CDE Adaptive Equipment & Vehicle Modifications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An accelerator ring is an adaptive device that allows the driver to accelerate by:
- Pressing a button mounted on the steering wheel
- Pulling a ring mounted around the steering column toward themselves (Correct answer)
- Pushing a floor-mounted lever with the knee
- Rotating a thumb-operated dial on the dashboard
Correct answer: Pulling a ring mounted around the steering column toward themselves
An accelerator ring fits around the steering column and is pulled rearward by the driver to activate the accelerator, typically paired with hand controls for braking.
Question 2: Extended turn signal levers are primarily used by drivers who:
- Have difficulty reaching standard turn signal controls due to limited arm reach or mobility (Correct answer)
- Prefer automatic turn signal self-cancellation features
- Have visual impairments requiring audio signal cues
- Drive vehicles with non-standard or aftermarket steering columns
Correct answer: Have difficulty reaching standard turn signal controls due to limited arm reach or mobility
Extended turn signal levers bring the control closer to the driver or increase its size, compensating for limited arm reach or reduced upper extremity mobility.
Question 3: In a standard push-pull hand control configuration, which motion applies the brakes?
- Pulling the lever back toward the driver
- Pushing the lever forward away from the driver (Correct answer)
- Pressing the lever downward toward the floor
- Rotating the lever clockwise
Correct answer: Pushing the lever forward away from the driver
In a standard push-pull configuration, pushing the lever forward applies the brakes, while pulling the lever back activates the accelerator.
Question 4: A driver with right-sided hemiplegia most likely requires which combination of adaptive equipment?
- Left foot accelerator only
- Spinner knob and left foot accelerator (Correct answer)
- Reduced effort steering and automatic transmission
- Tri-pin controls and reduced effort braking
Correct answer: Spinner knob and left foot accelerator
Right-sided hemiplegia affects right arm and leg function, so a spinner knob enables left-handed one-arm steering while a left foot accelerator substitutes for the impaired right foot.
Question 5: Adaptive equipment vehicle modifications must be installed by:
- Any licensed mechanic at a state-approved facility
- Certified mobility equipment dealers meeting recognized industry standards such as NMEDA (Correct answer)
- The original vehicle manufacturer's dealership only
- Licensed occupational therapists holding valid driver rehabilitation credentials
Correct answer: Certified mobility equipment dealers meeting recognized industry standards such as NMEDA
Adaptive equipment must be installed by certified mobility equipment dealers who meet established industry safety and quality standards to ensure proper function and occupant safety.
Question 6: What is the primary functional difference between mechanical and electronic hand controls?
- Electronic controls are always significantly more expensive than mechanical controls
- Electronic controls use electrical signals to operate vehicle systems rather than direct mechanical linkage (Correct answer)
- Mechanical controls can only be fitted to vehicles manufactured before 2000
- Electronic controls require a commercial driver's license endorsement to operate legally
Correct answer: Electronic controls use electrical signals to operate vehicle systems rather than direct mechanical linkage
Electronic hand controls transmit driver input as electrical signals to vehicle braking and acceleration systems, whereas mechanical controls use direct physical linkage, allowing electronic versions to require less operating force.
Question 7: The primary function of a backing plate (mounting plate) on adaptive hand controls is to:
- Provide a visual reference marking for correct hand placement
- Distribute the operating forces across a wider area of the vehicle floor to prevent structural damage (Correct answer)
- Allow quick release and reinstallation of hand controls between drivers
- Connect the hand control unit to the vehicle's onboard electronic systems
Correct answer: Distribute the operating forces across a wider area of the vehicle floor to prevent structural damage
A backing plate spreads the considerable forces generated during hand control operation across a larger floor area, protecting vehicle structural integrity.
CDE Adaptive Equipment & Vehicle Modifications 2
An accelerator ring is an adaptive device that allows the driver to accelerate by: