People on PIP or DLA can get up to 40 hours of free driving lessons (2025)

PIP claimants could get free driving lessons (Image: Getty Images)

Many recipients of higher or enhanced disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), could be eligible for free driving lessons through a grant from the Motability Scheme.

The scheme's 'Driving Lessons Grant Programme' can provide grants to cover the cost of learning to drive for disabled individuals who possess a provisional licence and aim to secure a full one. The scheme also extends grants to disabled people who already have a licence but need familiarisation lessons, which could prove useful for those adapting to a new vehicle.

For those with a provisional driving licence, the programme offers up to 40 hours of driving lessons to aid in passing their driving test. However, people will still have to bear the costs of both the theory and practical driving tests themselves.

To be eligible for the free driving lessons, you must have an existing lease agreement on the Motability Scheme or a pending application for a vehicle on the Motability Scheme, with a confirmed delivery date for the vehicle within the next four months. More information on eligibility is provided later in this article.

It is believed that the typical learner driver needs around 40-50 hours of instruction before they're test-ready, with free lessons from Motability potentially covering the entire journey to becoming a licensed driver, reportsthe Daily Record.

James Armstrong, the chief executive of Veygo Insurance, pointed out the steep costs associated with getting behind the wheel. He remarked: "With the average driving lesson now costing £35 per hour, and learner drivers needing around 45 hours of professional instruction to pass their tests, the cost of learning to drive is currently sitting around £1,575. This is a huge cost and barrier to learning to drive for many across the country."

Motability has instructed potential applicants seeking support that their case will be assigned to a Case Manager for consideration, cautioning that during busy periods, the process of assigning a case can extend up to 10 weeks.

The criteria set out by Motability clarifies how the grants are allocated. It states: "All grant applications are means-tested to ensure Motability supports those most in need of a charitable grant and help as many beneficiaries as possible with the charitable funds available. This means we will look at your financial situation to determine if we are able to provide a grant towards your lessons."

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Drivers can get financial help in some circumstances (Image: Getty)

Who qualifies for the Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme?

1. In receipt of one of these disability allowances:

• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP
• Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance

2. Receive a Government-assessed means-tested benefit, including:

• Universal Credit
• Council Tax Benefit (Council Tax Support, Council Tax Reduction)
• Working Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Child Tax Credit
• Income Support
• Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
• Pension Guarantee Credit
• Job Seekers Allowance (income-based)

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