Jenny
Many individuals who receive higher or enhanced rates of disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) may be unaware that they qualify for free driving lessons through the Motability Scheme.
Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme
The Motability Scheme offers a valuable initiative called the Driving Lessons Grant Programme. This program provides grants to help disabled individuals with the cost of learning to drive.
If you have a provisional driving license and wish to obtain a full driving license, or if you already have a license but require familiarisation lessons (for example, to adjust to a newly adapted vehicle), you may be eligible for assistance.
What the Programme Offers
- For Provisional License Holders: The program can provide up to 40 hours of driving lessons to help you prepare for and pass your driving test. It’s important to note that while the Motability grant covers driving lessons, you will still be responsible for paying for both the theory and practical driving tests.
- For Current License Holders: If you already hold a driving license but need additional lessons to adjust to a new vehicle or driving conditions, this program can offer the necessary support.
It is estimated that most learners need between 40-50 hours of lessons to be test-ready, which means that the Motability Scheme’s driving lessons could cover your entire learning journey.
Eligibility Criteria for the Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme
To qualify for free driving lessons, you must meet certain criteria. You need to either be:
- A Current Motability Scheme Leaseholder: This includes those who have a current lease agreement with the Motability Scheme or individuals who have a pending application for a vehicle with a confirmed delivery date within the next four months.
- Benefit Eligibility: You must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP.
- Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of the Adult Disability Payment.
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance.
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment.
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.
- Armed Forces Independence Payment.
Additionally, individuals who receive a Government-assessed means-tested benefit are also eligible. These benefits include:
- Universal Credit.
- Income Support.
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related).
- Job Seekers Allowance (income-based).
- Housing Benefit.
- Council Tax Benefit.
- Pension Guarantee Credit.
- Working Tax Credit.
- Child Tax Credit.
The Motability Scheme’s Driving Lessons Grant Programme is an excellent opportunity for disabled individuals to access up to 40 hours of free driving lessons.
Whether you’re new to driving or need to adjust to an adapted vehicle, the scheme can cover a significant portion of your learning costs, providing valuable support as you take steps toward gaining independence through driving.
FAQs
How many hours of free driving lessons am I eligible for?
You are eligible for up to 40 hours of driving lessons if you hold a provisional driving license and are learning to drive for the first time.
Do I need to pay for my driving tests?
Yes, while the driving lessons are covered, you will still need to pay for both the theory and practical driving tests.
What benefits do I need to qualify for the Motability Scheme grant?
To qualify, you must be in receipt of an enhanced mobility component of a disability benefit or a means-tested benefit like Universal Credit or Income Support.