People receiving the higher or enhanced rates of disability benefits - including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - may be unaware they could qualify for free driving lessons through a grant provided by the Motability Scheme.
The 'Driving Lessons Grant' offers up to 40 hours of funded tutoring with a local instructor, organised via the AA Driving School. It can also provide familiarisation sessions if you've been awarded a grant for driving adaptations.
But, eligibility for the grant is restricted to those with a Motability Scheme vehicle or one due to arrive within the next four months. This person must hold a provisional UK driving licence, have successfully completed their theory test and be in receipt of at least one qualifying means-tested benefit (such as Universal Credit, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance (income-related) and Job Seekers Allowance (income-based).
Given that the typical learner driver requires between 40-50 hours of teaching before becoming 'test-ready', these free lessons available through the Motability Scheme could potentially cover a person's entire learning experience, reports the Daily Record.
Information on the Motability Scheme website states: "The Driving Lessons Grant can be used if you're learning to drive for the first time. If you are already a full licence holder, but we have grant-funded a change in driving adaptations to your Scheme vehicle, we may be able to fund familiarisation lessons. These help you to get used to a new way of driving."
Whilst the Driving Lessons Grant offers vital support for disabled people with a vehicle lease - or those about to receive one - there are certain expenses the grant won't cover. These include:
Complete information on the eligibility criteria and application process for the Driving Lessons Grant is available on the Motability Scheme website. Applications take place over the phone, and people should have the relevant documents on hand.
To qualify for the Motability Scheme (or Scotland's Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme), you must be receiving one of the following mobility allowances with a minimum of 12 months remaining on your award. If you receive a mobility allowance due to a disability or condition affecting your mobility, you may be able to use all or some of it to lease a vehicle via the Motability Scheme
The Motability website adds: "You cannot apply to join the Scheme if you receive a lower rate or component of the mobility allowance or if you receive Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)."
A full guide explaining how the scheme operates is available on the Motability website. Customers receive a comprehensive package including insurance, breakdown cover, servicing, maintenance, tyres and windscreen repairs.
When selecting a car or wheelchair-accessible vehicle, be mindful that whilst some models only require part or all of the mobility award payment, most demand an advance payment ranging from £100 to £2,000. Some vehicles are available without requiring any upfront fee.
Full information about the Motability Scheme is available on the website here. What follows is a brief overview of the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme and how to exchange all or part of your mobility payment to lease a vehicle.
To apply for a vehicle lease through the scheme, visit the Motability website here, where you can choose a vehicle or find a dealership. When you go to a dealership, you'll need to bring your certificate of entitlement.
Contact a Motability Scheme dealer to arrange a test drive of your car. They'll check your choice is right for you and can talk to you about adaptations.