Disabled driver in high-speed test pass

Georgina Haigh, 24, who has a number of disabilities, including shortened arms, was praised by her instructor for her progress, which saw her pass more quickly than many able-bodied drivers.

She had wanted to take her test ever since the age of 17 but could not find an instructor with a specially adapted car for her disabilities and could not afford to fund one herself.

It was only by applying for an increase in her disability living allowance that she was able to obtain the necessary funding to allow her to modify a vehicle.

Then she had to wait 18 months before the car was ready.

Georgina, of Featherstone, said: “Because I am able to walk around, they assumed that gave me a level of independence and I could get transport myself.

“But, because I am also partially deaf and have scoliosis in my spine, it is difficult for me to get around without my mum so I don’t have that much independence.”

Her Vauxhall Astra Sport, which needed £10,000-worth of modifications, is an automatic and, where the clutch would usually be, a plate-sized wheel is situated with a trainer shoe attached. Georgina places her foot inside the trainer and uses it to steer.

But she still faced a search for a driving instructor willing to take her on.

She said: “I phoned around a few places and was trying to tell them I needed to learn in my own car. It was like talking to a brick wall, no-one seemed to understand.

“My mum phoned Autoway Driving School and Lee Hewis came out to see me. He took one look and said ‘no problem’, then we were straight off.

He was brilliant, I can’t thank him enough.”

She passed after 25 hours of lessons, almost half the national average of 47.

Mr Hewis said: “She’s an amazing young lady who battled against the odds and learned to drive.”