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Using your car
Many people with a disability drive. Once you've got your driving license, there's no reason why you can't continue to drive, regardless of disability, provided it's safe to do so.
Living in London you may find public transport more convenient. But this isn’t always the case and you may prefer to use your own car.
Learning to drive
Generally, you need to be at least 17 years old before you can drive in Britain. However, if you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), then you can apply for a provisional driving license a year earlier - as soon as you're 16.
When you apply for your provisional driving licence, you must ensure that you advise the DVLA of any medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive.
As a disabled learner driver you may want an instructor who has specialist knowledge of your needs. BSM have trained instructors and adapted vehicles. Experienced instructors can teach you more than how to drive, including:
- how to get in and out of the car more easily
- how to get your wheelchair in and out of the car (if applicable)
- how to operate any adapted controls
And, if you're in receipt of mobility related benefits, you may be eligible for help towards the cost of driving lessons provided through BSM.
Visit the BSM website to learn how to drive and increase your independence.
Buying a car
For many people, having a car is an integral part of independent living and cars can be adapted in many different ways to suit many types of disability.
The Queen Elizabeth Foundation (QEF) offer driving and car adaptation assessments for those who are unsure about which vehicle type is right for them, or for those whose who want to determine if it is safe to return to the road (please note there is a charge for this service).
Seventeen year-old Lauren is just one of QEF's happy customers
Lauren has dwarfism, and an assessment established the most appropriate seating and control adaptions for her. Having just left college, Lauren is now looking for a job, and being able to drive will mean her options are increased.
Leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair
If you can’t afford to purchase your own car, the Motability Scheme provides an affordable, worry-free way for you to lease a car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair in exchange for your mobility allowance.
As well as your vehicle, you’ll get:
- insurance, including tyre and windscreen replacement cover
- breakdown cover
- vehicle tax
600,000 disabled people have chosen to have their allowances paid to the Motability Scheme to meet the cost of leasing a car, powered wheelchair or scooter.
Find out more about what the Motability Scheme can offer you.
Parking
If you have severe mobility problems that make using public transport difficult, you may be able to get a Blue Badge parking permit. This lets you park closer to places you wish to visit, such as in marked disabled parking bays. Blue Badges can’t be issued to relatives or carers, but you can use your badge in any car you’re travelling in whether you’re the driver or a passenger.
If you have a Blue Badge you may also be eligible to apply for a personalised parking bay near your home. This is a parking space just for you that no-one else, not even another blue badge holder, can use.