FORMER Pirates charger Darcy Ward – whose career was ended by a racing crash in Poland – recently started driving his own car.

The two-time world under-21 champion suffered serious spinal damage when he crashed during a meeting at Zielona Gora in August 2015.

Queenslander Ward has since relocated to the Gold Coast and twice a week attends a spinal cord injury recovery centre – Making Strides – in Burleigh Heads.

And having got on the road in his own car recently, the 24-year-old is now confident enough to drive by himself.

Ward told the Daily Echo: "I got my hand controls put in my car just before Christmas but they needed some adjustment.

"After that I didn't really need to drive for a while and I slacked off a bit but there came a point where I had to get myself in gear.

"The more I drove, the easier it got and I can drive by myself now."

Ward and partner Lizzie Turner hope to complete a gym at their home to aid the rehabilitation of the Wimborne Road favourite.

The former Grand Prix star added: "We're in the process of making a gym so that on the days I'm not at Making Strides, I can do something at home.

"I'm getting stronger and am just enjoying myself. I'm pretty happy here on the Gold Coast with Liz."