How tall do you have to be to drive? Automotive companies make cars with average-sized people in mind. Typically, most vehicles accommodate drivers whose heights start from 4’9″ to 6’3″.
But does that mean short or tall people, especially those below or above the average height, can’t drive? And more importantly, is there a legal height to drive in the USA?
The fact is that short and tall people will face several challenges when driving. Thankfully, you can address these challenges in various ways to enjoy safe and comfortable rides.
Question: How Tall Do You Have to Be to Drive?
The good news is that there’s no legal height to drive. No law enforcement or government in the US prohibits people from driving based on how tall or short they are. However, you must meet certain requirements, like age, health, a clean driving record, and a valid driver’s license.
Before obtaining a valid driver’s license, you must prove your ability to operate a car safely. You must reach a vehicle’s controls, including the accelerator pedal, foot brake, and steering wheel. You should also demonstrate that you can properly view the road and use the rearview mirrors.
Unfortunately, you might struggle to meet the above requirements if you’re too tall or short. It’s not uncommon for short people to face the following difficulties when driving:
- Reduced visibility
- Entering and exiting a car is challenging and dangerous
- Difficulties finding a safe and comfortable seating position
- Ineffective sun visor
- Discomfort using the seat belt and shoulder strap
- Airbag and headrest safety considerations
These issues don’t mean you can’t get behind the wheel and drive. A few modifications and enough practice can help you drive safely and comfortably.
Answer: Modifications For Short Drivers
If your height makes you struggle to drive, there are effective accessories you can use to modify your car. They include the following:
Seat Cushion
Adjusting the driver’s seat height can help you view the road ahead properly. Some cars have fully height-adjustable seats to make your work easier. A seat cushion can do the trick if your vehicle doesn’t have this feature.
A seat cushion gives you several inches of height to your seat. Thanks to the few more inches, the cushion will help you see the road and rearview mirrors clearly. It can be an added advantage if your car has height-adjustable seats.
When purchasing a seat cushion, look for one that’s soft, comfortable, and improves road visibility. The cushion should be washable and last longer.
Alternatively, buy a booster seat to get the extra inches of height. A booster seat fits your car’s seat nicely. It’s also more comfortable than a cushion because it protects you from back pains. With this accessory, you can get 3″ of extra height.
Pedal Extenders
Short drivers face the challenge of reaching the accelerator and brake pedal while viewing the road. Failure to reach the brake or accelerator at the required time can be uncomfortable and extremely dangerous. Fortunately, you can use extenders to solve this issue.
As their name implies, pedal extenders attach to the accelerator and brake pedals to extend them. This modification allows shorter drivers to easily reach the brakes and gas pedal and view the road.
The pedal extenders you choose should be comfortable and allow better car control. To get better results, look for universal extenders. They should also be adjustable to allow better customization based on your height.
Steering Wheel Extender
Another challenge short drivers grapple with is reaching the steering wheel. Pushing the seat in the front doesn’t help much, as the steering wheel might end up being too close to your body. Still, the steering wheel might block your visibility.
Most modern cars have adjustable steering wheels. However, a steering wheel extender can be useful if your vehicle doesn’t have this feature.
You can use it to extend your steering wheel’s length without pushing the seat ahead. The goal is to maintain a 10-inch gap between the steering and your body. In case of a collision, your distance from the steering wheel won’t prevent the airbag from deploying.
Seat Belt Adjuster
The seat belt should protect you from serious injuries in an accident. So, you need one that fits snugly across the pelvis and shoulders.
Unfortunately, the shoulder strap height doesn’t suit shorter people. The shoulder strap might cut across your neck or face if you’re short. Failure to cross nicely over your shoulder is dangerous, especially during emergency braking or an accident.
To address this issue, install a seat belt adjuster. You’ll need to add the adjuster to your existing seat belt to help move the shoulder strap away from your face or neck. It’ll ensure the belt cuts across your shoulders, improving safety and comfort.
Alternatively, use a shoulder strap pad if you don’t want to install a seat belt adjuster. This pad prevents the shoulder strap from cutting across your neck.
Head and Neck Support
Another challenge short drivers experience is the uncomfortable headrest. Despite being adjustable, the headrest doesn’t suit shorter drivers. Your head might not reach your car’s headrest, making you uncomfortable.
A remedy to this issue is installing a head and neck support. Your head and neck support should sit lower on the seat, ensuring your head is comfortably resting.
Sun Visor Extender
The sun poses a challenge to short drivers, especially when it gets lower in the sky. Average-sized drivers can use the standard visors to block the glaring sun. However, the visor might not be practical for a shorter driver.
Fortunately, a sun visor extender will help resolve this problem. You only need to attach it to the existing visor. A sun visor extender has right, left, and bottom panels to help you adjust it to your suitable position. It blocks direct sunlight to ensure better visibility and safe driving.
Answer: Tips for Tall Drivers
If you’re above the average height, there are various tips you can use to enjoy comfortable and safe driving.
- Adjust the driver’s seat and steering wheel by moving them down to your preferred height.
- Slide the seat back to create more legroom.
- Buy a vehicle with enough headroom.
- Drive barefoot or wear racing shoes.
- Hold the top of your steering wheel.
- Keep the sun visors up.
- Raise the rearview mirror and angle it down.
Final Thoughts
How tall do you have to be to drive? The answer is that there’s no minimum or maximum height requirement to drive in the USA. Whether short or tall, you can get behind the wheel and drive. However, you must demonstrate that you can control the car and drive safely.
If driving is challenging, there are several modifications short and tall drivers can use on their cars. Installing the right accessories and adopting safe driving habits can help you drive comfortably, regardless of height.