Theory Test

Revising for the Theory Test
The Theory Test is all about making you a safer driver. It consists of two parts, firstly 50 multiple choice questions and secondly Hazard Perception. You have to pass BOTH parts in order to pass your Theory Test.   It is advisable though not to take your Theory Test too early in the course of practical lessons as the "experience of meeting real hazards" while you are learning to drive will help you pass the hazard perception part of the Theory Test.  If you are in receipt of a grant from Motability towards your driving lessons then you will need to book your test before your 12th driving lesson.  

To book your theory test
By post, write to DSA, PO Box 381, M50 3UW - By phone, Tel: 0300 200 1122 - on-line using a debit / credit card at www.direct.gov.uk/theory test   Remember that if you have any additional needs you can request extra time to complete the Theory Test (evidence will be needed to support this), a scribe and / or perform the test in a separate room. All this must be requested at the time of booking. 

Theory Test Results
At the end of your test you will receive a letter staying whether you have passed or failed your Theory Test. You need to have passed both parts of the Test to pass your Theory Test. If you only failed on one part of the Theory Test you still have to take both parts of the test again next time.  If you are in receipt of a grant from Motability and you pass your Theory Test, then you can resume with the next block of your free lessons. If however you fail your Theory Test, then Motability will freeze your grant until such time that you pass your Theory Test. In the meantime you can carry on with your practical driving lessons but you will have to fund them yourself.

My Care Package has changed my life - Tony Whitlan

 I have FSH-MD and I have been coming to the NMC for a number of years. I do enjoy my visits. I was diagnosed in 1984 and have gradually gone downhill since, to the point that about three or four years ago I was starting to spend more and more time in my house than I would have liked. I was having some physio locally, but they suggested getting a PA/Carer to help me get out and about in the fresh air, go shopping and also to help me enjoy me hobbies. They contacted Adult Social Services, who came to visit us and explained about Direct Payments.

I chose to do it myself. I make sure that I send my employees time sheets in on time to the company who deduct any Tax/National Insurance. The company also helps to advertise for PA's. You could also have a friend or family member who could help you.  

The Adult Social Services Team will discuss your needs, whether you require help to get up in the morning, help with meals, help with domestic tasks, help with appointments or help to fulfil hobbies and leisure interests.
 
I have enough hours a week to help with everything I need. I can now arrange to go out when I want to and do what I want. It also helps my wife Tracey. She works full time as an NHS nurse assistant, helps look after me and her Mum who has had a stroke and also keeps on top of things in the house. My PA does really help us both out. 

I would highly recommend having a PA/Carer. They help you to keep a bit of your sanity, they support you in getting out & about and enable you to fulfil your hobbies and interests. Don't delay, look into this today, it will change your life for the better. 

For more information about personal budgets go to www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how

Please remember that the NMC is here to support you so if you need some help and support with Personal Budgets, please speak to Sue Walker, Support Worker at NMC.

My Changing Care Package – Heather Murrant

I have had a care package for the last 20 years and as my life as changed so my package has changed. It started as a small package of care with an agency. However this didn’t fit into my life at all and it had a big impact on my daughter who was then only a year old, as we never knew who was coming through the door next. 

My friend told me about Direct Payments and the Independent Living Fund and this was the start of a great journey to freedom for both my children and me. At this time there were only 3 people on direct payments so I was asked to help write the remit for the Council as the Government said this was the way to go. So, we had several meetings with members of Wired, the Council and myself. During this time I had employed my first PA and found it worked well. We had children of a similar age so we all went for days out etc. My life started to open up and I came to the NMC.

Then followed college a couple of times a week where I met my next PA. She has become one of my best friends. I have found most of my PA’s through friends or acquaintances. 

As I have got older my needs have changed and so has my package. It is quite a large package now as I cannot turn in bed etc. so I have night care (which can be difficult to find). There have also been a couple of instances where my PA’s have been off on long term sick and this did put added strain on my girls and I, so 18 months ago I made the decision to combine using an agency and PA. 

