Driving a car

Good Day

I currently receive standard living and mobility for 10 yrs from the lovely guys at DWP. I have relied on the use of a mobility scooter for around four years. My main transport is my mobility scooter but rarely drive a car if needed. My wife and son normally drive. My question is higher rate mobility and driving a car. In my interview with a PIP interviewer I was asked if I drove a car and I replied that I do once a week. I don’t work do to illness and this was accepted. However they then went on to ask whether it was a manual, it was.

Reading through the interview it was noted that I could drive a car and it was their opinion this would mean I was not that bad if I could do to this and must have reasonable strength in arms and legs if a car is being driven. They knew I used a mobility scooter for most days as I have two on hire. I suppose my main question is that I struggle to walk and always use a mobility scooter not through choice but by need. My car is 15 years old and is used daily by my wife. We need a new vehicle and was hoping to ask the DWP to reconsider my mobility payments and consider higher payment. Not in a rush it takes as long as it does. I have over 6 different MRI proving all my conditions which notes among others serious spinal stenosis in neck and back.

The problem is if I ask them to reconsider and say I can drive then this will surely stop any chance of this commencing and without appealing to court I would stand no chance. How do most motability car drivers get around this. Do they know you drive or are you driven by family, friends or carers. My son and wife would be on the scheme with me and my wife is a carer for me.

I know every case is different but they made such a big deal about the fact I could drive it was unbelievable and made it out that I must be an athlete to achieve this.

Thanks