Although the minimum driving age is normally 17, disabled people who are on the
higher rate of Disability Living Allowance are allowed to start driving at age 16.
Is there a special exam for disabled people?
As a disabled person, you are expected to drive as safely as anybody else
and are therefore required to take the same driving test as any other candidate.
Upon booking your driving examination you should let the DSA know if you have any severe
hearing difficulties or any form of disability that affects your physical movements.
This is so the DSA can allocate extra time for your test to allow you time to get
in and out of the car and to explain any adaptations you use to the examiner.
The Motability scheme
The Motability scheme gives disabled people between 16 and 24 who are on the
higher rate of the Disability Living Allowance the opportunity to own or hire
a car. They may also be able to offer you financial support with the cost of your driving
lessons.
Specially trained instructors
Many of our instructors are specially trained at teaching disabled drivers. Some have taken a special
course at the Banstead Mobility Centre or the Transport Research Laboratory. They can teach you
how to get in and out of the car more easily and advice you of any adaptations that can be
made to your car based on your particular disability.
You can call us on 0800 228 9900
to find out if we have specially trained instructors in your area.