Charlie is 44 and lives in rural Essex. They received a grant for driving lessons and now lease an electric vehicle (EV) through the Motability Scheme.
“Life Changing”
“Where I live, some of the roads are single track country lanes. You cannot get anywhere without a car, so I need to be self-sufficient.
"I have been in receipt of PIP for some time but was not receiving the Mobility aspect at the higher rate until my health worsened in 2023, at which point I became eligible for the Motability Scheme."
Among other conditions, Charlie has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Hypermobility Type) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
Charlie explains, “My joints dislocate easily and I have chronic pain. POTS means I can get dizzy easily too. This meant I chose an automatic car to lease through the Motability Scheme, and when I received a grant for Driving Lessons, it genuinely changed my life”.
“If I didn’t have my car, I wouldn’t be able to get myself to specialist medical appointments in London.”Charlie
Loss of freedom
Charlie realised they felt vulnerable when a long-term relationship ended and they had to move house.
“I relied on my partner to drive me places, so losing the relationship meant losing my freedom and it really shook me.
"Getting my driver’s licence at the age of 43 was amazing. Being able to rely on myself is everything.
"Now I don’t have to worry or feel like I’m being a burden on anyone.
"Thanks to Motability Foundation, I have both a driving license and car. I can’t work and am on Universal Credit, so would not have been able to afford to do it privately.”
Testing times
Before receiving the grant, Charlie had attempted to learn to drive but failed their test twice. This time was different. All credit to the instructor.
“My driving instructor was super patient. He kept me grounded when I was spinning out with anxiety.
"It’s important you get on with your driving instructor. It makes lessons so much easier if you click.
“I was sick with nerves before taking my test but I kept telling myself: ‘It’s just another lesson but with someone different in the car’.
"When the examiner totted everything up and told me I’d passed, it came as a brilliant shock."
“Now I don’t feel like I’m a burden on anyone.”Charlie
A whole new world
Charlie chose to lease an EV and had a home charger installed.
“I drove to Devon only a few months after getting my license, which was nerve-wracking, but satisfying to accomplish.
“Although I still have mobility difficulties when I go out, being able to go out has opened the world to me in the most fantastic way.
"If I didn’t have my car, I wouldn’t be able to get myself to specialist medical appointments in London, I wouldn’t be able to pick up supplies from the shops, or have my puppy, a poodle called Nova.
"Without the car it would be hard to take her to a vet in an emergency. Having a dog makes a huge difference to my mental health. I’m training her to be an assistance dog."
“Having a dog makes a huge difference to my mental health.”Charlie
“I am no longer dependent on somebody else”
Prior to having their Scheme vehicle, Charlie made fewer journeys. This was because using public transport was too hard to navigate on their own.
“When I lived in London, I rarely used public transport, despite it being plentiful.
"It was too difficult if I didn’t have someone with me. It would exhaust me before I reached my destination.
"I’m six foot two and don’t ‘look’ disabled unless I have a mobility aid with me. People often got angry if I asked to sit down.
"They felt I was undeserving. I had to take a walking stick everywhere, as a visual cue.
“Now, occasionally, when I’m driving, I catch myself. I love my car.
"It has enough room for my wheelchair or rollator, a week’s worth of shopping, and also my support dog and all her gear.
"I am no longer dependent on somebody else taking me to a shop or to an appointment. It makes such a difference.”