As I work from home I have to be able to guarantee that I am up and ready for work so I use an agency. When I am out and about and have night care I use PA’s and when it comes to holiday cover I ask the PA’s first and then if they can’t cover I ask the agency. I find that by combining an agency with PA’s it works quite well and it does not leave me vulnerable. It also gives me more freedom. 

When I was younger, I was very reliant emotionally and physically on my personal assistants and very close to them. They become like family and sometimes could over step the mark, which was a fault on my part too for not instilling clear boundaries. 

I now don’t need that support. I make my own decisions and I feel quite happy to have time on my own. I am not frightened to live my life independently. My children are grown up and I am looking forward to the freedom the package will allow me in the next phase of my life 

Health and Well Being

During these winter months it is really important that we all keep as fit and healthy as we can. It is important that people with disabilities, particularly those with compromised respiratory function are protected as much as possible against flu and pneumonia. 

Flu Vaccination
 Flu is a common illness that is highly infectious and in some people it can develop into more serious illnesses as bronchitis and pneumonia. It can also make medical conditions worse. 

You can protect yourself against flu by having a vaccination against it. As the strain of flu changes from year to year, last year’s vaccination will not protect you so you need to be immunised each year. It is also advisable that your family, carers and PA’s receive the annual flu jab. 

Pneumonia Vaccination
 Pneumonia is another important vaccination that people in vulnerable groups, including those with compromised respiratory function need to be protected from. If you are over 65 then you are entitled to a one off Pneumonia vaccination. If you are under 65 then you should check with your GP/ Consultant. You will need to clarify how often you need to vaccinated.


For more information on the Flu and Pneumonia vaccinations please speak to your GP. 

*****HEALTH ALERT *****

*****PLEASE, PLEASE KEEP US ALL WELL!!!*******

If you or the person who brings you to NMC (a family member, friend or PA) are unwell then please do not come to the NMC. 

Please do not spread your germs as we are a very vulnerable community. If we become ill, it can have quite serious consequences.

If children are off school due to illness then please do not bring them into NMC. 

As much as we’d love to see you, we do not want your germs! Coughs, colds or bugs can make our community very unwell and it can take us longer than most to recover.

Thank you for your support and understanding in this matter

  ******************************************

Ambulance Service

Did you know that you can red flag your address for the Ambulance Service? This enables them to send the correct ambulance and personnel to you, when you need it.  

Taking charge - A New Practical Guide To Living With A Disability

The guide lets you know what you have a ‘right to expect’ from social services and healthcare, what support is available in education and employment, how to access
everything from travel to housing, and what tools and technologies can make life easier.  Web: http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/takingcharge  

PIP Update

The DWP accepts that the delays faced by some people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are unacceptable, and they are looking at a number of ways to clearing the back logs and improve processing times. They have increased the number of health professionals and administrative staff that the employ, new assessment centres have been opened and they have made changes to the IT tools that support assessments. By the end of 2014, they expect no one to be waiting longer then 16 weeks. (it has been 26 weeks).

For more information.  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pip-claim-process-overview-the-claimant-journey

Travel Insurance – Thinking about a holiday in 2015

During the Summer I have had several  requests for information about Travel Insurance so I thought it would be a good idea to put together a list of companies that cover pre-existing medical conditions. 

• When you take out a Travel Insurance policy it is your responsibility to declare any existing medical condition. Failure to do so will mean that your condition will not be covered. You will be quoted for a basic policy and then any member that has an existing medical condition will pay an additional premium on top of the basic policy. A policy can include more than one person with an existing medical condition but each person will need a premium policy.
• It is also worth mentioning that a company you used for your holiday insurance this year might not automatically insure you for next year, even though your condition hasn’t changed. 
• Remember too that many travel insurance companies will NOT insure you for an annual trip policy (this means that you could take several holidays in one year) but ONLY for ONE Single trip. 
• It is advisable check what you are covered for and read the small print! Remember policies vary from company to company.

Thinking about holidaying in 2015?
Remember to take out travel insurance as soon as you have booked or even before you book your holiday. This means that if anything should go wrong before your holiday starts your policy should cover you. 

Save time and Money!
Save time and money on travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.  A comparison tool. medicaltravelcompared.co.uk/medical-conditions/travelinsurance-pre-exist

Travel Insurance Companies covering pre-existing medical conditions (just a guide)

•  All Clear Travel Insurance – www.allcleartravel.co.uk * Flexicover – www.flexicover.co.uk * Staysure Travel – www.staysure.co.uk
• Citybond Sure Travel see our e.mail – website!!!! * Columbus Direct – www.columbusdirect.com * Barclays Travel Insurance – www.barclays.co.uk * Just Travel Insurance – www.justthecover.co.uk
• En Route??
• Saga – over 50’s – www.saga.co.uk/Travel-Insurance
• Age UK Travel Insurance – www.ageuk.org.uk

AVANTI Travel Insurance -Specialists in covering pre-existing medical conditions Tel. 0800 620 0659  avanti.co.uk
 
EXPLORER Travel Insurance. Covers medical conditions. Tel. 0800 043 4003
Exploreinsurance.co.uk

Just Travel Cover – www.justtravelcover.com/travel-insurance-pre-existing-medical-conditions

Out and About - Marc Chapman – My indoor skiing adventure

Lately I've been feeling quite of an adrenaline junkie so I started searching the internet for activities that I could try. The first thing I found was skiing at the ChillFactore, which is the home of British Paralympic snow sports. I discovered that it provided people like myself the opportunity of skiing using equipment called a sit-ski. 

As soon as I found out about it, I rang them to see how soon I could get a slot to ski. The reply was “Thursday”. I took them up on their offer. I was really excited and couldn't wait to go skiing! 

I was told that we would need to bring my sling and some warm clothing. As luck would have it, it was on a promotion at half price so instead of being £50 it was only £25! 

On the actual day we had to be there for 11:30am so we set off early to make sure that we arrived in good time. When we got there we put my sling on, ready to be hoisted onto the sit-ski. They had a hoist there. As it was my first time they took their time making sure I was comfy and strapped in securely. Once we were all satisfied that I was secure and comfy, they took me out onto the snow and to the top of the slope using the ski lift that they attached with a strap to the sit-ski. At the top it looked quite steep, I started to get butterflies in my stomach as I was excited. Please note that they don't send you down the slope on your own, you have a skier attached to the back of the sit-ski to steer, so there is nothing to worry about. 

We set off down the slope sweeping from side to side picking up speed all the way. I enjoyed it so much that once I got to the bottom I wanted to go again so off we went back up to the top. 

It was an amazing experience and one that I'll never forget, I'll definitely be going back to do it again and I highly recommend it even if it is back to full price. It's so
good it would be worth it!

Swimming Buddies- Karen and Peter

Karen on Peter !
Peter and I first met just over a year ago. We attend the NMC together on a Monday for work and Peter has physiotherapy too. We travel in the mini bus together as we both live in the same town. It is nice to have made a friend in Peter. We have a swim at our local pool and a cuppa and catch up when we can!
Peter is fun to be around and has also inspired and motivated me in many ways.

Peter on Karen
As Karen has said we met about a year ago. I knew of her, as she knows my daughter Sarah, and I know her parents quite well, but I had never met her before. I had wanted to start swimming again and one day Karen messaged me and
said "We are going swimming, pick you up in an hour"! And as they say the rest is history…..!

Zipwire Challenge – Paul Baddeley

Earlier on this year I had a big idea but didn’t really think that it would happen! Well it did and I have lived to tell the tale. A Zip Wire challenge!!

In August along with Katherine, Bev and Chris we went to ZipWorld in North Wales to do the challenge and try and raise some money for NMC. 

On the actual day I was very nervous as it was way beyond my comfort zone. Once I was all strapped up it was time to go. Wow! We zip wired over the lake. It was totally exhilarating and hugely satisfying. I’m not sure that I would do it again though. We raised £    for NMC. 

A Parents Perspective – Sophie Hawes

Millie has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and during secondary school received 'brief' physio sessions every two weeks or so. These sessions were too short for anything really worthwhile to be achieved, and it became deeply frustrating for me as her Mum knowing that she needed more. 

When she was 16, Millie was lucky enough to be referred to the NeuroMuscular Centre. She was a little apprehensive to begin with as the NMC is an adult facility and she was so young, but her fears were soon allayed as the welcome was so warm from everyone. 

Each week she attends either a Physio session of 1.5-2hrs or a hydrotherapy session of 1hr -1.5 hr. Millie has gained so much from her time at the NMC, not only in maintaining her physical strength ( with those fabulous lengthy sessions) but also gleaning so much new invaluable information from the physios or other 'customers'. This has been particularly helpful with regard to her incredibly tough application for social care funding to enable her to study Law at Durham University. 

The NMC were able to introduce Millie to other like-minded people in a similar situation to herself who were able to share their experiences and she could learn from them. It was reassuring to know others had succeeded in achieving their goals and this increased Millie's own confidence. Millie feels totally at ease when I leave her in the capable hands of Jonny, Chloe, Paul or Gill and I know they have a lot of fun during the sessions - lots of healthy banter! 

All the knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment the physios have given Millie has been invaluable and we are both incredibly grateful.

You Can Do It! - Millie Hawes…..

I have Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 and first came to the NMC at the age of 16. It was spooky moving from children's physiotherapy to adult's but totally worth it. 

I have fortnightly physio and hydro here at NMC which not only helps me maintain my strength, but it has also hugely increased my confidence as I can ask for advice from the friendly physios and other people in similar situations. There's always some great banter too! 

I'm now 18, have finished my A Levels and am Durham University reading Law which is terrifying but exciting too! The physios have provided a huge amount of support whilst I've been going through the process of getting funding for carers. The sessions themselves have made me feel fitter and more prepared for life in the big bad world. 

Not only this, but they have given me the chance to complete my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. In order to get the award I had to complete five sections: a year of volunteering, a year of physical activity, six months of learning a new skill, have a week away from home doing some sort of activity and complete a four day expedition. The physio and hydro sessions were part of my physical activity and the fitness that I developed from this, allowed me to trek 20km a day, for four days   across the Peak District using my powerchair. This was a huge challenge but totally worth it as I've now finished all sections of the award and will be invited to St James's Palace to meet the Duke himself! All of which I wouldn't have been able to do without the NMC. And now the next challenge ………university!

VAT Relief on substantially and permanently adapted vehicles.

For some time now the Disabled Motorists Federation has been working with HM Revenue and Customs on problems with VAT tax relief on heavily adapted vehicles. This isn't just Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs for short), but includes vehicles fitted with hand controls, swivel seats, hoists and car top stowage etc.  Under the existing rules, if you are on the higher rate of Mobility Allowance, and a wheelchair user who wishes to purchase a new vehicle, provided it has to be modified and you tell the garage at the time of placing your order, then you will qualify for full VAT relief on the vehicle and on all subsequent servicing. A very big concession indeed.  

My Driving Experience – Paul Chadwick

I started learning to drive at the age of 17 and after 7 lessons passed my test. Freedom. After three cars and nearly 14 years of happy motoring things were starting to get more difficult with transferring in and out of the car, so I looked into getting my first WAV. 

I went to several Motability shows to see what vehicles were available and then I went for an assessment at Steering Development to determine what adaptations I would need. It was confirmed that I would need a six way adjustable seat, zero effort power steering, an electric handbrake plus a tail lift and remote control back doors.

After a great deal of searching I came across a five year old transit which was owned by another user at The NMC. It already had a tail lift fitted and was converted for rear passenger travel which was prefect! It then went to Lewis Reed to have the conversions completed. This was part funded by Motability as part of the Used Vehicle Scheme. 

As a result of this purchase, things were so much easier for me. It was great to be able to transfer to the driver’s seat whilst without getting wet and not having to rely on someone to put my wheelchair in and out of the boot. It gave me freedom to go out and about and that’s just what I did. I was able to travel to work, drive to Oulton Park to watch car and bike racing as well as driving to Scotland to stay with  my sister. 

