In many ways, Charlotte Bootsma is your typical 17-year-old. She loves music, crafting, hanging out with friends, and her younger brothers Noah, 14, and Elijah, 12. And like most young adults, Charlotte’s keen to get her driver’s licence.
Driving with dwarfism
“I want an extra level of independence so that I can drive myself places because sometimes Mum and Dad aren’t free,” says Wellington-based Charlotte. “Seeing my friends get their licences also makes me want one too.”
But Charlotte has had to jump through more than the usual hoops to get behind the wheel. She was born with achondroplasia dwarfism a genetic condition that affects bone growth, resulting in short arms and legs.
It means Charlotte, who’s 118cm tall, has to drive with cushions and extension pedals. Which need to be fitted to the brake and accelerator of the family’s two cars.
When Charlotte heard about Sky Open’s new reality show Licence To Drive, which features adults with disabilities learning to drive. She thought it could help her achieve her dream of getting a licence.
“I’d been having lessons with Mum and Dad, but they’re busy, so it was a bit stop and start,” she tells.
A life-changing instructor
“I didn’t really feel like I was making any progress and if it wasn’t for the show, I’d still probably still be stuck on my learner’s.”
Late last year, Charlotte signed up for Licence To Drive, which introduced her to Liz McLellan, a Kāpiti driving instructor who, she says, “changed my life”.
“Liz was amazing,” enthuses Charlotte.
“She showed me that although I have a disability, it didn’t need to stand in the way of achieving my goals.”
Over four of the show’s six episodes, Liz takes Charlotte through her paces. From conquering tricky roundabouts to driving on motorways. Unusually, Liz did it not in her regular customised vehicle with dual controls, but in one of the Bootsmas’ family cars. Which was already fitted with professionally certified extension pedals.
“I had 10 lessons with Liz, which were pretty challenging as I didn’t realise how much there was to learn in such a short time,” admits Charlotte.
First try and flying
While there were a few close calls, Charlotte says both humans and vehicles survived unscathed.
“I did worry about my wing mirrors a few times, but luckily they were fine,” she laughs.
“And once when Liz got me to drive to Wellington Airport, I got horribly lost and both of us said a few bad words! But other than that, I did OK.”
More than OK, as it turns out – Charlotte nailed her restricted licence on her first attempt. It’s just one of many challenges she’s had to overcome since being born with achondroplasia dwarfism, a condition that also affects her brother Noah, as well as parents Dave, a public servant, and Katrina, a neonatal nurse at Wellington Hospital.
Eyes on the next goal
“I always get stared at, especially when we’re out as a family,” she shares.
“People point at us, take photos or even call us names! It’s hard sometimes, but I try to be polite and be the bigger person.”
Now that Charlotte has ticked off one goal, she’s keen to explore her next one – becoming a tradie.
“I’ve loved woodwork since school and I’d really like to be a builder,” she says.
One detour, same destination
“But because of my height, it’s probably more realistic to become a joiner and cabinet-maker. I’d love to be able to find an apprenticeship and having my licence means it will be easier to get to work or training.”
The plucky teen also isn’t letting a recent setback put her off.
“I had to have surgery to straighten my right leg, which was bowed. They basically broke my leg, straightened it and fitted it with a frame, so I’m pretty much bedridden and can’t drive for another few months. But I’m determined to get back on the road.”
Charlotte’s father, Canadian-born Dave, has nothing but admiration for his daughter.
“As a parent, seeing your child work hard and reap the rewards is amazing – especially when your child has a disability,” he says.
No limits, just determination
“I’m proud of how Charlotte didn’t give up and can now enjoy the greater independence of being able to drive herself around.”
For fearless Charlotte, proving the naysayers wrong makes her smile.
“People said to me, ‘You have a disability – you can’t drive!’ Well, I’m here to say, ‘That’s not the case.’ If you put your mind to something and put in the work, it will pay off. “No one is a perfect driver straightaway – it takes practice and making mistakes is part of that process. But if you learn from your mistakes and keep at it, you’ll get there.”
Licence To Drive premieres 7.30pm Wednesday on Sky Open and streams on Neon.
