A method and apparatus are provided for transferring a physically disabled person through a vehicle's driver side door opening to and from a driving position behind the steering wheel of the vehicle. The method and apparatus contemplate the use of a seat assembly, including a seat having a back support, a seat frame, and lift means for lifting and lowering the seat relative to the seat frame. A hinge assembly is mounted inside the vehicle for pivoting the seat assembly about a vertical axis and supports the weight of the seat assembly. The lift means is slidable relative to the hinge assembly. Powered means are mounted to a floor within the vehicle for rotating the seat assembly via the hinge assembly between an outwardly facing position, wherein the lift seat may be lifted or lowered by the lift means outside the vehicle, and an intermediate forwardly facing position inside the vehicle. The powered means also provide for lateral movement of the seat assembly between the intermediate forwardly facing position and a driving position behind the vehicle's steering wheel.