars.

Trying to insert the key in the column of my Jag with my left hand was impossible. I'd have to go around to the passenger side to start the car. I don't remember if the Jag needs a foot on the brake to start, but if it did, I used a cane.

Once back in the driver's seat I could reach across to the console and shift the lever. It could have been a stick shift, that I could do. Hold the wheel with the knee. The seat belt was another issue.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Trying to insert the key in the column of my Jag with my left hand was impossible..

Surprising isn't it? The steering wheel in my Taco has enough space for me to reach thru it with my left hand to get the key into the ignition, but I must be sure to rotate the wheel so that an open spot lines up with the ignition when I park. Otherwise, I literally lie on my right side across the console in order to reach the ign. It'd make for a funny video.