Carolea Starke is a eight year veteran of the driving industry. In 2006, under the umbrella of AAA of Washington Carolea developed and coordinated the first driver training program in Washington for physically disabled students. Currently TDS is the only such private service offered to special needs individuals in the state of Washington. Carolea’s passion is to provide all capable individuals the opportunity to receive a driver’s license.

Carolea Starke
509-714-8064
Carolea@transitionsdrivingservices.com

Specialized Driving Lessons with Hand Controls

All lessons start and ends at an agreed upon(usually the clients home or work) location.Clients must be able to transfer from wheelchair to the driving car.  The car used is a Mazda 5 which is only 9″ off the ground making transferring very easy.

Teaching methods are tailored to the clients individual needs and pace to achieve confidence in their driving abilities with adaptive equipment.  Each lesson has necessary skills taught in logical steps with continued assessments of progress.  Consistent feedback and progress reports are given at the end of each lesson.

Driving Anxiety, PTSD, and other Physiological Disorders
(aspergers, autism, social disorders)

An intake interview will be given to each potential client.  After acceptance a plan will be formed and tailored to meet the individuals special needs.  Transitions Driving Services helps individuals to prepare for their Washington state driving test or help overcome any obstacles they have in their current driving situations.  TDS does not issue a driving licence; only DOL can issue a licence.  Utilizing proven techniques and teaching methods TDS will instruct the individual in a car equipped with a seconday break.  Starting the lesson with the client at ease and working at a pace confortable for the client sets them up for a successful training experience.  Consistent feedback and progress reports are given at the end of every lesson to  help the client gauge the progress of their learning.  A final assement is given for those who are preparing for their license.

TDS also services clients that speak English as a second language and administers evaluations for mature drivers.