Learning to drive is something that most young people take for granted. For those affected by SMA, learning to drive can prove more challenging but the rewards of becoming more independent are fantastic!
TOP TIP! Get organised early! The process takes a very long time from start to finish, so the earlier you start the quicker you will get a car.
You can apply for your provisional licence 3 months before your 16th birthday- if you receive the Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate- mobility component. If you do not receive it you can apply for your provisional at 17 years of age.
Applying for your provisional licence:You can apply for your provisional licence on line; just follow the links to motoring on the website www.direct.gov.uk. Order the D1 application form on the DVLA ordering section of the website or collect the D1 from your post office. You will need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the fee.
Ensure theta you advise the DVLA of your medical condition by completing the health related questions on your driving licence application.
Driving Lessons:Look for a driving instructor that is skilled in teaching disabled people. They can teach you more than just how to drive, including how to operate any adapted controls and how to get in and out of the car.
Driving instructors who hold a green DSA (Driving Standard Agency) badge prove that they have 12-18 months of training and passed an exam testing their ability to teach you.
Taking the theory and practical test:
Take your theory test as soon as possible and book your practical as soon as possible as there are waiting lists. You will not be able to take your practical test until you have passed your theory. If you don’t pass your practical test within 2 years of taking the theory test, you will have to take the theory test again!
The Motabilty Scheme
To join the motabilty scheme you must be receiving the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Motability gives you the opportunity to own or lease your own car. You can choose from a wide variety of vehicles from over 4,000 dealers over the country. A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) can be leased on a five year contract.
Included in the contract:
Full insurance, servicing and maintenance
Full RAC breakdown cover
Annual tax disc
Tyre and windscreen replacement
Many adaptations at no extra cost
Vehicle Suitability Guide
To help you choose a car, there is an on line guide to help. By answering a few simple questions you can receive suggestions about the type of vehicle and adaptations that may best suit your needs. Go to motabilities website www.motability.co.uk
Motability CharityApply to the Motability charity, for a financial grant to assist with purchasing adaptations. You will be means tested (your house hold income is used for this). The minimum the driver pays is £200 and there is no ceiling on the contribution that motablity asks you to pay.
When completing your grant application form, be as enthusiastic as you can- these vehicles are extremely expensive and the Motability charity will only give grants to those they believe are truly serious about driving. Make sure that you make clear how important driving is to you and how life changing it will be!
Driving Assessment.
As your vehicle will be heavily adapted, you can request to have an assessment at one of the Motability’s own assessment centres to see which vehicle and adaptations are best for you. Once you have chosen your adaptations, normally the companies that deal with WAV’s, come to your home address.
