NEWS RELEASE

Donington Park hosts exciting driving programme for young and learner drivers with disabilities

Donington Park is hosting the first of this year’s Get Going Live! one-day driving events for young people with disabilities and anyone newly-disabled.  Already those eager to get behind the wheel are signing up for this free event on Saturday 14^th July.

If you are young with a disability and starting to plan for your first car, this event is for you. You can gain a driving licence at 16, a year ahead of those who are not disabled, but many young people find it difficult to know where to begin: what car will be best for me?; how can I find out what adaptations I might need?; will I qualify for the Motability scheme?; where can I find an instructor with experience of teaching disabled motorists; how do I get a Blue Badge? These issues are equally important for anyone newly-disabled who needs to research options for adapted driving.

You’ll find the all the answers here in a no-pressure environment from those with expert knowledge and you’ll get to test drive a selection of adapted vehicles, including drive-from-wheelchair models, in a safe environment accompanied by experienced professional drivers.

The event takes place at the Donington Park Launch Pad, Derbyshire and is organised by two national disability charities - Mobility Choice, the team behind the annual national Mobility Roadshow, and  Disabled Motoring UK.

You must be over 14 to test drive one of the adapted vehicles, but younger prospective learners are welcome to practise transferring, familiarise themselves with controls and may also travel as a passenger with an instructor.

Vehicles lined up on the test drive grid include a variety of models from Citroën, Ford, Nissan, Peugeot, SEAT, Vauxhall and VW – all fitted with a variety of adaptations.

You’ll also be able to test your on-road reaction on the Autoadapt Driver Test Station and talk with representatives from Motability, the Forum of Mobility Centres, Ricability and other organisations in the mobility market.

Around the driving there is a fun action-packed programme of activities including a 7m all-ability climbing wall with over 20 routes to the top.

Last year’s inaugural Get Going Live! day - also at Donington Park - was voted ‘simply fantastic’ by participants. “The Get Going event was brilliant for me to be able to test drive cars,” said visitor Stephanie Leaf. “As I use hand controls you can’t go to a dealer and test drive the cars there. The whole day was just a fantastic experience, not to be missed.”

Two other Get Going Live! 2012 events take place on 28th July at the Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate, and 11th August at the TRL site, Wokingham, Berkshire

Get Going Live! 2012 is organised by