For many, getting a driver’s licence is a rite of passage, but for many, it is also a challenging task that often comes with setbacks.
Elizabeth Beggs is one of two specialised driving instructors servicing the Moreton Bay region, addressing the need for instructors who can help those living with disabilities gain their licence.
“Seeing the difference a licence can have in someone’s life is huge,” Elizabeth said.
“For many of my clients, it is the difference between a life with independence and a life without.”
Elizabeth started Elizabeth’s Specialised Driving School five years ago, citing personal experiences within the disability community as the reason for making the transition from ordinary driving instruction.
“Having family members living with disabilities has given me an understanding of what needs are required to help them gain their licence,” she said.
“I also suffer with mental health and understand the debilitation bad mental health can have on confidence and quality of life, especially if a licence is the key to independent living.”
Elizabeth works with learners and those returning to driving with both physical and non-physical disabilities.
The Impact of a Driver’s Licence
She said understanding her clients’ capacity for learning and knowing how to break down information so they can understand and sequence it is important.
“We all have good and bad days, and letting them understand that is really important,” she said.
“They have to learn what their cues are so they can determine if they can safely drive on that occasion or not.”
For Elizabeth, seeing her clients gain the independence to facilitate an activity is why she continues her work.
“If they have to rely on public transport, employers don’t readily look at them, affecting their chances at employment,” she said.
“Even a simple task like shopping is made more difficult without a licence.”
However, Elizabeth relies heavily on funding through programs like the NDIS to keep her services available, which she said is her biggest challenge.
“Some clients are on their last hope of getting their licence, but with the right support, they will get it,” she said.
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