Hiring an automatic car - clutch leg in cast?

kickuptheasstime

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I'm trying to get to a conference which I booked ages ago, before I broke my ankle. I clearly can't drive my own manual vehicles, but wondered whether hire companies would let me drive an automatic?
I've got an appointment 4 days before the event, so the cast may be coming off, but the leg won't be fully functional as I'm not currently weight-bearing on it.
I'd be grateful for any advice!! TIA

[Deleted User]

Should be able to hire an automatic. People with false legs drive automatics.

tberry6686

Can't see any reason a hire company would refuse. My insurance company allowed me to drive my auto with my left peg in a cast (was a sod getting in and out though)

IamNotAllowedToUseMyName

It was back in about 1990, but I broke my left leg (green stick fracture of the fibula - the little calf bone) and was in plaster up to the knee and my company arranged me a hire car for a few weeks.

I would add that I do not recommend Mini Metro 1.0l autos! Also the leg did not give me any discomfort.

Before that I broke my elbow in about 1980 and had it set at a 60 degree angle so it was quite usable even though it was in a cast from armpit to wrist. I drove then - I'm guessing it would be a problem these days but I had full control.

I did not drive when I broke my right hip with a 1 month old brand new Mercedes in 1999

Broke my left ankle in about 1996, had no treatment, was immediately discharged and drove to the airport to hobble round Disneyworld for a fortnight.

Broke left shoulder last year, didn't drive for about 3 weeks until I could safely and painlessly select drive and hold the steering wheel. They don't bother with plaster casts much these days it seems, I just had a sling which was removed after a couple of weeks. Took a few more weeks before I was driving a manual.

Gorie

Which leg did you break? Left the no worries, right then wait until you first break with your left leg (buckle up)!

IanM... Holy Cow - are you a stunt driver? I'd definitely get rid of that Mini-Metro 1.0... Unluckiest car ever?

IamNotAllowedToUseMyName

Gorie wrote: »

IanM... Holy Cow - are you a stunt driver? I'd definitely get rid of that Mini-Metro 1.0... Unluckiest car ever?

Skiing, cycling and beer - and the simple failure to navigate a pavement stone cold sober.

Rambosmum

Deleted_User wrote: »

Should be able to hire an automatic. People with false legs drive automatics.

People with false legs drive manuals and motorbikes too.

Rambosmum

Have the hospital/ doctor mentioned driving? If they haven't you'll be fine. My ex broke his wrist and was explicitly told not to drive by the hospital (and they gave him a leaflet with other do's and don'ts). After a week or 2 he did drive, got hit by another drive- minimal damage, but his insurance company refused the claim (despite the accident not being his fault) and cancelled his insurance as he was not medically fit to drive- they rang the hospital who said they never advise anyone with a cast that it is safe to drive. It was a pain to get insurance again for a long time.

[Deleted User]

Rambosmum wrote: »

People with false legs drive manuals and motorbikes too.

I never said they didn't.

I take it this was some sort of politically correct, disability correct reply to try and shame me?

Tobster86

Rambosmum wrote: »

After a week or 2 he did drive, got hit by another drive- minimal damage, but his insurance company refused the claim (despite the accident not being his fault) and cancelled his insurance as he was not medically fit to drive- they rang the hospital who said they never advise anyone with a cast that it is safe to drive. It was a pain to get insurance again for a long time.

Didn't think of that when I drove myself to A & E against the advice of NHS 111 last year, having attempted to amputate my left hand with a Jamonero.

Vehicle is an automatic thankfully. Most of the thromboses have since been cleaned from around the transmission selector lever.

kickuptheasstime

Thanks everyone for your replies
I'm going to ask the consultant when I see him next Tuesday, whether he is happy for me to drive an automatic & I can book something if he says yes.

Thanks again, much appreciated!