Making driving easier for disabled

Slides
Photos

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-07-22 07:58

The Ministry of Public Security is soliciting public opinion to soften the terms for the physically challenged to apply for a driving license and make it possible for them to drive more types of vehicles. Some disabled people want to get more opportunities to drive a vehicle, says Yunnan TV website. Excerpt:

"It is hard for me to find a job, so I have to carry goods on a motorcycle to make a living. I am longing to get the opportunity to drive a four-wheeler," says a man surnamed Zeng, who has a disability in his right leg that limits his chances of getting a job.

"Cars driven by the physically challenged should have stickers pasted on them indicating who they are being driven by," says a man surnamed Jiang, whose son is hearing impaired.

Some people say that despite softer terms, restrictions remain for the physically challenged in getting a driving license.

The "Amendment of the Regulation of Driver's License Application and Using" has nine points on the physically challenged. Four of those have been amended.

First, the physically challenged can drive a minibus with automatic shift, specially designed for them.

Second, the terms for applying for a license have been softened.

When driving a compact car, the physically challenged can wear audiophones. And those with sound right lower limbs and normal limb motion can apply for a license to drive cars with automatic shift.

Third, the amendment says the physically challenged have to undergo physical examination before applying for a driving license.

And those who apply for a license to drive a minibus with automatic shift have to submit a health certificate from a qualified medical institution.

Fourth, drivers should stick special signs on a minibus that has an automatic shift, installed specially for the physically challenged.

(China Daily 07/22/2009 page9)