Thousands of people in receipt of disability benefit could be eligible for free driving lessons. There is a scheme within the Motability initiative which could offer people up to 40 hours of lessons - if they qualify.
This could mean a real boost for some wannabe drivers - especially because Covid lockdowns have meant that driving instructors are very hard to find as so many people were unable to learn during the lockdown restrictions. As part of the scheme Motability can provide grants towards the cost of learning to drive for disabled people who have a provisional licence and want a full licence.
It is also possible that disabled people who already have a licence but need familiarisation lessons; for example, if they need to get used to new driving adaptations can get support as well, BirminghamLive reports.
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To qualify for the scheme people have to receive specified state benefits.
These include people 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. Receiving 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
Applicants 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.
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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