PIP claimants may be able to get free driving lessons - check if you're eligible

Many recipients of the higher or enhanced rates of disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), may be unaware they could be eligible for free driving lessons through a grant offered by the Motability Scheme.

The charity'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 aspire to secure a full licence. The scheme also extends grants to disabled people who already hold a licence but need refresher 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, it's important to bear in mind that individuals will still have to foot the bill for 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.

It's estimated that the average learner driver requires between 40-50 hours of lessons before they are ready for the test, so these complimentary lessons offered through Motability could potentially cover someone's entire learning journey, reports the Daily Record.

The Motability Driving Lessons Grant Programme primarily provides funding for individuals who wish to learn to drive and meet the following criteria:

1. In receipt of one of these disability allowances:

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

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

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

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