Everyday life · England
Motability vehicles and drivers
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This guide is for people in England.
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Some people can use the Motability Scheme.
It lets you pay to use a vehicle.
You do not own the vehicle.
You pay using a benefit for getting around.
Only some benefits can pay for Motability.
Check your benefit and how long it lasts.
You may drive yourself if you meet the rules.
You must have the right licence and insurance.
Other approved people can drive for you.
Each driver must be approved and covered by the insurance.
Their own car insurance is not enough.
There are special rules when several paid carers drive.
Ask the insurer which drivers it can cover.
The vehicle must be used for your benefit.
You do not need to be on every journey.
For example, someone might collect your shopping.
Check which journeys the insurance allows.
Ask before using the vehicle for work or trips abroad.
Insurance is included, but some costs are not.
You may pay part of the cost of a claim.
This is called the excess.
Try the vehicle before choosing it.
Check seats, equipment and safe wheelchair travel.
Plan who will drive if your usual driver cannot.
Keep the insurance information where you can find it.
What you can do next
You can ask someone you trust for help.
Choose the next step that works for you.
Explore the Motability Scheme Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
More useful links
- Check Scheme eligibility Web page
Qualifying allowances and remaining award length.
- Check named-driver rules Web page
Adding, changing and approving drivers.
- Read insurance cover and exclusions Web page
Understand excesses, belongings and permitted use.
- Rules for learners Web page
Scheme-specific supervision and driver conditions.
- Check payment arrangements Web page
Understand allowance payments and any Advance Payment.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Motability vehicles and drivers
Find out about driving yourself, named drivers, vehicle use, costs and insurance.
Adults, young people and supporters · England
What the Scheme offers
The Motability Scheme leases cars, wheelchair accessible vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs using qualifying mobility allowances. Leasing means paying to use the vehicle under an agreement; it does not mean you own it. A wheelchair accessible vehicle is often shortened to WAV. This guide’s named-driver and car-insurance information is about cars and WAVs. Scooters and powered wheelchairs have their own terms.
Check eligibility and the cost
In England, qualifying awards include enhanced-rate PIP mobility, higher-rate DLA mobility, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement and Armed Forces Independence Payment. You normally need at least 12 months left on the award to join. Daily-living PIP alone, Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance does not qualify. Most cars use the whole qualifying mobility allowance. Some require an extra Advance Payment, which is not a refundable deposit. Ask for the current written price, lease terms, mileage limits, any excess-mileage charges and what happens if the award changes. Budget for fuel or charging and any other excluded costs.
Driving yourself
You can drive if you meet the medical and licence requirements and are approved on the vehicle’s insurance. Having an eligible benefit award does not itself mean you are medically fit or licensed to drive. Ask about an automatic car, driving controls, transfers and other adaptations if relevant. Try the vehicle and equipment before ordering. The learning-to-drive guide explains DVLA, assessments and test support.
Other people driving
You do not need a driving licence yourself if suitable approved people drive for you. Normally up to three named drivers can be included, subject to checks. These can be family, friends or carers. Each must be accepted on the insurance before driving. A separate comprehensive policy does not give permission. Some customers with several paid carers may qualify for an insurer-approved open policy with specific driver conditions. This is not automatic permission for any staff member. Check the certificate’s permitted-driver terms, keep details updated and ask about younger drivers or staff changes before choosing a vehicle.
Must you be in the vehicle?
The car must be used by you or for your benefit. You do not have to be present on every journey. For example, an approved driver might collect shopping for you. This does not give a driver unrestricted personal use of the car. Ask the Scheme and insurer about the journeys you need, especially a driver’s commute, use by staff who live elsewhere, business travel or driving abroad. Get any required permission and insurance change before the journey.
Learning in a Scheme car
A learner must have a provisional licence and be named on the insurance. Only one provisional licence holder can be on the policy, alongside a fully qualified driver. The supervisor must meet the insurer’s age conditions, have held a full UK licence for at least three years and also be named on the insurance. Non-customer learners have an additional minimum-age rule. Confirm the exact age conditions with the insurer, especially for someone aged 21. Vehicle restrictions apply to under-25s. Check with the insurer and instructor before practice or a test. Only the customer or appointee may take a practical test in a Scheme car. Driving-lesson grants have separate rules.
What insurance includes
Car and WAV leases include insurance through Direct Line Motability. Cover includes specified vehicle loss or damage and approved necessary adaptations, subject to the policy. Ask for an accessible explanation of your certificate, schedule and terms. Check the excess: your contribution to a claim. Included insurance does not mean every claim is free.
What may not be covered
Check exclusions for personal belongings, interior damage, equipment and driving other cars. Unapproved drivers and unauthorised uses are not covered. Business use can need prior approval and an updated certificate. Report accidents promptly using the insurer’s instructions. Call 999 for an emergency.
Choose a vehicle around your life
Check seating, wheelchair and restraint compatibility, entry and exit, space for supporters and equipment, and sensory comfort. Ask a qualified assessor or WAV specialist to demonstrate safe travel arrangements. A wheelchair fitting inside does not prove it is suitable for occupied travel. Agree who will refuel or charge, arrange servicing and drive if the usual person is absent. Keep an accessible copy of the agreed arrangements and insurer’s details. If someone pressures you to provide a vehicle for their own benefit, ask an independent advocate or safeguarding service for help.
Words you could use
“Please explain who can drive, which journeys are allowed, the full cost and the insurance conditions before I agree to a vehicle.”
More useful links
- Check Scheme eligibility Web page
Qualifying allowances and remaining award length.
- Check named-driver rules Web page
Adding, changing and approving drivers.
- Read insurance cover and exclusions Web page
Understand excesses, belongings and permitted use.
- Rules for learners Web page
Scheme-specific supervision and driver conditions.
- Check payment arrangements Web page
Understand allowance payments and any Advance Payment.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 1 November 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- Motability: how the Scheme works Web page
Lease options and included services.
- Motability: eligibility Web page
Qualifying benefits and award length.
- Motability: payments and costs Web page
Use of mobility allowance and non-refundable Advance Payment.
- Motability: named drivers Web page
Driver approval, restrictions and insurance certificates.
- Motability: using the vehicle without the customer Web page
Use for the disabled customer’s benefit.
- Motability: provisional licences and learners Web page
Additional learner and supervisor conditions.
- Motability: accidents and insurance Web page
Included cover, excesses, exclusions and business use.
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