Losing a limb doesn’t mean losing your freedom. For many people, driving is more than just getting from one place to another—it’s about independence, confidence, and control. And yes, with the right prosthetic and the right car setup, driving is absolutely possible.
But here’s the catch: most people don’t know how to get started. They worry about legal rules, RTO approval, and how to modify their vehicle. They also wonder if it’s safe—and whether others have done it before.
This blog is here to clear the confusion. We’ll walk you through how people with prosthetic hands, arms, or legs can legally and safely drive in India. From RTO procedures to city-wise guides on car modifications, we’ll explain everything in a simple, step-by-step way.
Driving with a prosthetic isn’t just a dream. It’s already a reality for hundreds. Let’s help make it yours.
Can You Drive With a Prosthetic in India?
Yes, But With RTO Approval
In India, driving with a prosthetic limb is legal—but it comes with some conditions. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) needs to verify that you’re fit to drive and that your vehicle is safe to operate with your physical condition.
This doesn’t mean you’ll be denied permission. It simply means there’s a process.
And once you go through it, the freedom of driving is yours again.
What the RTO Looks For
The RTO doesn’t judge you for having a prosthetic. What they care about is your ability to control the vehicle safely.
For someone with a lower limb prosthetic, they’ll check if you can operate pedals. If you have an upper limb difference, they may check if you can steer, shift gears, or use controls properly.
If your car is modified with hand controls or steering aids, they’ll want to inspect that too.
Their goal is safety—for you and others on the road.
You May Need a Modified License
In many cases, the RTO will issue a conditional or restricted driving license. This will mention that you’re allowed to drive a vehicle with certain modifications.
This is common. It’s not a negative mark—it just keeps things official.
Once approved, you can drive without fear of legal trouble or insurance issues.
First Steps to Get RTO Clearance
Step One: Get a Fitness Certificate
Your first stop is a registered government doctor or a civil surgeon. You’ll need a “Medical Certificate – Form 1A”, which states that you’re medically fit to drive.
This certificate should clearly mention your type of amputation and your physical capacity with the prosthetic. It helps if the doctor has experience working with amputees.
Attach this form with a recent photograph and ID proof.
Step Two: Apply for a Driving Test
If you’re applying for a new license, you’ll need to go through a driving test in your own modified vehicle or a control-adapted vehicle.
If you already had a license before the amputation, you must apply for a license renewal with medical conditions.
In either case, inform the RTO about your prosthetic use and any vehicle modifications. They may ask you to show the modifications or provide a doctor’s note explaining how you operate the car.
Step Three: Get Vehicle Modification Approved
If your car has been adapted—like with hand controls for brake/accelerator or a spinner knob for one-handed steering—you’ll need a certificate from an authorized vehicle modifier.
You also have to update your vehicle registration, showing that it has been legally modified for driving by a person with a disability.
Once all this is done, the RTO will inspect your car, verify your documents, and issue a license if they are satisfied.
This process can feel slow, but it’s straightforward when done right.
Common Car Modifications for Prosthetic Users
Hand Controls for Lower Limb Amputees
If you have a below-knee or above-knee amputation, using regular pedals can be difficult or unsafe.
The most common solution is hand controls—a set of levers installed near the steering wheel that let you accelerate and brake using your hands.
Some hand controls are push-pull, while others are more advanced with rotary systems. These can be custom-fitted depending on your limb strength and prosthetic type.
They’re especially helpful for automatic cars, where you don’t have to worry about clutch control.
Spinner Knobs for One-Handed Driving
If you use a prosthetic arm or have lost a hand, you might find it hard to rotate the steering wheel smoothly.
A spinner knob, also called a steering ball, is a simple add-on that lets you steer with one hand more easily. It gives you better grip, especially when turning or parking.
These knobs are legal and widely available. Some even come with quick-release features for when not in use.
Customized Pedals and Seating
Some users prefer to keep using pedals but need them adjusted for comfort. In such cases, pedal extensions or angled footrests can be installed.
Seats can also be modified to give better support, reduce fatigue, or make it easier to enter and exit the car with a prosthetic leg.
