Factsheet 31 – February 2005

Vehicle modifications

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Modifications that can be made to private vehicles include:

• steering and secondary control aids
• left-foot accelerators
• clutch conversions
• additional car mirrors
• wheelchair stowage equipment.

Modifications that require inspection and certification

Some vehicle modifications require inspection and certification to ensure they are safe. These include:

• hand controls for braking and accelerating
• handbrake devices
• seatbelt modifications, harnesses and special seating
• joystick and foot steering (a four-way joystick can be used to steer, accelerate and brake)
• infra-red remote control systems, which mean you can get in the vehicle and drive from a wheelchair with complete independence.

The process for getting modifications made

If a vehicle has to be modified, the alterations must be carried out by a person with the appropriate skills and experience. A health professional experienced in driver training and an approver certifier will ensure that the vehicle is safe and the alterations meet the needs of the user.

More information about certifiers who can inspect your vehicle and advise you about modification is available from:

• the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association (LVVTA)
• the Vehicle Association of New Zealand for People with Disabilities (VANZ).