Car Driving

• Assessment Centres
  If you would like to learn to drive and have a disability, Car Driving Assessment centres provide practical advice on driving, car adaptations and car choice for disabled drivers and passengers. For more information contact your local Disability Service.
• Breakdown Services
  The AA in conjunction with Tripscope has a discount scheme specifically for disabled drivers. The RAC have a similar one. The schemes are available to all orange/blue badge holders and profoundly deaf motorists. For more information contact the free AA Disability Helpline on 0800 262050. Fax: 0990 143484 or the RAC Helpline on 0800 550550.
• Driving Lessons
  If you are between 16 and 24 years old and receive the higher rate Motability component of Disability Living Allowance you can apply under the Motability Scheme for a scholarship, which will entitle you to have free driving lessons. If you already have a car under the Motability scheme, which is at present being driven by someone else but you wish to learn to drive it yourself, help with driving lessons may also be available. For more information contact the Motability Scheme telephone: 0845 456 4566.
• Motability Scheme
  If you receive the higher rate component of Disability Living Allowance you, or a member of your family or your carer, could be able to drive a new car under the Motability Scheme. Included in the deal will be 3 years free servicing, 3 years insurance cover and membership of the RAC or AA. For more information contact the Motability Scheme on 0845 456 4566.
• Safety Seatbelts
  Some disabled people are unable to use seat belts. An application form to apply for exemption from wearing a seat belt can be obtained from your Doctor who may make a charge for endorsing the application.
• Tax Exemption
  If you get the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance you, or someone you choose in your place, may apply for exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty. Anyone receiving this higher mobility component of DLA should automatically have been sent a Vehicle Excise Duty exemption form by the DWP. Exemption continues for those on the pre-1976 vehicle schemes or passengers getting DLA or Attendance Allowance assessed before 12/10/93. For more information contact: Disability and Carers Benefits Directorate (DCBD), Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill, Blackpool, FY2 0YE Tel: 0845 712 3456.