Desperately wanting to learn to drive! (ADVICE NEEEDED!)

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MPowell_1991

Hello all.

I'm not sure if this is the right place to come but I'm looking for advice. I suffer from Quadreplegic Cerbral Palsy. I use an electric wheelchair on a daily basis and I'm looking into wanting to learn to drive. 

I would require a car whereby I can drive from my wheelchair and obviously would require specialist adaptions however I'm not sure where to start. 

I know that Motability have a specialist grants department which can support with advance payments etc.

How would I go about getting an assessment for what I require? Do I need to aquire the car first before I can learn to drive? Do I require specialist driving lessons? If so where would I go for these within the county of Hampshire?

Any support is greatly appreciated!

poppy123456

To access the motability scheme you must be in receipt of either Enhanced mobility PIP, DLA high rate mobility or ADP Enhanced rate mobility.

If you have either of those then the advance payments for motability you must apply before you order a vehicle. See link. https://www.motability.co.uk/get-support/faqs/can-i-apply-for--financial-help/

If you place an order for a vehicle and you're claiming a means tested benefit you can apply for a grant for driving lesssons, if you expect delivery of your vehicle within 4 months. See link. https://www.motability.org.uk/charitable-grants/access-to-mobility-grant-programmes/driving-lessons/

If you apply for the driving lessons and you've been awarded funding for driving lessons then motability will find a driving instructor suitable for you. They will pay the instructor directly, you won't receive the money yourself.