Independent travel training

3 mins read

This advice applies in England only.

Independent travel training is tailored and practical help for disabled people to travel by public transport, on foot or by bike. It aims to help children and young people travel independently and without fear so they can get to school or college, work and for social and leisure activities.

What is independent travel training?

Independent travel training is tailored and practical help for disabled people to travel by public transport, on foot or by bike. It aims to help children and young people travel independently and without fear so they can get to school or college, work and for social and leisure activities.

Independent travel training could increase your child’s independence and improve their self-esteem and confidence. Being less reliant on parents and carers to take them to places can lead to more opportunities to take part in social and community activities.

Travel training for disabled children and young people is usually provided through school or college.

How does a travel training course work?

Travel training is a set programme of learning. It can be delivered one-to-one, in groups or in a classroom.

Key skills include:

• Personal and road safety awareness.
• Journey planning and preparing for a journey (what to take, what the weather might be like).
• Leaving the home safely (locking up).
• Coping in emergencies or unexpected circumstances (cancelled trains, missed stops).
• Using technology, such as smart travel cards and mobile phones.

For example, a young person could be taught to:

• Put a coat on and remember their travel card.
• Take keys and lock the door.
• Take the bus to school.
• Get the bus home from school.

Travel training can benefit you as a parent, too, as your child starts to become less reliant on you for getting around.

How do I access travel training?

Travel training for disabled children and young people is usually provided through school or college. This is usually free, although you may need to be getting school, college or social care transport or an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan to access the training.

How do I find out about independent travel training?

You can ask at school or college, or see the local offer website for your local authority to find out how to access local schemes.

See Disability Rights UK’s guide on Doing Transport Differently.

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