These adjustments are small—but they make a huge difference in confidence and safety.
Fully Automatic Car Adaptations
For drivers with high-level amputations or complex limb differences, a fully automated car setup may be required.
These cars use joystick steering, button-controlled gear shifting, and brake-throttle systems designed for hand-only driving.
While costly, they offer complete independence. Some companies in India now provide this as a custom service—especially in metro cities.
City-Wise Guide: RTO Rules and Car Modification Help
Delhi NCR: Leading the Way in Adapted Driving
Delhi is one of the few cities in India where the RTO is relatively well-versed in dealing with drivers who use prosthetics or adaptive devices. With a large number of central and state government hospitals, it’s easier to get the Form 1A Medical Certificate from a certified civil surgeon.
Once you have the certificate, the RTO offices in Janakpuri, Burari, or Loni Road are equipped to handle special applications. Most officers here are aware of prosthetic users applying for conditional licenses and car modification approvals.
For modifications, workshops like True Assistive Tech and Mobility India Delhi Unit offer hand control installations, spinner knobs, and even pedal re-mapping.
Several drivers in Noida and Gurgaon have also successfully received license renewals after upper limb loss, with or without full car conversions.
If you’re in Delhi NCR and unsure where to start, begin with a medical certificate from Safdarjung Hospital or AIIMS, and take that to your local RTO along with your prosthetic usage note.
Mumbai: Great Workshops, Slow RTO Processing
Mumbai has good infrastructure in terms of vehicle modification centers, but RTO approvals may take longer due to busy offices and varied awareness levels.
Offices at Tardeo, Andheri, and Thane have processed disability-related licenses, but success often depends on having complete documents upfront. Be polite but persistent, as not all officers are familiar with prosthetics.
Medical fitness certificates are issued at JJ Hospital and Nair Hospital, both of which are accepted across Mumbai RTOs.
For modifications, local vendors like Swami Automobiles, Adapt Motors, and DriveAbility offer excellent services for hand control conversions and automatic gear shift adaptation. Many also provide documentation support for RTO filing.
Keep in mind that automatic vehicles are highly preferred here, especially due to city traffic and limited parking space.
Bengaluru: A Hub for Adaptive Innovation
Bangalore is known for its tech ecosystem—and it’s also home to some of the best car adaptation companies in the country.
The RTO offices in Jayanagar, Electronic City, and Indiranagar are used to dealing with unique driving requirements. The process is smoother if you submit your doctor certificate from NIMHANS or Victoria Hospital, both of which are RTO-recognized for medical evaluations.
Workshops like Samarth Mobility Solutions, Karisma Auto, and Mobility Enhancers have been helping prosthetic users adapt their vehicles for over a decade.
Several of our clients in Bengaluru have used Grippy™ Mech Hand or Grippy™ Bionic Hand along with spinner knobs or one-handed steering systems—receiving both RTO approval and insurance clearance after proper submission.
Bangalore also supports vehicle registration under “disabled driver category,” which may reduce your road tax by up to 50 percent. Check with your dealer while buying a new car.
Chennai: Traditional, But Supportive
Chennai has a more formal RTO structure, but is quite supportive when it comes to processing conditional licenses for drivers with disabilities or limb loss.
Medical certifications from Stanley Medical College or Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital are accepted across the RTOs in Anna Nagar, KK Nagar, and Tondiarpet.
However, you must be firm in following up. Officers may take longer to process cases involving upper limb amputees unless you show detailed documentation, including how you operate your car.
Modification workshops like AutoMate Chennai and HandiDrive India offer hand control kits and gear paddle extensions. These vendors also help with installation certificates, which the RTO requires.
Chennai is one of the few cities where automatic two-wheelers (like Activa) can be modified with throttle switches or rear brake conversions for upper limb users. These too need RTO inspection and insurance clearance.
Hyderabad: Steady Growth, Still Learning
Hyderabad is catching up fast. RTOs in Khairatabad, Kukatpally, and Uppal have processed licenses for prosthetic users, though experiences vary depending on the officer assigned.
Medical evaluations from Osmania General Hospital and Gandhi Hospital are acceptable, and often recommended.
