Motability boost as PIP claimants could get free driving lessons

Many people on higher or enhanced rates of disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) could be eligible forfree driving lessons through a grant from the Motability Scheme. The charity's 'Driving Lessons Grant Programme' can provide grants towards the cost of learning to drive for disabled people who hold a provisional licence and wish to secure a full licence.

The scheme also offers grants to disabled people who already have a licence but need familiarisation lessons. These could be handy for anyone needing to adjust to a new car.

For those with a provisional driving licence, the programme provides up to 40 hours of driving lessons to help them pass their driving test. However, it's important to remember that people will still need to pay for both the theory and practical driving tests themselves.

To qualify for the free driving lessons, you must have a current lease agreement on the Motability Scheme or a pending application for a vehicle on the Motability Scheme. You will need a confirmed delivery date for the vehicle within the next four months.

The average learner driver is believed to need between 40-50 hours of lessons before they're test-ready. Therefore, these free lessons provided by Motability could potentially cover the entirety of someone's learning, reports the Daily Record.

Who is eligible for the Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme?

The Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme primarily provides funding for individuals who wish to learn to drive and meet the following criteria.

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1. In receipt of one of these disability allowances:

• Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP
• Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of the Adult Disability Payment
• 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

For more information about the grant and qualifying criteria, visit the Motability website, here.