Inspirational Aaron's drive test triumph

03 September 2009

UNABLE to hear or speak, and affected by Asperger's Syndrome, Aaron Harding's proud smile talks volumes.

He has just beaten all the odds to achieve every teenage boy's ambition - the freedom to drive a car unaccompanied.

It has taken 3½ years of weekly lessons behind the wheel, but Aaron's dogged determination finally won the day when he was rewarded with a near-flawless first-time driving test triumph. And he has a windowsill full of congratulations cards to prove it.

When the Times caught up with him at the weekend, Aaron was wearing the biggest smile in Dereham. His own delight at deservedly ditching his L plates was matched by Jolanda and Mark Kerrison's joy in their son's achievement.

“We are just so proud. It really is a life-changing moment for him,” said thrilled mum Jolanda.

Now inspirational Aaron has one final hurdle to clear before he finally gets the freedom of the road - finding an insurance company willing to offer him an affordable premium.

“We have phoned round for some quotes - but so far every company we have spoken to has wanted an astronomical amount,” said Mark.

Yet no insurance company should have the slightest misgiving about Aaron's competence to drive safely, despite his handicaps, says driving instructor Graham Briggs, who describes Aaron's accomplishment as “a massive achievement.”

“I am delighted for him. It's been quite a journey, but at the end of it all, Aaron is a safe, attentive, aware driver,” said Mr Briggs. “In fact people who are deaf are more observant. Their other senses are heightened as a result of their disability.”

For the past seven years Aaron has travelled to a specialist college in Derby where students with learning disabilities are inspired to reach for their dreams. Each weekend Aaron has put that encouragement into practice by having driving lessons with Mr Briggs.

Next month Aaron, who also spent countless hours in front of a computer before passing his theory test at the second attempt, will begin a multi-disciplinary course at City College, Norwich. He and his family hope that experience will help him with his next challenge, finding a career.

Having finished at Derby in July and leaving his friends behind, Aaron misses having a social life - and is eagerly looking forward to the day when he can drive himself to Norwich to get involved in clubs for the deaf.

“He desperately needs to mix with people he can communicate with - and Norwich is the hub for that kind of thing in Norfolk,” said Mrs Kerrison.

Aaron, who will be 20 in November, took advantage of a dispensation granted to some disabled people, which allows them to hold a provisional driving licence at 16.

“We were lucky because through a relative we knew about Gary who has hearing problems himself and could therefore communicate with Aaron in sign language. He has been so good, so patient - and has been a real role model for Aaron,” said Mrs Kerrison.

Mr Briggs started the British Sign Language driving school in 2007 and since then it has gone from strength to strength, with eight deaf people having passed their tests with him and three more currently on the books.

Instructions are given in sign language above the dashboard so that the students can see them in their peripheral vision and do not have to take their eyes off the road.

Aaron took a standard test - although given more time because all instructions had to be relayed through a signing interpreter. Nevertheless Aaron passed with flying colours, recording just two minor errors (candidates are allowed up to 15 minors without failing).

Despite passing with flying

colours, Aaron does not plan to rest

on his laurels, but hopes to undertake a Pass Plus course to get experience

of motorway and night time

driving.