Can I drive with dwarfism?

Dwarfism is a condition characterised by being an adult, typically of 147cm or shorter, which can also be known as restricted growth or short stature. This can be proportionate, where your limbs are the expected size compared to the rest of your body, or disproportionate, where parts of your body grow differently (e.g. short limbs compared to the rest of your body).

It may be that restricted growth could cause difficulties in some aspects of driving.

We would recommend an assessment by a driving assessment centre to determine the best way for you to drive. We can also discuss adaptation options with you to provide information around the types of adaptations you may want to try when visiting an assessment centre.

When having any driving adaptations installed, we would always advise an automatic vehicle. Some adaptations can only be installed into an automatic vehicle.

We would always recommend advising the DVLA and your insurers if there is a change to your driving circumstances.

Adaptation Examples

There are many different combinations of adaptations to consider, some are listed below but if you would like to discuss your specific requirements, please contact us and we would be happy to chat to you about the different adaptations available.

Difficulty reaching the pedals:
Pedal extensions attach to the existing pedals to bring them nearer to the seat for ease of reach. Most vehicles can have pedal extensions fitted. The standard length of a pedal extension is between 1 to 4 inches but if longer pedal extensions are required, this may be possible. Pedal extensions are assessed with each customer and their vehicle to determine the required length.

Hand controls are also a common adaptation for those who have difficulties reaching the pedals, this is especially common if someone has shorter legs but has reach with their arms.

Difficulty reaching the handbrake:
Nowadays, where possible, as there is so much variation, we would recommend choosing a vehicle that has a suitable handbrake as standard. If you have a vehicle with a conventional handbrake, an easy release handbrake, may assist with extending the lever enough to be reached.

Difficulty reaching the secondary controls:
A remote control device may be helpful if using a steering aid helps with reach to the steering wheel and also the functions ordinarily found on the stalks around the steering wheel. On some occasions, a simple stalk crossover arm, or extension to the stalk may be beneficial.

Little People UK are a charity that offer support to people with dwarfism so they may also be able to offer advice on driving.