Vehicle adaptation vendors like Venus Automotive and AdaptTech Hyderabad offer basic to advanced car modification services, including hand throttle conversions and one-foot dual pedal control for below-knee amputees.
Hyderabad’s driving schools are also more open to training individuals with limb differences, especially with custom-fitted vehicles. That’s an advantage if you’re applying for a fresh license rather than a renewal.
Remember to get your adaptation inspected by an RTO-certified engineer before submitting your license application.
Pune: Quick Access, Great Medical Support
Pune has several military hospitals and orthopaedic centers, making it a great place to get the right paperwork in order. Sassoon General Hospital and Command Hospital are recognized sources for disability and fitness certification.
RTO offices in Shivaji Nagar and Pimpri-Chinchwad are friendly toward applications with medical proof of prosthetic use—especially for veterans and older adults.
Modification services are available through Smart Mobility Solutions and Neha Mobility Systems, both of which offer emergency braking setups, steering aids, and adjustable seats.
Our Pune clients often opt for smaller hatchbacks with automatic transmission and minor modifications to accommodate below-elbow prosthetics. This setup usually passes RTO checks easily, especially when submitted with medical backing.
Vehicle Insurance and Prosthetic Use: What You Must Know
Disclose Your Prosthetic Use Honestly
When buying or renewing car insurance, it’s important to be honest about your prosthetic use—especially if your car is modified to suit your needs.
Insurers in India are becoming more inclusive, but they still expect disclosure about health conditions or physical changes that affect driving ability.
If you’ve received an RTO-approved conditional license or your vehicle has been modified (for example, with hand controls or custom pedals), mention this during policy application.
Not disclosing it could create problems later if you file a claim after an accident.
Choose a Comprehensive Policy With Add-On Support
Look for insurers that offer personal accident cover for drivers with disabilities. Some companies also provide extended protection for modified vehicles, including repair coverage for steering aids, hand control units, or spinner knobs.
If you’re unsure what to ask for, talk to a licensed insurance agent who understands disability needs. They’ll help you avoid vague or missing clauses that could delay a claim.
Make sure the vehicle registration certificate (RC) clearly lists modifications. This prevents claim disputes if you ever need roadside assistance or repair coverage.
What Happens in Case of a Claim?
In case of an accident, if your license and car modifications are RTO-approved, your insurance claim should go through like any other driver’s.
You may be asked for extra documents—like the RTO modification certificate or a disability certificate—but if everything is in place, there’s no reason for rejection.
At RoboBionics, we help our prosthetic users understand the documentation they’ll need so they can plan ahead. A few simple steps today can save weeks of paperwork later.
Tips for Safe and Confident Driving With a Prosthetic
Practice in Low-Traffic Areas First
Even if you’ve been driving for years before your limb difference, take time to re-learn the feel of driving with your prosthetic or adapted car.
Start in a quiet neighborhood or a private lane. Practice stopping, turning, parking, and using your controls.
Build confidence slowly. Muscle memory takes time to rebuild.
Some of our users even record themselves driving in a controlled space and share it with their prosthetist. This helps with feedback and fine-tuning the fit or grip of the device.
Don’t Skip the Training
Several driving schools now offer training in modified vehicles. If you’re using hand controls or driving with a new prosthetic, sign up for 3 to 5 classes.
A professional trainer can help you adjust posture, grip, and pedal reach to make your movements more natural and less tiring.
You don’t need to “prove” anything to anyone—but getting trained ensures that you stay safe and your prosthetic stays comfortable.
Listen to Your Body
Driving long hours can lead to fatigue, especially if your prosthetic is new or heavy.
Take breaks. Stretch. Remove your device if needed during rest stops. Keep a soft cloth or liner to prevent skin irritation under the socket.
If you start to feel strain in your shoulder, elbow, or wrist, let your prosthetist know. A small adjustment can improve your entire driving experience.
We always say at RoboBionics: your prosthetic should work for you, not against you.
Stories of People Who Returned to the Road
Prakash from Ahmedabad: Lower Limb Amputation, Full Independence
After losing his right leg in a workplace accident, Prakash thought his driving days were over. But with a below-knee prosthetic and automatic car fitted with hand controls, he was back behind the wheel in three months.
