A Comprehensive Guide to Pedal Extensions in Australia

Car pedal extensions bring the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals closer to the driver — making it possible to drive safely and comfortably when standard pedal positions are out of reach. They are commonly used by drivers of short stature, people with lower limb conditions, and anyone recovering from an injury that affects leg reach or strength.

This guide covers the main types of pedal extensions available in Australia, who needs them, whether they are legal, and how to get them professionally installed.

What Are Car Pedal Extensions?

Pedal extensions are devices fitted to the existing accelerator and brake pedals (and clutch on manual vehicles) to bring them physically closer to the driver. This allows drivers who cannot comfortably reach the standard pedal positions to maintain a safe seating posture — with back properly supported, arms slightly bent, and knees not fully extended.

Driving without adequate pedal reach is a safety risk. Stretching forward to reach pedals reduces back support, increases reaction time, and compromises control. Pedal extensions resolve this without major vehicle modification.

Types of Pedal Extensions Available in Australia

Mini stamp pedal extension

The mini stamp provides a modest extension suitable for drivers who need a small amount of additional reach — typically 5–10cm. It attaches directly to the existing pedal surface and is removable when not needed, allowing other drivers to use the vehicle normally.

Stamp pedal extension with foot rest

The stamp pedal extension with foot rest provides a more significant extension — typically 19–30cm — and includes a raised platform that supports the foot and simulates the vehicle’s floor pan. Height, distance and spacing between pedals are all adjustable. Also removable when not in use. Suitable for both automatic and manual vehicles.

For extensions of this length, additional modifications are often recommended — including seat cushions to fill gaps, sash guides for the seatbelt, and airbag position checks for drivers sitting close to the steering wheel.

Left foot accelerator

A left foot accelerator allows drivers with limited right leg function to operate the accelerator with their left foot. This is a common adaptation for drivers with right lower limb disability or amputation.

Hand controls for cars

For drivers who cannot use foot pedals at all, hand controls for cars allow braking and acceleration using hand-operated levers. Push-pull hand control systems are the most common type — pushing for braking, pulling for acceleration. Available for both automatic and modified manual vehicles. NDIS funding may apply.

Pedal Extensions for Driving Instructors

Driving instructors in Australia need a different solution — not extensions to bring pedals closer, but dual control pedals that allow the instructor to brake or accelerate from the passenger seat when needed.

In NSW, all driving school vehicles are required to have dual brake controls as a minimum safety measure. Gilani Engineering installs dual control systems for driving instructors across Sydney and NSW, including:

• DenverX-BA dual control brake and accelerator kit — cable-operated, removable, for automatic vehicles
• Three pedal dual control system — brake, accelerator and clutch for manual transmission vehicles
• Brake-only dual control — most common type, suitable for automatic and manual vehicles

All dual control installations by Gilani Engineering include RMS certification. See our full dual controls and vehicle accessories range.

Why Pedal Extensions Are Important

• Safety — correct seating position improves reaction time, reduces fatigue and maintains control in emergencies
• Accessibility — enables independent driving for people who cannot reach standard pedal positions
• Comfort — eliminates the strain of driving with a stretched or awkward posture over long distances
• Independence — for many people with disability or short stature, pedal extensions make the difference between being able to drive and not

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pedal extenders legal in Australia?

Yes. Pedal extensions are permitted under VSB14 — the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification. They must be correctly installed by a qualified professional and may require engineering certification depending on the vehicle and modification type. Gilani Engineering provides RMS-compliant installations.

Who needs car pedal extensions?

Pedal extensions are commonly used by drivers of short stature, people with lower limb mobility conditions, older drivers who have lost flexibility, and anyone recovering from an injury affecting leg reach. They allow the driver to maintain a safe seating posture without stretching forward to reach the pedals.

Are car pedal extenders safe?

Yes, when professionally installed. Quality pedal extensions are engineered to maintain the operational integrity of the vehicle’s original controls. They should always be fitted by a qualified modifier — DIY installation can interfere with pedal travel, safety systems or airbag deployment.

Can pedal extensions be removed?

Most pedal extension systems are designed to be removable, allowing other drivers to use the vehicle’s factory pedals when the extensions are not needed. The stamp and mini stamp systems from Gilani Engineering are both removable once the base plate is installed.

What is the difference between pedal extensions and dual controls?

Pedal extensions bring the existing driver-side pedals closer to the driver. Dual controls add a second set of pedals on the passenger side — used by driving instructors to intervene during lessons. Both are installed by Gilani Engineering. If you are a driving instructor, you need dual controls, not pedal extensions.

Can NDIS fund pedal extensions or hand controls?

Yes. Adaptive driving modifications including pedal extensions, hand controls and left foot accelerators may be funded under NDIS where they are considered reasonable and necessary for independent driving. An OT assessment is typically required. Contact Gilani Engineering for an NDIS quote.

How long does installation take?

Most pedal extension installations are completed within a few hours at Gilani Engineering’s Wetherill Park workshop. More complex adaptive driving systems may take longer. Call (02) 8740 8963 to book an assessment and installation appointment.

Related Driving Solutions

• Dual controls for driving instructors
• Hand controls for cars — Australia
• Wheelchair accessible vehicle conversions
• Boot hoists for wheelchair transport