This vehicle gave me another 9 years of happy motoring but then transferring was becoming difficult and it seemed to take me a long time. Also I was also finding it increasingly difficult to turn the steering. I thought it was going to be a simple upgrade of what I had but after another assessment from Motability things hit rock bottom. I was told that it would not be safe for me to continue driving as I was and that major changes would have to be made if I wanted to continue driving. 

This came as a massive shock with the real possibility that I might not be able to drive again. However we pushed on and then completed a Motability application. 
It was agreed that they would part fund a new vehicle and I would have to fund the remainder.

We concentrated on trying to find a suitable wheelchair for me to drive from. This wasn.t easy as I needed a chair low enough to be able to see out of the windscreen. I eventually chose the Storm 4 which I purchased with money that I had saved. I had another visit from Motability to look at suitable vehicles and their controls. They brought a VW Caddy, a Mercedes Sprinter and a VW Caravelle. The Caddy was good but unfortunately I could get low enough to see out of the windscreen. The Sprinter was ideal but I could not get it on the back yard as it was too big. So I decided to opt for the Caravelle. We tried several different types of hand controls which all felt alien to me and I started to feel that I wouldn’t be able to do it. The man from Motability had taken delivery of a new assessment vehicle that had a Tiller Bar fitted. I tried that and it felt like I was driving a scooter, something I driven a lot in the past. I felt comfortable using it. 
So I ordered the Caravelle with the adaptations including the Tiller Bar.  

Unfortunately this was going to take time so as I wasn’t driving, I had to rely on my Dad to drive me about which was frustrating and limiting. 

The first part of the conversion was done at GM Coachworks in Devon. This included all the interior alterations such as the drop floor and remote rear door and ramp. The second part of the conversion, the driving controls were done by Jim Doran in Coventry. During the conversion, I had to make two visits to the workshop to ensure that the positioning of the controls was suitable for me and also to finalise the position of the wheelchair clamp. 

Finally 12 months later, the van was ready for me to pick up. However, first of all I had to test drive the new vehicle. I felt quite stressed about this as I hadn’t driven for 18 months and I was wondering whether I would be able to manage. I drove it under instruction at only 15mph but it all went well. The van was then delivered to me and as part of the Motability Programme, I had 5 hours with an instructor. The controls took a lot of getting used to but the more I drove, the easier it became. 

Driving from the wheelchair is totally different but so much easier. Once I am in the driver’s position I push one button to close the rear door, another button to start the vehicle, wait for the driving system to start up and then I’m ready to drive!

I am now driving again and enjoying every minute of it! With the advances in technology driving for the disabled has never been so good 

My advice is as soon as you can get your licence, contact Motability and ask about having a driving assessment and about funding. Also, visit as many shows as you can to see what vehicle and adaptations are available. Everybody is different. Adaptations might take time but they are worth the wait. 

Happy Motoring!

The Practical Test

Before you take your Practical Test
By the time you are ready to take your practical test, which is the final part of learning to drive, you should;

• Have applied for and received, your provisional driving licence. 
• Have also had a full “potential to drive assessment” to confirm that you will be able to drive if you pass your test. This could include any adaptations that you might need to enable you to drive.
• Have passed your theory test.

 You are ready. 
When the driving instructor feels that your driving ability has reached the required standard, then you will need to book a practical test. This test involves you driving on the road with an examiner to prove that you can drive a car safely in different road and traffic conditions. It also shows that you know and can apply the Highway Code when you are driving. 

On the Day of your Driving Test

• You will need to show your pass certificate from your theory test
• You will need both parts of your driving licence (photo card and paper counterpart)
• You will also need to be in an appropriately insured and licenced vehicle, either your own or the instructor’s and the car must have “L” plated displayed.

