Driving Yourself
Being able to drive yourself, in your own vehicle, can bring enormous independence and freedom. For those who operate a vehicle for their livelihood, it means a whole lot more.

Independence, freedom and quality of life
Cars (and vans, utes, tractors, buses, graders etc.) are actually very sophisticated pieces of machinery. The ergonomics have been refined over the years, as manufacturers have relentlessly tried to outperform each other. The result of this evolution is that driving is now safer and easier than ever. Unless you've got some physical disability, that is.
For people with a physical challenge, who can’t operate a standard vehicle for any reason, driving can be a serious challenge, requiring a serious engineering solution.
Driving with disability
It can take time to get used to indicating with your head, steering with your feet or even operating the whole vehicle using a hand control. But, at the end of the day, it’s just learning to drive, using different methods. Once you’ve mastered it, and assuming the equipment was designed and fitted properly, it should feel very natural, even enjoyable.
Physical limitations vary enormously, requiring solutions from a wide range of variables:
- Driving controls: Actuated by feet, arms, hands, fingers and/or head.
- Seating options: Wheelchair or vehicle seat.
Driving Controls
Driving controls is an area we specialise in. It is the most complex area in vehicle modifications, and possibly the most rewarding. The driver must be able to control the vehicle safely, comfortably and predictably whether they are using a simple Spinmaster Spinner Knob, or a full electronic Space Drive set up.
Driving controls are getting better all the time thanks, mostly, to technological advances. Many vehicle functions can now be controlled electronically, with small finger movements or voice activation which involve very little strength. Having said that, a lot of our work still involves mechanical, or electro-mechanical modifications.
Seating options
Drivers can choose to sit in the vehicle seat (standard or modified) or in a wheelchair, which is manoeuvred into position and locked in. Using the vehicle seat may require transfer from a wheelchair. This transfer can be achieved inside the vehicle, after wheeling the chair on board, or from outside, with the chair being stored in a separate operation.
- Wheelchair vehicle access
- Vehicle seat: Internal and External transfer
Drive it yourself
We know the value of being able to drive yourself. We know that it’s much more than independence or freedom or the ability to work, while all these things are fundamental. We know that it’s about quality of life, self-esteem and good old-fashioned happiness.
Each vehicle conversion is unique to the individual, it has to meet their specific needs and complement their physical handicaps. The work requires a deep understanding of a client’s needs, quality engineering and enormous attention to detail. If you’re curious about what your solution could look like, give us a ring. We look forward to your call.
CHALLENGES MENU
PME FEATURES
Can-Am Spyder Roadster Kit
- Can-Am Spyder Roadster Kit
- Wheelchair Entry Lift
- Short Stature Solutions
- PME Hand Controls
- Easyspin
Not a problem
I recently purchased a Chrysler Grand Voyager which was modified by the staff at PME to suit my needs as a C-5 quadriplegic. It involved the guys at PME having the floor lowered, installing a side ... Read More
Help and Support
I would like to thank Bill at PME and all their employees for all their help and support in the modification of my vehicle. PME were very efficient, helpful and supportive through out the process... Read More
BMW quality
I was originally referred to Problem Management Engineering (PME) by a couple of Melbourne businesses, which specialise in converting vehicles for disabled drivers. These Melbourne businesses were ... Read More
Promise fulfilled
My Jeep was the first vehicle in New Zealand installed with mini wheel technology. Only one of the people I had talked to had ever seen one in use before. On December 14 I passed my full license te... Read More
Happy Grandpa
My Wife's Father's Multivan is about to have it's first birthday and I thought it timely to say thanks, once again for the great job you and your staff did with the conversion. Since overcoming the... Read More


