On the day of my assessment (1 June 2016) the specialist after conducting hours of assessment pulled up a chair close to me and said "Today I'm going to give you a medical assessment form to take to the driving authority to apply for a conditional driving licence". In that instant it all let go, it surprised even myself, I had a moment of overwhelming emotion. It was joy, it was tears, it was the knowing the journey of make or brake was now with me. I quickly composed myself but by then the room filled with reciprocal compassion as my friend reach forward to console me and the specialist apologised stating they thought they may have said the wrong thing. I replied they had not and I did understand what was said, I am absolutely over the moon that it is now up to me to pursue.
I will never forget that transformative event and will be forever grateful to the specialist who meticulously assessed my functional capacity and told me it is possible I could drive.
Undertaking the usual processes required in the Australian Capital Territory where I live, I applied for and was given a learner licence. Unable to find a disability driving instructor in my state that would take me on straight away, I located one in New South Wales. Over several months I took many hours of driver training. During this time I experimented with tint fit overs on my glasses and bioptic lens and other combinations of tints to try to find variations that would suit for times of day and weather conditions. As a person with Achromatopsia, my condition is very complex. I will post later about that journey because it was long and methodical and even today I continue to explore options.
During this time I drove my partner's car every weekend. At first he would drive me to an estate where the roads were freshly laid and houses being built. I was learning to drive in a 2008 Nissan Navara 4x4 dual cab ute - a big car! I loved being up high but wanted to buy my own car to learn to drive. I was all in and giving it my all to do the best I could to prove I can drive and to be a safe driver. I wanted to cover everything and leave nothing to chance. Later I'll blog about my car search journey and the outcome of how I have adapted my car.
After I felt I had sorted all of my tint combinations, had many hours of instruction and driving with my partner under my belt but most importantly had learned the techniques required to use the bioptic, I then found a driving school in my home state and took lessons through the log book system. After several months I felt confident to take the driving test. I took the test and passed first go!!! I even hugged the driving instructor and made him feel uncomfortable - ops! I didn't care, I was sssooo excited! I then walked into the driving authority and got my Provisional Licence.
Getting back in the car, it was then the enormity of it all sank in. For the first time I am in a car by. my. self. and I have to drive home ... by. my. self. It was all good! I drove to my partner's work to show him the good news which he too was so excited and couldn't help but to tell his workplace. I then drove home.
Driving is such a privilege - I still get in my car and cannot believe I am driving. I constantly reinforce for myself how best to do driving tasks safely and how what I do matters to others to show bioptic drivers can be safe and responsible drivers.
