Driving lessons can be an expensive endeavour, but people claiming certain benefits can get up to 40 hours for free.
With the cost of living crisis continuing to worsen, many households are struggling to put food on the table. This means that for many, non-essential expenses such as driving lessons are not affordable.
Recent data from Marmalade Insurance has revealed that the cost of lessons is continuing to rise, with nearly half of UK instructors increasing the price due to the impact of the pandemic. Approximately 40 per cent of instructors have upped the price of their lessons since 2020.
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As reported by the Daily Record, people with a disability or long-term health condition may qualify for up to 40 hours of free driving lessons through the Motability Scheme. With the average learner needing between 40 and 50 hours, this could potentially cover the full cost of lessons.
Many people are unaware of the scheme, however, and so it is being underused. It can also be used by those who already have a licence but are in the process of transitioning to an adapted vehicle, as it can help fund familiarisation lessons.
Here is what you need to know about the Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme.
Who can apply for the Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme?
The Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme currently gives priority to those who are interested in learning to drive and are also:
1. In receipt of any of the following 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, such as:
- 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
In addition, you need to also have a current lease agreement on the Motability Scheme, or otherwise have a pending application for a vehicle on the Motability Scheme. The confirmed date to take delivery of the vehicle must be less than four months ahead.
The Motability website says: "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.”
Applicants will also need to cover the full cost of their theory and practical tests. More information can be found here.
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