The Driving Test

• Sight Test. When the test starts the examiner will ask you to read a number plate on a parked vehicle. If you are unable to read the plate correctly you will have the chance to read a second plate. If on the third attempt you are still unable to read these your Practical Test will be over and unfortunately you will have failed.
• Show Me, Tell Me. You will be asked two questions relating to specific vehicle safety or maintenance checks. 
• Driving. This should last about 40 minutes. You will be given directions which you must follow and you will come across different road and traffic conditions throughout the test. The test will also include some independent driving. The examiner should know about your specific special needs.
• Manoeuvres. You will be asked to carry out a number of specific manoeuvres which could include, an emergency stop, turning in the road, reversing around a corner and reverse parking.
• The Result .Once you are back at the Test Centre and your test has finished, the examiner will tell you whether or not you have passed and how you did. If you pass you can start driving straight away. Your examiner will give you a Pass Certificate. If you choose to have your full licence sent to you automatically then they will take your licence, scan it and send the details to the DVLA. You should receive your full licence within 4 weeks. If you do not pass then you can take another test but there must be 10 working days between tests. 

NMC’s Driving Workshop

On 25th July we held our first Driving Workshop at NMC where we welcomed Gary Jones, Centre Manager at the North Wales Mobility and Driving Assessment Service. Paul Chadwick kindly shared his driving experience and gave us a great demonstration in his WAV, a VW Caravelle. To see young people’s faces when they got behind the wheel of his WAV in their wheelchair was quite something!

Several clients and staff attended the workshop. We had people in their early teens who were thinking about learning to drive, one person had already started learning to drive and had just passed his theory test and there were others who had been driving a while but whose conditions had changed over that time. 
 
Gary explained;

• That the aim of an Assessment Centre is to offer advice, driver and passenger assessments to find a driving / passenger solution for drivers / passengers that need specialist equipment and or adaptations. They have supported many people with neuromuscular conditions and will help get you on the road.
• If you have any issues at all with getting in and out of your vehicle, stowage or driving it, then the Assessment Centre is there to help you. For example, you may start out with a manual vehicle. Over time you may have become weaker in your upper body and as a result need different controls to steer the car. There are plenty of options available. Once you have the right controls it is important that you get the right training so that you know how to use them safely. 
• As your condition changes there is plenty of kit available so that adaptations can be tailored to your changing need. Please be aware that if your condition changes you have a legal obligation to inform the DVLA. This does not mean you will lose your licence but you must inform them.
• If you self-refer then the cost is £89 for either a passenger or driver - A review of your driving assessment is £32. However, if you are referred to an Assessment Centre by the DVLA or Motability then there is no charge. 
• Gary explained that if you receive the higher rate DLA, adaptations can be paid for on the Motability Scheme. However it is means tested so it is sensible for the young person to apply in their own right. 
• If you have a disability and receive higher rate DLA or the mobility element of PIP then you can apply for grant funding to help with the cost of driving lessons. This used to just apply to those aged 16 to 24 but now applies to any age group.

The Retreat is ready - Matthew Lanham and Sue Walker

What a welcome addition The Retreat is to NMC and what we offer. It gives us a much needed space to provide new activities as an extension to our existing support services. 

The Retreat is a calm and relaxing environment for people to take some time and re-evaluate. A place where we can come together to have supportive conversations about issues that are of concern. 

The Retreat is for Carers taking a break and wanting a bit of time for themselves, supporting each other or talking to someone. Whilst part of the NMC, it is away from the main building, and can be private. It is a place that will enable people to focus on themselves – something which does not happen often enough. We are looking to hold workshops, group meetings, craft and pampering sessions alongside possible training opportunities in The Retreat.

Since its completion in July, The Retreat has already been finding its place at NMC and has been used for a variety of activities. We had three days of ‘Bushcraft’ activities for our young people in transition. A first focus group meeting looked at respite and residential opportunities for young adults with MD; it was the perfect venue for this. We also used it for this year’s Social Audit. The Panel took a day scrutinising our social accounts and used The Retreat as their base. We’re sure our Trustees will enjoy using the Retreat for their meetings too.

We’ve only had The Retreat for a short time, but it is already hard to imagine how we ever managed without it!