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Driving

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“When I started learning to drive I found it very challenging – but I got there eventually, after two years and four tests. I drive an automatic and I started with a steering ball and an extension on the left hand indicator but I now manage without them. I have been driving for four years now and have driven many miles now, from Suffolk to Cornwall, and I love it.”

In this article

Can anyone with hemiplegia learn to drive?

Many people with hemiplegia can learn to drive, usually an automatic car with power steering and modifications to the controls as necessary (e.g. steering ball, indicator lever extension or infra-red control, swivel seat, pedal adaptation for those with right hemiplegia).

However, for some people a visual or motor impairment or a learning disability can be a barrier to becoming a driver. When applying for a provisional licence, hemiplegia must be declared along with anything else that might affect one’s ability to drive. (Hemiplegia isn’t listed on gov.uk’s list of conditions that might affect driving ability, but you’re advised to contact DVLA about any condition not listed. This includes hemiplegia.)

Epilepsy must also be declared. And anyone with epilepsy must be seizure free for one year (with or without medication) to hold a licence.

When you contact DVLA, they’ll ask you to fill out a medical condition form with your application.

Visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring to find out more.

Learning to drive

A disabled person will have to be assessed to check whether they will be able to drive and what adaptations they will need to do so. There is generally a charge for assessments, and prices vary from centre to centre.

Driving Mobility has a network of centres around the UK, and its extensive website has all kinds of information and links for disabled drivers. Although independent, other mobility organisations, including Motability and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), recognise these centres.

“Having now been driving for nearly two years, I can look back at learning as a positive experience. It took two years to learn and literally hundreds of hours of lessons and practice. Nevertheless, with perseverance and determination I did get there, and this can be true for many others with hemiplegia. The very fact that it took me so long indicates that driving can and did prove difficult, yet not impossible. Having a specialist instructor with the necessary patience was invaluable.”

Does your child get Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?

If your child is getting the PIP enhanced-rate mobility component, they:

  • Can learn to drive when they are 16, and apply three months before that.
  • Can, if aged between 16 and 24, possibly get help towards the cost of driving lessons and lease a car through Motability.
  • May also be able to apply for a Blue Badge allowing them to use disabled parking bays.
  • If awarded the mobility component of PIP at the enhanced rate, may be exempt from paying road tax. If they qualify for the mobility component at the standard rate, they may be eligible for a 50 per cent reduction instead.

Read more on our page about transport and leisure discounts.

“I have a Motability car which I find essential for my independence – it allows me a tremendous amount of freedom.“

“My Ford Fiesta, chosen from a range of cars, colours, etc. has adaptations, which include a flip accelerator pedal, steering wheel knob and controls.I had to fund these myself. The car itself has been provided through the Motability scheme.“

Young people may also be able to get financial help for learning to drive and adaptations from charity sources or through local social services or the Access to Work scheme (contact your local Jobcentre Plus for more information).

People with a disability do not have to pay VAT on having a vehicle adapted to suit their condition, or on the lease of a Motability vehicle. For more information go to the Revenue & Customs site. HMRC does not require a disabled person to be receiving PIP to qualify. HMRC has its own form to fill in, where the applicant will just have to state that they have a disability.

Buying second-hand

You can buy converted vehicles second-hand. Many Motability cars come on the market when their three year lease is up. Bear in mind that there may be safety issues, and you should factor in any fitting costs.

The Disabled Living Foundation has a list of sources of secondhand equipment – follow the link to factsheets at www.dlf.org.uk.

Insurance

Getting car insurance can be a problem for disabled drivers, especially young ones. The following companies offer cover (for 16 year olds as well).

Chartwell Insurance www.chartwellinsurance.co.uk

En Route Insurance www.enrouteinsurance.co.uk

Fish Insurance www.fishinsurance.co.uk

Other useful links