BORDER driving instructor Carolyn Wright has suffered a setback in her efforts to return to work after losing her right arm.
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The Albury motoring teacher has been forced by Roads and Maritime to reapply for her full driving licence to instruct students.
The move follows Mrs Wright having her arm amputated after being involved in a car crash on the Olympic Highway near Gerogery on September 3.
"I didn't realise that I would have to go through the whole process again – I felt just devastated," Mrs Wright said.
"It's a bit of a setback because I want to get back to work and doing what I love doing and teaching young kids."
Mrs Wright's husband Ken, who has assisted his wife maintain her business, From Ls to Ps, said she had not realised she would need to reseek her licence for instructing.
"She had no idea and I had no idea, because she wasn't going to drive," Mr Wright said.
"The RMS, their main concern was that her licence was going to be downgraded and hence she wouldn't be able to instruct until that could be rectified.
"She's got quite heavy bookings in December and we're hoping to have it corrected by the end of the month."
Mr Wright said his wife now had a learner's permit and would have to undergo an occupational therapy assessment before taking a test to regain her driver's licence.
He said the RMS had been warm-hearted in their approach to the matter and Mrs Wright.
"They said 'we need you, the community needs you and we'll get you back to base one'," Mr Wright said.
Mrs Wright said she was continuing to receive strong backing from clients.
"They've been pretty fantastic and my former students and people that know me have been supportive," Mrs Wright said.
Efforts are underway to allow Mrs Wright to drive again through the attachment of a special keypad control which would be attached to a car's steering wheel.
Mr Wright said a $5000 knob was on order from British company Lodgesons, which specialises in making wireless keypad controls for disabled drivers.
Mrs Wright hopes to eventually be able to use a prosthetic limb on her right side which would allow to her drive manual vehicles.
She is continuing to do rehabilitation exercises and build up the muscles in her left arm.
Mrs Wright spent 16 days in Melbourne recovering before transferring to a Border private hospital.
She came home in mid-October, two weeks ahead of expectations.
