Deafie Blogger: Deaf people can’t drive? Of course they can!

I’ve heard people mention the myth that deaf people can’t drive? I mean it’s all about the eyes, the visuals! Deaf people are known to have super senses – losing one sense makes the others stronger, hence good receptive visual skills!

I learnt to drive back in 2016 and I still see lots of parents questioning whether or not their deaf child would be able to learn to drive with their deafness, I say ‘never say never’! There are challenges of course, but there’s always a way around different situations!

Learning to drive

If you’re considering taking driving lessons, it’s important to research for a deaf-aware driving instructor. My driving instructor had a hearing loss himself, and he helped some of my deaf friends pass their tests – so it seemed like a match made in heaven!

Next, discuss with your instructor how they can best support you in your lessons, whether if you rely on lipreading or sign, to stop more regularly to chat about the manoeuvres and practical side of the driving, to write things down, draw diagrams and road layouts. You may benefit from a lipreading mirror in front so you can briefly see the instructor’s lips. You can arrange hand signs for when you’re driving i.e. left, right, roundabout, stop.

Taking your tests

Revise! If there’s any elements of the theory or practical tests you’re unsure of, ask an experienced driver – be a family member, work colleague or your instructor. There are lots of books, apps, DVDs, videos online you can learn from.

Look into access arrangements for your tests. Sometimes for the theory test, deaf people can get extra time, separate room, subtitles for videos, more explanations. For the practical, you can arrange to have your instructor in the back to explain to the examiner how to use the signs or to help explain if you’re not sure what they’re saying.

Out on the road!

The first and most important thing to do is get a good car insurance policy and decent breakdown cover that is accessible for you – make sure they have a text facility or video calling, so if you break down, you are able to get in touch with them.

Secondly, the biggest question for deaf drivers is ‘what if I can’t hear certain sounds?’

Of course, if it’s people beeping their horn – if you’re a safe driver, it’s nothing to worry about, they’re probably just ignorant!

Sirens – keep an eye out as blue flashing lights are visual, you can see them from a distance, through your mirrors and also if all other traffic is moving out of the way, it gives a visual clue!

If you get pulled over, keep calm. Stay inside your car with the doors locked, simply ask them for ID to make sure they are official officers, say you’re deaf – pointing to your ears, get them to write it down if you don’t understand what they’re saying, and if they ask you to get out, calmly do so. If allowed, use a pen and paper or your phone to type down what you want to say.

You can invest in a lipreading mirror (see left) if you have a driving companion in the passenger seat regularly – this helps with understanding them. While driving, remember to ensure your full attention is on the road.

Investing in a Sat Nav is one of the best tips I can give! You never know if there’s a diversion, if you’re visiting a new place or unsure where you’re going. There are sat navs that have a good visual display with clear arrows and instructions on the screen. You can turn the voice audio off the sat nav if it’s not useful for you.

It’s best to keep a safety kit in your car in the event of a breakdown:

• Warm clothes

• High vis jacket

• First aid kit

• Food and drink

• Torch

• Contact details

• Portable phone charger

Independence!

The biggest thing I’ve noticed with learning to drive is I have freedom and independence to drive where I want to, for work and social. Although an expensive option, it’s worth it if you haven’t got to rely on others or public transport.

Good luck and drive safe!

Ellie (Deafie Blogger)

Deafie Blogger, aka Ellie, was born profoundly deaf, uses verbal communication, lipreads and wears Phonak hearing aids. Ellie embraces every new challenge; working as a Marketing Executive for a Spa & Health Club and blogging for Hearing Like Me and British Deaf News. She is passionate about deaf awareness, campaigning for equality and helping others through her personal blog as Deafie Blogger.