Learning to drive is a practical skill that most people learn - but it can come at a huge cost.
A recent survey from Marmalade Insurance suggested that almost half of instructors have upped the price of lessons as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, making it even harder for people to get going on the road. It is estimated that around 40 per cent of instructors across the UK have increased the price of lessons since the start of 2020.
Lessons can now cost as much as £31 per hour. The average learner driver needs between 40-50 hours of lessons before they are test-ready meaning that the total fee can come to an eye-watering amount, reported the Daily Record.
READ MORE: Martin Lewis' message to people on Universal Credit or other benefits
However, many disabled people may not be aware that the Motability Scheme can offer up to 40 hours of free driving lessons to those who qualify. If you have a driving licence but are making the transition to an adapted vehicle, the Motability Scheme can help by funding familiarisation lessons. These specialist lessons give you time to learn how to operate an adapted vehicle under the supervision of a trained instructor.
Who can apply for the Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme?
The Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme currently prioritises funding for people want to learn to drive and who are
1. In receipt of one of these disability allowances:
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
2. Receive a Government assessed means-tested benefit, including:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
- Job Seekers Allowance (income-based)
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Benefit (Council Tax Support, Council Tax Reduction)
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
You must also have a current lease agreement on the Motability Scheme or have 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.
Guidance on the Motability website states: “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.”
Motability adds that the applicant will need to pay for the full cost of both their theory and practical driving tests. For more information about the grant, visit the Motability website, here.
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