Do i need to inform DWP if son passes his Driving test

anddeb
anddeb Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
in Transport and travel

Good morning all, I am new to the group - my son receives PIP, he has the high rate on daily living/help getting around. He is likely to put in for his driving test soon and I am concerned as to whether this is needed to be declared to DWP. He has a 10 year award, which is runs out in March 2027 - I understand hes likely to have a light touch review, I just am worried that if I say he's passed his test, he'll lose the high rate. He wants to say to his friends that he can drive, he would never be in a car on his own, if he did have a car in the future, my husband and I would be alongside him as I don't think he'd cope if a situation arose such as a bump in the car (his fault or another drivers), or if he got lost. Any advice would be much aporeciated - thank you!

Comments

  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Community Member Posts: 3,583 Championing

    What has your sons driving got to do with DWP?

    No - there is no reason to inform DWP of his driving ability !

    Plenty of PIP claimants can drive and will in future drive.

  • Lauren29
    Lauren29 Community Member Posts: 255 Empowering

    No you don't have to tell DWP.

  • anddeb
    anddeb Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    Im more concerned about the fact that he scored 12 points with help getting around - either my husband or I are always with him incase a situation arose that he couldn't handle. The DWP could say if he's able to drive/navigate the car, he shouldn't be receiving the enhanced? As I said previously if he did pass, he wouldn't be In the car alone. I went through an appeal process for him to get his award so I'm very concerned that if I do declare when he passes his test, DWP would see that as a reason to stop the enhanced payments and he would lose the 10 year award.

  • Nik38
    Nik38 Community Member Posts: 1 Listener

    also in the same situation with my daughter and unsure how to navigate this

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 6,144 Championing

    There is no need to declare this to PIP at all.

    Only if the claimant can start going out alone regularly, would that be a reason to declare a change of circumstances.

  • anddeb
    anddeb Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    Very grateful of the responses, I was just wondering if anyone else has been in this situation and what is the best to do. Be honest to say they've passed and risk losing a 10 year fixed award or keep quiet and hope DWP don't penalise/start overpayment proceedings should they deem it a change in circumstances. Honestly don't know what to do for the best

  • luvpink
    luvpink Community Member Posts: 4,967 Championing

    @anddeb

    Hi welcome to the community.

    As others here have already said there is no obligation to report if your son passes a driving test and as you say your husband or yourself would accompany him on all journeys because he requires that level of support.

    Please try not to worry.

    If in doubt you could ask Citizens advice to put your mind at rest.

    Wishing your son good luck with his driving test.

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 6,144 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1130306#Comment_1130306

    This isn't about being 'honest'. There is nothing to report here as your son still needs another person to follow an unfamiliar journey. The ability to operate a motor vehicle is not a consideration for the PIP descriptors.

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 4,888 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @anddeb and a warm welcome to the community from me!

    You don't need to declare this at all😊

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