Being deaf is not a disability, it is a communication barrier
There is no reason why a hard of hearing or profoundly deaf person cannot learn to drive in either a manual or an automatic car. Finding a driving instructor who has already overcome this barrier makes communication much easier, and a good Deaf Aware instructor, who understands your needs and requirements, is invaluable, especially if you sign.
We are pleased to offer driving lessons to people who are deaf or hard of hearing in Tipton and the surrounding areas. We are one of the only driving schools in the local area that specialises in teaching the profoundly deaf and hard of hearing to drive.
How our lessons work
Every lesson is planned to suit your individual needs.
Signs while you drive
We have developed a simple, safe signs-while-driving technique to help you learn on the move, so you spend far more time driving and far less time parked next to the kerb.
A trained instructor
Our Approved Driving Instructor is fully trained in teaching the deaf and the hard of hearing to drive, and knows what you need.
Manual or automatic
If your instructor has both types of car, you can try each and make a more informed choice about which you prefer.
On your driving test
- The examiner uses written notes at the start of the test to explain what will happen.
- If you lip read, they will also look at you so you can lip read what they are saying.
- Directions are usually given as hand signals, and these are explained to you before your test starts.
I started to have lessons from Sandhu driving school and it was great experience to learn from Sunny as I've got disability (deaf) with limited communication but Sunny makes every lesson easy and makes it easy for me to understand what he's saying. I pass today first attempt with just three minors, I would like to say big thanks to Sunny for his patience and to help me.
Deaf and hard of hearing driving lessons FAQs
1. Can a deaf or hard of hearing person learn to drive?
Yes. There is no reason why a hard of hearing or profoundly deaf person cannot learn to drive in a manual or an automatic car. Being deaf is not a disability in itself; it is a communication barrier.
2. How will my instructor communicate with me?
Your instructor is trained in teaching the deaf and hard of hearing to drive. Each lesson is planned around you, using a simple, safe signs-while-driving technique so you can learn on the move.
3. What happens on the driving test?
The examiner uses written notes at the start of the test to explain what will happen. If you lip read, they will also look at you so you can lip read what they are saying, and they usually give directions as hand signals, which are explained before your test begins.
4. Should I learn in an automatic or a manual car?
An automatic car may be easier, but if you pass in one you can only drive automatics. If you pass in a manual you can drive either. If your instructor has both, you can try both and decide.
Get in touch about lessons
You can text Mr Sandhu on 079 5796 5796 with your request, fill in the form, or call us free on 0800 056 3016.