Leanne lives in Liverpool with her son, Ben. She leases a Fiat 600 through the Motability Scheme and received a grant for Driving Lessons.
New beginnings
When Ben was transitioning to high school, Leanne knew it was time to learn to drive. “He has autism and ADHD,” she explains. “The school we wanted to get him into was a little bit further away, so I needed to get a car.”
Leanne has EDS (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), meaning her joints dislocate easily. She uses walking sticks to get around. Using public transport made her anxious. When she read about Driving Lessons Grants on the Motability Foundation website, she thought they would solve a lot of problems.
“The Driving Lessons Grant gave me a new lease of life.”Leanne
Learning to drive
Leanne passed her theory test before starting lessons and says it was easier ‘to get that out the way’, so she could concentrate on driving. “It gave me a clear time frame. You have to pass your practical test within two years, so it helped knowing I just had the practical aspects of driving to think about.”
Being able to focus on driving meant Leanne learned quickly. Her instructor was “strict but fun,” she says. “He taught me how to drive like a driving instructor, rather than a driver, so I had more confidence once I finished. I passed first time.”
“I love being able to get out and about in my car.”Leanne
“Driving makes me feel useful”
Leanne’s car is now central to her independence. “My disability and my anxiety meant I was never able to just get out, before. I love going out in my car – sometimes not even physically leaving the car – it helps me. Driving has changed my life completely; I am no longer stuck in the house. If, at times, my anxiety won’t let me go out, my car is like a second house, a safety box around me, so I can get out.
“I praise Motability Foundation to the highest – the Driving Lessons Grant gave me a new lease of life. It’s amazing what getting out can do for you. I feel useful.”