How push-pull hand controls work
The most common system is the push-pull lever, mounted beside the steering column and connected to the pedals. Push the lever away to brake; pull it towards you to accelerate. Modern systems are light, progressive and precise — most drivers feel confident within a few practice sessions in a quiet car park.
Hand controls are almost always paired with a steering ball, letting you steer smoothly with one hand while the other manages speed. Crucially, the original pedals still work, so a partner can drive the same car conventionally.
Who hand controls suit
They're designed for drivers with limited or no use of their legs — spinal cord injuries, amputations, MS, cerebral palsy and similar conditions — who have good upper-body strength and control. An assessment at a Driving Mobility centre can confirm the right setup for you and is well worth booking if you're new to adapted driving.
Licences and the DVLA
You must tell the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving; your licence is then usually coded (for example, code 40 for modified steering, 79 for restricted to certain adaptations). Driving a hire car with hand controls is fine as long as the adaptations match your licence codes — we'll check this with you when you book.
Hiring a car with hand controls in Kent
MV4U keeps adapted cars with push-pull hand controls, left foot accelerators and steering aids in the fleet, from about £39 a day. Tell us the setup you're used to and we'll match it as closely as possible, deliver anywhere in Kent, and walk you through the controls before you drive. It's also an excellent way to test a configuration before paying to have your own car adapted.
Ready to hire? Get a free WAV hire quote, browse our vehicle range, or call 01227 678119 — we deliver across Kent.