Learning to Drive
Learning to Drive
Last checked: July 2026
How long it will take, what’ll be involved and how complicated it will be varies greatly. It’ll depend on things like whether you’re a wheelchair user and your hand and arm strength. If something seems like a barrier, it’s still worth exploring. There are so many different adaptations and gadgets available now. If needed, you can drive without touching the pedals or steering wheel. So don’t be put off!
“Talking to others with SMA who drove adapted vehicles also gave me the confidence to deal with negativity from those who were ignorant about the vast possibilities of how the car could be tailored to all my needs. But in true SMA attitude, comments like, “surely you wouldn’t be strong enough?” were very quickly shot down in flames!” Suzanne
“Driving has played such a massive part in my life, enabling me to live as independently as possible. It has also played a key role in helping me maintain my employment and most importantly, my social life!” Ross
If you think you’d like to learn to drive and to have your own car, talk to your OT. If you don’t have one, ask your GP for a referral to an OT who can advise you about driving. An OT can also refer you to your local Regional Driving Assessment Centre (RDAC). Talk with your OT about:
- the assessments possible at your nearest centre. You may need to go to a bigger centre
- any charges that may apply
- whether there’s any support with funding.
It’s worth starting the ball rolling before you get to the age when you can apply for a provisional driving licence. That way you know exactly what you’ll have to do to reach your goal.
We suggest you go through all the tabs below for the key stages and what you need to know. You can then work out which ones will be important for you
You can apply for a provisional driving licence when you’re 15 years and 9 months old.
You can start driving a car when you’re 17.
You can start to drive a car when you’re 16 if:
- you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or
- still get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
- a debit or credit card
- proof of your identity – such as a passport or birth certificate
- further evidence showing your National Insurance number and your address details for the last three years.
- to say you have SMA.
The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) will contact your health professionals for further information.
If you’re a wheelchair user, the vehicle will need to be
adapted. If your wheelchair needs updating it’s best to do this before you get your car.
OTs can advise whether:
- you’d be able to drive a car while you’re still sitting in your wheelchair
- you’ll need to get any adaptations done to your chair
- your wheelchair will soon need changing.
Mobility Centres > – provide practical and independent advice to disabled drivers at Centres across the UK. They’ll assess your ability to drive as well as provide advice about suitable vehicles, and any adaptations that you may need.
As part of their scheme, Motability offers driving from wheelchair (DFW) assessments (scroll towards the bottom of their page) >. You have to get the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
There’s more about Motability in the next tab.
RDAC (Regional Driving Assessment Centre) > Offer centres throughout England for driving assessments and advice on vehicle adaptations and high technology solutions.
Some centres provide assessments on site. Others might be able to arrange a home visit, bringing a vehicle containing different equipment for you to try. The two main centres with the biggest set up are in Solihull and Manchester.
Disability Driving Instructors > – Phone 0844 800 7355 – advice on how to start learning to drive and finding a driving instructor.
Disability Action in Northern Ireland > – assessments, information on learning to drive and help to set up appointments with Motability.
This enables disabled people to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair, using their mobility allowance.
You may be eligible to join the Motability Scheme if you receive the:
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
It’s important that you read the information on their website carefully or phone them to talk about what might be possible.
Use their application form to apply. You’ll need to explain why it’s so important that you drive. To be able to travel independently should be enough reason, but add any other reasons such as:
- lack of accessible transport where you live
- travelling to college or work etc.
If you’re eligible and you decide to use Motability, the next steps are:
- Choosing a vehicle – there’s a lot to think about, including:
- the cost of the vehicle
- if it’ll be the right one for you
- its fuel consumption – you’ll definitely have to cover this cost. Motability can provide information to help you with this.
- Searching for dealers – nearly 5,000 dealerships across the UK offer Motability. You would be able to talk to a Motability specialist at any of them and test drives can be arranged
- Ordering a vehicle – can be done online.
Motability provide a vehicle for up to 5 years, so you need to try and think ahead. What adaptations may you need to be able to drive the same vehicle for that length of time? Your OT is the best person to advise you. Motability also need to make sure that you would be happy and confident with the controls before they’re installed.
Motability> – Phone 0300 456 4566
Local authorities administer the Blue Badge system. This entitles people with severe mobility problems to parking concessions. These may apply to on street parking and might include free use of parking meters and pay-and-display bays. Some areas might also offer exemption from toll charges.
Driving Theory Test > Anyone must take and pass a driving theory test before booking their practical test. There’s a cost and the test has to be taken at a driving theory test centre. If you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you can take it from your 16th birthday.
Preparing for the Theory Test > There are two parts: a multiple-choice section and hazard perception.
Book Your Theory Test > This online form asks about your access needs or any other requirements for the test centre. They must meet these needs for you to take the theory test.
It’s not uncommon to have to take the test more than once or twice to pass. Once you’ve passed the theory test, you have two years to pass the practical test. If you let it go longer than this, you have to take the theory test again.
It can be helpful to learn and take the test in your own car. For those needing very individual adaptations, this may be essential. It’s probably worth finding someone to teach you who has taught other disabled people:
Gov.UK / finding a driving instructor and lessons >
Disability Driving Instructors > – Phone 0844 800 7355 – advice on how to start learning to drive and finding a driving instructor.
Motability Driving Lessons Grant > You can apply for up to 40 hours of lessons if you:
- have a Motability Scheme vehicle or one arriving in the next four months
- hold a provisional UK driving licence
- have passed your theory test
- receive a means tested benefit
Gov.UK / Driving Test – Cars > – gives an overview.
When you book your test, you’ll need to advise the Test Centre you’re disabled. Your driving instructor will help you.
Congratulations!
Pass Plus > – a 6-hour training course you could take to further
improve your skills.
Disabled Motoring UK > a charity working with government and businesses across the UK to improve parking, refuelling, and access provision for disabled people.
Jordanne with her test certificate and drive -in van.