Free driving lessons are available for some benefit claimants (Image: Getty Images)
Many people receiving higher or enhanced rates of disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), may not be aware that they could be eligible for free driving lessons through a grant provided by the Motability Scheme.
The charity offers a ‘Driving Lessons Grant Programme’ which can provide grants towards the cost of learning to drive for disabled individuals who hold a provisional licence and wish to obtain a full one. The scheme also provides grants to disabled individuals who already have a licence but need familiarisation lessons, which could be beneficial for anyone needing to adjust to a new adapted vehicle.
For those with a provisional driving licence, the programme offers up to 40 hours of driving lessons to help them pass their driving test. However, it is important to note that individuals will still need to cover the costs of both the theory and practical driving tests themselves.
To be eligible for the free driving lessons, you must have a current lease agreement on the Motability Scheme or a pending application for a vehicle on the Motability Scheme, with a confirmed date to take delivery of the vehicle within the next four months. A brief guide to eligibility details is further explained in this article.
The average learner driver needs around 40-50 hours of driving lessons before they are test-ready, which means that the free sessions offered via Motability could potentially cover a person’s entire training experience, reports .
James Armstrong, CEO of Veygo Insurance, illuminated the hefty price tag for new motorists: “With the average driving lesson now costing £35 per hour, and learner drivers needing around 45 hours of professional instruction to pass their tests, the cost of learning to drive is currently sitting around £1,575. This is a huge cost and barrier to learning to drive for many across the country.”
In terms of applying for grants, Motability has laid out the process stating that after an application has been lodged, it will be entrusted to a Case Manager for assessment. But applicants should be aware that during busy periods, it may take up to 10 weeks for an application to reach a Case Manager.
Motability also provides clear guidance about grant eligibility: “All grant applications are means-tested to ensure Motability supports those most in need of a charitable grant and help as many beneficiaries as possible with the charitable funds available. This means we will look at your financial situation to determine if we are able to provide a grant towards your lessons.”
Eligibility for the Motability Driving Lessons Grant
Eligibility for the Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme is currently focused on individuals who are:
1. Beneficiaries of certain disability allowances:
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
- Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of the Adult Disability Payment
2. Recipients of a Government-assessed means-tested benefit:
- Council Tax Benefit (Council Tax Support, Council Tax Reduction)
- Job Seekers Allowance (income-based)
- Universal Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Guarantee Credit
For additional details on the grant and eligibility requirements, interested parties are encouraged to visit the