People claiming benefits from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) could be eligible for up to 40 hours of free driving lessons. Learning to drive can be costly, with the RAC estimating the average one-hour lesson costing between £25 and £30.
DWP Claimants to Get 40 Hours of Free Driving Lessons
In general, it takes people around 45 hours of driving lessons before being able to pass their test, which can cost them between £1000 and £1,350. However, people claiming some DWP benefits may be eligible for 40 free hours, which enables them to save an important amount of money.
People can access free lessons through Motability which helps people who struggle with mobility issues or disabilities. You have to be a Motability customer or have previously ordered a Motability vehicle in order to benefit from the offer.
Cars and vehicles with wheelchair access are rented out to people by Motability who are used to receiving a disability benefit. To use their service, you need to be claiming one of the following benefits:
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
In order to qualify for the 40 free hours of driving lessons, you must also be a claimant of a means-tested benefit. This includes:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
- Job Seekers Allowance (income-based)
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Benefit
- Pension Guarantee
- Credit Working Tax Credit
Students under the age of 25 whose parents get an eligible benefit are also able to apply for the Motability scheme.
How to Apply for a Motability Driving Lesson
If you think you're eligible, you'll have to contact Motability on 0800 500 3186 and request a Driving Lesson Grant application form. Motability will then check your financial status to ensure that it is able to provide a grant.
Your application review can take up to ten weeks. If you qualify, you'll be granted with driving lessons through the AA Driving School.
The AA will find an instructor for you, who will then contact you to schedule your first lesson. However, it is important to keep in mind that you'll still be required to pay for your theory and practical driving tests.
According to Motability guidelines, you should take and complete your lessons within 12 months. It is also possible for JobCentres to offer funding through the Flexible Support Fund.
DWP Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP, clarified in a written response to Conservative MP Ben Bradley last year: “Service Leaders in Jobcentres can allocate funding for driving lessons through the Flexible Support Fund, where they feel this is an appropriate use of funds. Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis.”