He applied for an RTO-modified license with help from our team and passed the test on the first attempt.
Today, he drives to work, picks up his kids, and volunteers on weekends.
Anjali from Kochi: Driving With a Myoelectric Arm
Anjali lost her arm in a childhood burn injury and had never driven before. After receiving the Grippy™ Bionic Hand, she trained using a car with a spinner knob and automatic gears.
It took a few weeks, but she passed her learner’s test and is now preparing for her driving license exam.
She told us, “When I hold the steering wheel, I feel like I’m holding my future.”
Captain Arvind from Pune: Veteran, Adventurer, Driver
After a shoulder injury during service, Arvind was fitted with a partial mechanical limb. He modified his SUV with a quick-release steering knob and reverse gear handle near the dash.
His RTO license was updated, and his insurance policy included the modification note.
He now takes solo road trips across Maharashtra and mentors other veterans on how to reclaim mobility.
How RoboBionics Supports Drivers With Prosthetics
We Build Devices That Work With Your Lifestyle
At RoboBionics, we know that driving is not just about transportation—it’s about freedom. That’s why every prosthetic we build is made to fit real life, not just the lab.
Whether it’s the Grippy™ Bionic Hand, the Grippy Mech Hand, or the Grippy Mech Finger, we make sure it can handle the wheel, the gear, or the keys.
Our prosthetic hands offer good grip, natural rotation, and strong control—everything you need for smooth, confident driving.
And if you’re not sure which one suits your driving needs best, we help you test, feel, and decide during your consultation.
We Help You Navigate the Paperwork
We know the RTO process can feel overwhelming. That’s why our team assists with the paperwork you need—like:
- Prosthetic usage letters for RTO
- Fitment reports for insurance
- Support letters for driving schools or trainers
- Advice on choosing a car modification vendor in your city
We also connect you with driving instructors who have experience with limb-different learners. They know how to guide you without judgment and with plenty of patience.
We Offer Follow-Ups and Upgrades
As your driving improves or your needs change, your prosthetic may need small adjustments.
Maybe your stump shrinks. Maybe your steering style evolves. We offer free check-ins and low-cost upgrades so your device always matches your journey.
You can also reach out for advice on driving comfort, fatigue, or grip strength. We’re here even after the fitting is done.
At RoboBionics, we don’t just give you a hand. We walk the road with you.
What to Look For in a Driving-Friendly Prosthetic
A Secure, Reliable Fit
The prosthetic should not slip or shift while driving. A well-aligned socket and proper suspension system make all the difference, especially for one-handed steering or gear shifting.
Our Grippy™ hands are designed to feel like an extension of your own limb—stable, responsive, and safe.
Good Control Over Fingers or Grip
For upper limb users, the ability to grip a steering knob, handbrake, or gear lever is essential.
Our bionic hand lets you open and close your grip using muscle signals, giving you natural control without buttons.
For mechanical users, the grip locks are easy to set and release, making sure your movements are quick but precise.
Comfort Over Long Drives
Driving means keeping your prosthetic on for hours. That’s why we focus on lightweight materials, soft liners, and breathable socket designs.
If your device causes swelling or skin irritation during long drives, it’s not doing its job. We design for comfort—so your mind stays on the road, not on your arm.
Final Thoughts: Drive Toward Freedom
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably thinking about driving again—or helping someone close to you do the same.
Maybe you’ve been afraid to ask. Maybe you thought it wasn’t allowed. Maybe you were told it’s too hard.
But here’s the truth: you can drive again. Legally. Safely. Proudly.
Yes, it takes a few steps. Yes, there’s paperwork. But once you’re back in that driver’s seat, windows down, music on—you’ll know it was all worth it.
At RoboBionics, we believe mobility is a right. Not just the ability to move, but the power to choose where to go, how to get there, and who to take along.
Let’s bring back that freedom. One journey at a time.
Book your free consultation today:
https://www.robobionics.in/bookdemo
Your road is waiting. Let’s get you back on it.