Independent Driving Solutions

Who can apply 

You can apply if:

you are a disabled person or the appointee for a disabled person on the Motability Scheme, or applying to join.
you have either a provisional or full UK driving licence valid for at least 12 months.
you are not planning to change your wheelchair in the next 12 months.
if you intend to drive from your wheelchair in the vehicle, this must be a crash tested powered wheelchair that is compatible auto-tie down.

And you will find an Independent Driving Solution essential for one of the following key factors:

Journeys for work - you travel independently to a place of work for an average of 12 hours or more a week.
Journeys for a volunteer role - you travel independently to a place of volunteering for an average of 12 hours or more a week, evidenced for at least six months prior to your application.
Journeys for education – you travel independently to a place of full-time education or training for an average of 12 hours or more a week.
Journeys to support the care of another person - you need to make essential journeys to care for dependents with disabilities or young children.
In exceptional circumstances - you are not in a situation listed above but your circumstances make the use of an Independent Driving Solution essential for your everyday mobility. Consideration may be given to the length of time using the Motability Scheme, frequent medical appointments where there is no suitable hospital transportation or aspects of profound isolation where no other possible solutions are suitable. This is not an exhaustive list.

What the grant covers

the Advance Payment for a suitable independent driving solution, including the cost of the vehicle and the adaptations.
minor adaptations during your lease if your needs have changed.
lessons with a local driving instructor, arranged through the AA Driving School, if you are a provisional licence holder.
familiarisation lessons, if you are a full licence holder but need to get used to a new way of driving using your independent driving solution.

What the grant does not cover

high-spec or premium vehicles.
dealer options, unless essential for access or disability need.
your personal preferences for fuel type, brand or vehicle conversion specialist.
a vehicle you have already ordered.
major changes to driving controls during your lease, such as a change from lo-tech to hi-tech driving controls, this may require a new application.
adaptations for a non-Scheme vehicle.
vehicles that are not available on the Motability Scheme.
any ongoing or running costs associated with the vehicle such as fuel or electricity.
the cost of your theory or practical driving test.

Common questions:

What is an Independent Driving Solution?

There are different kinds of independent driving solutions depending on your needs. These include:

an internal transfer solution, where you stay in your wheelchair to get into the vehicle using a ramp or lift, then move to a special driver’s seat inside the vehicle
a drive-from-wheelchair solution, where you stay in your powered wheelchair and drive from that position
a standard car with high-tech driving controls, including controls such as foot steering.

What does “driving independently” mean?

It means you need to be able to drive on your own, without help from someone else.

This grant is for people who cannot get in and out of a car or cannot safely mobilise outside a vehicle after stowing a mobility device or need hi-tech controls to drive a standard car safely.

We will assess your needs and if a car with adaptations or a passenger WAV might be more suitable, we may consider this.

Can I apply if I have someone who is paid privately or through a care plan to drive for me?

No. If you have full-time paid carer which includes driving responsibilities, or someone who can drive receives carers allowance for you, we would suggest you apply for a passenger WAV through our WAV grant.

Can I apply if someone who receives carers allowance is able to drive for me?

No. If someone receives carers allowance and can drive for you, we would suggest you apply for a passenger WAV through our WAV grant.

What is a vehicle conversion specialist?

A vehicle conversion specialist is the company who adapts a vehicle for wheelchair access as either a passenger or a driver.

Can I apply if I’ve already ordered my vehicle? 

No. You must apply and wait for us to confirm whether your application has been successful before placing a vehicle order. 

Which disability benefits do I need to join the Motability Scheme?

You must get one of these disability benefits to join the Motability Scheme:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Enhanced rate mobility
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – Higher rate mobility
Scottish Adult DLA – Higher rate mobility
Adult Disability Payment (Scotland) – Enhanced rate mobility
Child Disability Payment (Scotland) – Higher rate mobility
War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
Armed Forces Independence Payment

Will I be asked to contribute towards the cost of my vehicle and adaptations?

This will depend on your household income and financial circumstances. We will inform you if we think you need to contribute.

Can I contribute to the cost of a more expensive vehicle than the one you have assessed me for?

If you choose to make a voluntary contribution towards your Advance Payment grant, there are limits within our policy. Grant applicants can add up to £750 or 50 per cent of the Advance Payment grant, whichever is lower.

Do I need to send medical evidence or an Occupational Therapy (OT) report? 

No. We will assess your needs with our own Mobility and Driving Advisors.

Do I need a Driving Mobility assessment before applying?

No. We will assess your needs with our own Mobility and Driving Advisors.

How long is my lease?

New Independent Driving Solutions and all new accessible vehicles, are leased over five years. Nearly New Independent Driving Solutions are leased over three years. If your vehicle remains suitable at the end of your lease, we may recommend you keep it for longer. 

What if my needs change during my lease? 

You can apply for adaptations or an alternative solution partway through your lease if your current solution no longer works. Your application will be subject to eligibility at the time of your new application.

Can I apply again at the end of my lease? 

Yes, especially if your condition has changed or you need a different type of vehicle. Your application will be subject to eligibility at the time of your new application.

If your vehicle remains suitable at the end of your lease, we may recommend you keep it for longer. 

Can I choose any vehicle or adaptation?

No. There are a small number of vehicles available on the Motability Scheme that are suitable as an Independent Driving Solution. We’ll help you find the right driving solution for your needs through our assessment.

Do I need to pass my theory test first?

