Driving License: The Ability Otherwise Start Driving

Suffering from hearing loss since birth, Manish B., received his license for three years. However, this was an obstacle course. Accompanied by an interpreter in sign language, he says he went to the Victoria Hospital to be auscultated. "The doctor had covered her mouth with his hand and he asked me questions. After this event, I got green light from doctor to pass the oral work to get my license. "That day, in the presence of a police officer, this young man of 25 was assisted by an interpreter.

Some time later, Manish B. receives his license after completing a practical training with a driving school. "The day I had to get my license, the officer told me the directions with her hand. And before executing his instructions, I always checked the mirror to my right and my left, "says our interlocutor. 

For Manish B., the driver's license is a valuable tool in their daily lives. And to avoid accidents, he argues that he looks at regular intervals mirrors while driving. "Thus, when approaching an emergency vehicle, I see the reflection of the signal in the mirror and I park my car," he said.

To date, the Association of Parents of Hearing Impaired (APDA) has more than thirty students with hearing impairments who have received formal training which seven have their driving license.

Zakir Abdool, language interpreter signs to APDA tells us that since 2007, driving courses lasting six to seven months, are offered to hearing impaired. However, between 2008 and 2012, the hearing impaired who wish to obtain a license are facing difficulties.

Moreover, several meetings were held between the parties concerned. He explains that "the road signs, such as signs, markings, among others, are reproduced on card stock paper and explained in sign language. Then a black canvas, pavement markings (lines, arrows) is drawn. Vehicles are served in miniature on the canvas (which replaces the road) allow, then, to distinguish between the different markings and their usefulness. " After mastering and revised the rules of the road, students submit an application for a learner's permit.

This last step is the responsibility of the 'Traffic Branch' to verify these claims. Section 45 of the Road Traffic Act, as indicated by the Traffic Branch Inspecteur Goinsamy Veerasami, , mention of the 'Fitness of Applicant'. According to the article, among others, the applicant must indicate on the form if it has a disability or illness. The case is then referred to the police doctor who, in turn, can refer you to a panel of physicians. "The candidate undergoes a medical examination to ensure it is not likely to be a source of danger to the public on board a motor vehicle," Inspector book. Then the doctor will sign a certificate attesting to the candidate's driving skill. 

And in some cases, the permit may be limited to driving a vehicle adapted to his disability. He even mentions the case of a driver who can not use his legs. "A specialized vehicle enables it to control everything on the wheel. "The inspector Goinsamy Veerasami does not hesitate to confide that are otherwise capable of conducting very vigilant especially those with hearing loss. He wants a sign language training for police officers.

Once obtained the certificate, the candidate's theory test before continuing practical training with a driving school. Iqbal Aubdool, driving instructor school, said he carries with practical training according to disability of the candidate "for the hearing impaired, even if I do not understand sign language, I use my hands to give instructions. I had a student whose left wrist was severed and his driver training was done in a car with automatic transmission. The law allowed only to otherwise able to pass their driver in a car with automatic transmission, "says our interlocutor. Now it is illegal for instructors to provide training in these types of cars.

Iqbal Aubdool observed that otherwise can assimilate more quickly and are very careful drivers. "To my knowledge, there has never been otherwise capable drivers involved in road accidents on the island." He added that otherwise can receive an allowance to purchase a vehicle.

How do they sound the horn when necessary?

The instructor explains that he asked his beginners with hearing loss or not, to minimize as much as possible the use of horns except in extreme emergencies - to build on the visual, braking and ride within the limits of speed. Zakir Abdool indicates that drivers with hearing impairment are looking in their mirrors at regular intervals in contrast to other drivers.