Read about Mikayla’s struggle and success!
In August of 2023 I was contacted by Francene, a lovely Occupational Therapist (OT) that I’ve known since 2018. Francene had a client of hers with a mild intellectual disability by the name of Mikayla who was looking to change driving schools.
Francene knows my passion and I had educated all 3 of her children so it was a welcomed and grateful invitation to reach out to help Mikayla.
Upon contacting Mikayla, I learned that she had been highly disappointed with her previous driving schools and was being quoted unrealistic cost amounts with other driving schools.
One of these driving schools requested Mikayla pay thousands up-front with her NDIS funding but the family didn’t feel comfortable with that.
One driving school took her for 30 minute drives when they were meant to be 1 hour! I was told by Mikayla’s mother that the driving instructors continually got frustrated and impatient with Mikayla and did not consider her disability.
I’m writing about this because I was disgusted at this behaviour and poor professionalism from driving schools. This is a testament to how broken our system for driver training is, and I hope if they read this they think twice about how they operate.
And so Mikayla and I began our journey together…
After being happy to proceed with me and having several lessons, we got Mikayla’s mother in the car with us to show how well Mikayla was progressing so her family felt comfortable to supervise her driving.
As Mikayla was restricted to being only able to drive with a driving instructor, we had a review with an OT who was very impressed and happy with Mikayla’s updated driving. This opened up Mikayla’s ability to drive regularly with her family and partner.
After some time, we then mixed up driving in my dual-control vehicle and Mikayla’s partners vehicle. As you can see by the image above. Mikayla is adjusting the heating and cooling while driving! This is a big part of educating a driver – multi-tasking (so to speak).
Throughout Mikayla’s journey, she got a bit comfortable with a few things, such as her hand positioning on the steering wheel…
I found myself constantly correcting Mikayla about the appropriate hand position on the wheel – 9 and 3, thumbs up! Mikayla voiced her reasonings behind moving her hands up slightly, that she felt more comfortable and felt in more control.
Regardless of Mikayla’s hand positioning, she was able to control a vehicle very well and knew when to get her hands to that 9 and 3 position when necessary.
Mikayla’s journey involved so much more, with a lot of freeway driving at 110 km/h and Mikayla even overtook slower drivers in the left lane…
Mikayla was introduced to the emergency brake! Her very first emergency brake was quite delayed which is completely understandable. Check out a video below…
We’ve since done many of these and at higher speeds!
Mikayla also did some other great things, check out this safe and smooth lane change…
And Mikayla’s observation of another vehicle that she didn’t have to give way to but was mindful of…
Mikayla eventually went for her driving test in Broadmeadows and was not successful the first time due to nerves. She went a second time and passed! 🥳
Check out Mikayla’s Google review of me!
“I can’t recommend Courtenay enough! After struggling with multiple instructors and feeling like I wasn’t getting anywhere, he was the one who finally got me through. His patience, clear explanations, and supportive approach made all the difference. He really took the time to help me build my confidence and improve my skills, and I’m so grateful for his guidance. If you’re looking for a driving instructor who genuinely cares and knows how to get results, Courtenay is the one! Thanks again, Courtenay—you’re awesome!”
Mikayla’s journey doesn’t stop as she continues to learn but with a wealth of knowledge, understanding and skill that many drivers don’t get before becoming a solo driver.
Driver education is the foundation of safer drivers! 🙏🏽
Thanks for choosing me as your driving educator, Mikayla. Drive safe! – Courtenay
Thank you to everyone that supports me. You are assisting with my vision, mission and goals. 🙏🏽
Thanks for reading this blog post! 🙂