The Motability Scheme started in 1977 to provide disabled drivers with a leased scooter, powered wheelchair or brand new car. It is very quick and easy to apply to the scheme and there are no credit checks, assessment procedures or waiting lists to contend with. If you don’t have your own driving licence you can still apply to the scheme for a car for a carer to drive (although certain conditions do apply).
Who is eligible for the scheme?
Since March 2013, those in receipt of certain disability payments have been eligible for the Motability Scheme. Those payments are:
- The Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- The Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
- The Armed Forces Independent Payment (AFIP)
- The War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
As long as you are in receipt of one of the above payments you should be able to take part in the scheme. There is no lower or upper age limit. If you have a child older than 3 who receives HMRC Disability Living Allowance you can also apply on their behalf.
To lease a brand new car through the Motability Scheme you need at least one year of award left to run. Only the higher and enhanced mobility allowance rates are considered eligible by the scheme. Attendance Allowance is not eligible.
To check whether you are eligible for the scheme you can check here or, those in receipt of DLA or PIP can call the Department of Work and Pensions on 08457 123456.
Those who currently receive WPMS or AFIP should call the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency on 0800 169 2277.
Named drivers
Should you be eligible for the Motability Scheme but unable to drive you may nominate up to two drivers for no extra cost and a third driver for a small charge. Named drivers may be carers, friends or family and should reside within 5 miles of your address. They are required to sign up to Motability Scheme’s terms and conditions.
One of the named drivers may be under 21 years of age but they must live with the applicant. Drivers under 25 years of age may only drive vehicles in the motability cars scheme in insurance groups 1-16 with brake horsepower rating of less than 115.
Certain convictions, endorsements and disqualifications do prevent drivers from taking part in the scheme. To check you can contact either RSA Motability (RSAM) or your dealer.
Which cars are available through the Motability Scheme?
Several large car manufacturers are part of the scheme including Mercedes-Benz, Vauxhall, VW, Nissan and Toyota. As an example, VW provide a variety of cars from an air-conditioned 1.2 litre Golf or Polo right up to the seven-seat Touran complete with cruise control.
The cost of leasing will increase with the value of the car so it is important that you discuss your needs with your local motability dealer before you take the plunge. You don’t want to end up paying extra for features you don’t use or on the other hand, end up with a car that is not well-suited to your requirements.