Thanks to advances in technology more disabled people than ever before can now get behind the wheel and drive their own car. But before being allowed to drive, whether you drive a vehicle with specialist adaptations or not, you’ll have to pass the same driving tests as everyone else. Find out more about learning to drive from the age of 16 (a year before everyone else), how to apply for up to 40 hours of free driving lessons through the Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme and how people with a disability can lease a brand new car through the Motability Scheme.
It all starts by applying for a provisional driving licence, which – if you currently receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - you can apply for at 16, a full 12 months before everyone else.
Apply For A Provisional Driving Licence
After applying, the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) will send you a confirmation email and your provisional licence will usually arrive a few weeks later.
When you submit your application, you’ll be asked if you have any conditions that may affect your ability to drive. It’s important to be honest here, but if you're not sure what to include there's a full list here on the Gov.uk website. Bear in mind that if you suffer from something like epilepsy (unless you’ve been free of seizures for 12 months), sudden fainting or poor eyesight (even when wearing glasses) it’s unlikely you’ll be able get a licence. We’d recommend getting advice from your doctor, optician or a specialist at your local Driving Mobility centre before you complete the application.
All new drivers should take driving lessons. If you have a disability or mobility issues that could affect your ability to drive, you may want to learn to drive with a professional driving instructor who specialises in teaching people with disabilities. A driving instructor who has experience of teaching disabled people to drive will be more aware of your needs and will be able to show you how to use specially-fitted driving adaptations (if you need them).
Disability Driving Instructors
If you are planning on or have already leased a new vehicle through the Motability Scheme you may be able to get a grant through the Driving Lessons Grant Programme to help towards the cost of the lessons.
If you qualify, you can apply for a grant through the Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme that could pay for up to 40 hours of driving lessons to help you pass your test.
You can also ask for help with the cost of familiarisation lessons. These are useful if you're returning to driving after spending a lengthy spell off the road, or perhaps to help you to get used to a new driving adaptation.
To qualify, you'll need to be in receipt of one of the qualifying Mobility Allowances (listed below), receive a government assessed means-tested benefit and currently either lease a Motability vehicle or have one on order (other conditions may apply).
All Motability grants are means tested so that the charity can help as many people as possible with the limited funds available.
Motability tend to use BSM and the AA Driving School, who have specialist instructors across the UK ready to help you learn to drive. If an automatic gearbox or special adaptations are required to help you learn, the driving school will try to find a specialist instructor with a suitable vehicle. If they don't have the right vehicle or anyone local to you, then you may be referred to an instructor who is a Disability Driving Instructors member or a tutor linked to a local Driving Mobility centre.
There's more information about the financial support available on the Motability website.
As soon as you’ve got a good understanding of the Highway Code and are starting to feel more comfortable behind the wheel, it’s time to take your theory tests. You’ll have to pass the theory test before you can book the practical test.
These tests are normally held at a local test centre, which will offer specialist facilities for people with disabilities. Candidates who have special requirements should mention this when booking the test, as the DVLA may be able to help. For example, you may be allowed extra time to complete the test or, if you have difficulty hearing the video part of the test it can be accompanied by sign language.
You’ll take the same practical driving test that every other candidate takes, but if you need extra time to get into and out of the car or to discuss any vehicle adaptations with the examiner this will normally be allowed. Driving examiners have been trained to understand and try to adapt to any special requirements that may arise before, during or after you’ve been out on the road.
Taking the practical driving test is often a nerve-racking experience, and many people fail to pass it first time (including me!) but don’t worry, if you do fail you’ll be able to take the test again in a few months (or faster if you can find a cancellation) With focus and plenty of practice you’ll pass the test and be ready to enjoy the freedom that driving your own vehicle brings.
If you’d like to drive a car but you’re not sure if you’ll be able to because of your disability, it's worth talking to a specialist at a Driving Mobility centre to find out more about the vehicle adaptations available to help people with a disability drive comfortably and safely.
Driving Mobility is a network of independent organisations that offer information, advice and assessments to people who want to gain (or retain) their independence through driving.
Many people in the UK with a disability choose to lease a brand new vehicle through the Motability Scheme. To qualify, you need to receive one of the following higher or enhanced rate Mobility Allowances:
The Motability package also includes comprehensive insurance for up to three drivers, RAC breakdown cover, road tax, tyre cover, windscreen damage cover and servicing and maintenance for 3 years (or 5 years if you choose a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) plus many of the more common driving adaptations can be fitted to the vehicle at no extra cost.