The PARAVAN driving school 

Ein Unfall, eine Krankheit oder eine körperliche Einschränkung – egal, ob von Geburt an oder im Laufe des Lebens eingetreten – bedeuten nicht zwangsläufig das Ende der individuellen Mobilität und sozialen Teilhabe. Mit der richtigen Ausbildung kann der Traum vom eigenen Führerschein oder die Möglichkeit, weiterhin selbstständig Auto zu fahren, Realität werden. Genau hier setzt die PARAVAN-Fahrschule an.

With two locations - the mobility park in Aichelau (driving instructors: Ralf Buhmann & Michael Grunert) and the branch in Heidelberg (driving instructor: Carsten Seidler) - PARAVAN offers a flexible and individually adaptable fleet of vehicles for people with physical disabilities.

Individual paths to mobility

There are two main scenarios: People who have never driven a car before due to paraplegia, short stature or a neuromuscular disease have the opportunity to obtain their driver's license at PARAVAN - whether as a young beginner or as an adult who is taking the plunge or needs a license for a job. After a medical examination, the theoretical training can be completed in the comfort of your own home. The practical test then takes place as part of an intensive course over a period of three to six weeks - either at the mobility park in Aichelau or at the Heidelberg branch.

Anyone who already has a driver's license but is no longer able to drive a conventional vehicle due to a stroke, amputation or other illness can have their license adapted. After a traffic medical and technical evaluation, the existing driver's license will be supplemented with the appropriate markings. Driving instructors strongly advise: "Never give up your license early!" If your license expires, you will have to start all over again.

Three success stories from PARAVAN Driving School

Julian completed his training at the PARAVAN Driving School in Aichelau in just three weeks - in all weathers: Rain, snow, ice and low sun. He will be driving his vehicle with two joysticks. The challenge was great, but thanks to his experience on the simulator and his precise driving style, he was able to impress. His examiner even praised him, saying: "One of the best joystick drives I've ever seen". Now all he needs is the right car and approval from the Motor Vehicle Assistance Service - then Julian can be independent and flexible. This is an important step towards independence, especially in rural areas.

Tim passed his driving test in Heidelberg - a key milestone on the road to independence. The 25-year-old, a member of the German national powerchair field hockey team, has always had to rely on his father as a driver. But soon he will be driving his own car with two joysticks - left for acceleration and braking, right for steering. He particularly remembers a spontaneous trip to the bakery during a lesson: "I felt like it was my own car and I could go anywhere." Now the next step is on the agenda: applying for his customised vehicle - preferably a Mercedes V-Class, so that he has enough space for his sport.

After six weeks of intensive training, Marina has also successfully passed her practical test - a big step towards freedom and independence. Despite being only 85 cm tall, she controls her vehicle with Space Drive, two customised joysticks and voice control for the secondary functions. Now comes the final step: choosing her vehicle, the customised seat shell and the application process. A cassette lift is important to her so that she can get into her wheelchair comfortably. "I feel safer in the city, but it's still a challenge on country roads or the motorway," she says. Her goal? To be able to get to work completely independently in a year's time. "I'll have achieved one of my biggest goals," she says with anticipation.

Customised driving school vehicles

The choice of driving school vehicle depends largely on the type of physical disability. PARAVAN Driving School distinguishes between two main categories:

1. mechanical and mechanical-electrical driving aids
   These solutions - including a handheld device, accelerator ring or left-hand throttle - are suitable for people who can get into the car independently. If they no longer have sufficient strength to operate the steering wheel safely, a "light steering system" (10 or 6 Nm) can be used to reduce the effort required. Models such as the VW Caddy or Peugeot Rifter offer a good basis for this. SUVs, on the other hand, are less recommended as the high entrance makes access difficult.Digitale Fahr- und Lenksysteme (z. B. Space Drive)
2. people with severely restricted mobility - such as quadriplegics or people with neuromuscular diseases - require joystick control, voice control or touch systems for functions such as turn indicators or windscreen wipers. Where the field of vision is restricted, a camera system with environmental awareness can also be used. These vehicles must be accessible, either by ramp or cassette lift. Flexible seating makes it possible to transfer from a wheelchair to the driver's seat. "Not every learner drives in his own wheelchair," says driving instructor Ralf Buhmann.

Vehicles at both locations - customized solutions for every requirement

The PARAVAN Driving School at the Aichelau Mobility Park has five specially equipped vehicles: two Mercedes Sprinters and a Peugeot Traveller with Space Drive and various electromechanical hand-held devices. For learner drivers who are still able to transfer independently, there is also a Peugeot Rifter with a higher entrance and a VW Passat with an extended seat rail for stiffened limbs or orthosis carriers - both equipped with sliding boards. Driving instructor Carsten Seidler also offers highly specialised training at the PARAVAN branch in Heidelberg. A Citroën Jumpy with Space Drive and individually adjustable input devices and a VW Caddy with left-hand throttle and rotary knob, seat and pedal adjustment for people of small stature are used there. 

PARAVAN's driving instructors have undergone special training to become disability driving instructors and are keen to pass on their knowledge to other driving instructors in the future. "Patience and understanding are the most important things," emphasises Ralf Buhmann and recommends that interested driving instructors seek advice early on, as the challenges are often underestimated.

Five milestones to a driver's license

1. Medical assessment
   A medical specialist tests the cognitive and motor skills required to drive a vehicle safely.
2. Driving test & aids test
   A specialist driving school tests which driving aids are required.
3. Technical assessment
   This forms the basis for the conversion of the vehicle at the conversion company.
4. Driving training & test
   Driving school training is followed by the driving aptitude test or practical driving test for new drivers. This is where the candidate must demonstrate that they can safely drive their vehicle on the road.
5. Vehicle selection & conversion
   After passing the test, the next step is to select a suitable base vehicle. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for financial assistance.

Mobile despite restrictions - thanks to the PARAVAN driving school

Whether it's a first-time purchase or an adaptation of an existing driving licence, PARAVAN Driving School enables people with disabilities to achieve individual mobility. With the latest technology, tailor-made solutions and experienced instructors, independence on four wheels becomes a reality.

You can find more information on training 

here