No. Provisional licence holders are encouraged to take their theory test prior to delivery, but it is not essential to pass your theory test before applying for an independent driving solution as driving lessons are funded as part of this grant.

Can I still apply if I have not passed my practical driving test yet?

Yes. A small percentage of applicants for this grant need to learn to drive in an independent driving solution and not a standard instructor car. You must already have your provisional licence. You can apply ahead of passing your theory test. We’ll fund your lessons if we fund your Independent Driving Solution.

Can I apply on behalf of someone else in my household?

Yes. If they are a Motability Scheme customer and meet all the eligibility criteria. For example, you can apply on behalf of your disabled child (aged 16 or over) or partner if you are their appointee. The applicant will need to be available to participate in an independent driving assessment.

What are familiarisation lessons?

Familiarisation lessons are for people who already have a driving licence. They help you get used to a new way of driving.

If you need familiarisation lessons, we may fund:

a dual brake in your Scheme vehicle
up to 5 hours of familiarisation lessons
we may fund more hours if your instructor recommends this

Which disability benefits do I need to join the Motability Scheme?

You must get one of these disability benefits to join the Motability Scheme and have at least 12 months remaining on your award:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Enhanced rate mobility
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – Higher rate mobility
Scottish Adult DLA – Higher rate mobility
Adult Disability Payment (Scotland) – Enhanced rate mobility
Child Disability Payment (Scotland) – Higher rate mobility
War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
Armed Forces Independence Payment

Do I need to be on means tested benefits to apply for an Independent Driving Solutions Grant?

No. We carry out our own means testing process on all applications. We will ask you about your household income and savings. We may ask you to pay something towards the cost of your vehicle or adaptations.

Will someone come out to see me?

Yes. One of our Mobility and Driving Advisors will visit you in person. You will need to be able to take part in an active independent driving assessment to help us provide the most suitable solution.

Can the grant help with a bigger vehicle to fit my equipment?

Yes. If you need more space for essential equipment, the grant may help with the cost of a bigger vehicle. We’ll look at what’s needed when we assess your application and visit you.

Can I apply for more than one grant?

You can only have one grant at a time, but we’ll help you apply for the right one.

If your needs change later, you may be able to apply again in the future.

I sent my application but have not heard anything. What should I do?

If you applied online, you should have got an email straight away to say we’ve received it.

If you posted your form, we’ll aim to contact you within two working days of getting it.

Right now, lots of people are applying for grants. It may take us around four weeks to start looking at your application. We’ll be in touch as soon as we can. Thank you for being patient.

If you think you might be eligible to apply for an Independent Driving Solutions Grant, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Get your documents ready

Before you call us, please have the following documents and details to hand:

details of your qualifying mobility allowance
your National Insurance number
your household income and savings information for our means test
your provisional or full driving licence
information about your mobility needs, including the mobility equipment you use
any details about driving adaptations you already use
if you have already had a driving assessment, any report from that assessment

Step 2: Give us a call

Call us on 0800 500 3186, we’re available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

During the call, we’ll:

Check your eligibility
Explain the next steps
Support any accessibility needs you may have for completing the application

Step 3: Complete your application

If you're eligible to apply, we’ll send you a link to our secure online application portal. You will need to fill out the form and upload your documents within 30 days.

Step 4: Contact with your Case Manager

Once your application is submitted, you’ll be assigned a dedicated Case Manager who will contact you to discuss your application and gather additional information against the key factors which are listed within the “Who can apply” section within tab one. You will be asked to give evidence of the additional information you provide.

Step 5: We carry out a practical assessment

If we can progress your application to the next stage, we will arrange a home visit for you from one of our Mobility and Driving Advisors, who will assess your access, stowage and driving needs. The outcome of this assessment will help us to decide if an Independent Driving Solution is the right solution for you.

Step 6: Receive a decision

We’ll review your application and notify you of the outcome. You’ll hear from us as soon as a decision has been made.

Independent Driving Solutions (IDS)

Who can apply

What the grant covers

What the grant does not cover

Common questions:

What is an Independent Driving Solution?

What does “driving independently” mean?

Can I apply if I have someone who is paid privately or through a care plan to drive for me?

Can I apply if someone who receives carers allowance is able to drive for me?

What is a vehicle conversion specialist?

Can I apply if I’ve already ordered my vehicle?

Which disability benefits do I need to join the Motability Scheme?

Will I be asked to contribute towards the cost of my vehicle and adaptations?

Can I contribute to the cost of a more expensive vehicle than the one you have assessed me for?

Do I need to send medical evidence or an Occupational Therapy (OT) report?

Do I need a Driving Mobility assessment before applying?

How long is my lease?

What if my needs change during my lease?

Can I apply again at the end of my lease?

Can I choose any vehicle or adaptation?

Do I need to pass my theory test first?

Can I still apply if I have not passed my practical driving test yet?

Can I apply on behalf of someone else in my household?

What are familiarisation lessons?

Which disability benefits do I need to join the Motability Scheme?

Do I need to be on means tested benefits to apply for an Independent Driving Solutions Grant?

Will someone come out to see me?

Can the grant help with a bigger vehicle to fit my equipment?

Can I apply for more than one grant?

I sent my application but have not heard anything. What should I do?

Step 1: Get your documents ready

Step 2: Give us a call

Step 3: Complete your application

Step 4: Contact with your Case Manager

Step 5: We carry out a practical assessment

Step 6: Receive a decision

If your application is not approved

If your application is approved