DWP and DVLA issue major driving licence update to people on 15 benefits
People claiming any of 15 benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) have been handed a big driving licence update. Thanks to the DWP and DVLA, people who claim a string of benefits could be eligible for free driving lessons through a grant provided by the Motability Scheme.
The 'Driving Lessons Grant Programme' offers grants towards the cost of learning to drive for disabled individuals who hold a provisional licence and wish to obtain a full one. It also provides grants to disabled individuals who already have a licence but need familiarisation lessons.
For those with a provisional driving licence, the scheme offers up to 40 hours of driving lessons to help them pass their driving test. Benefits claimants will still need to cover the costs of both the theory and practical driving tests themselves.
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To qualify for the free driving lessons, you must have a current lease agreement on the Motability Scheme or a pending application for a vehicle on the Motability Scheme, with a confirmed delivery date within the next four months.
James Armstrong, CEO of Veygo Insurance, said: "With the average driving lesson now costing £35 per hour, and learner drivers needing around 45 hours of professional instruction to pass their tests, the cost of learning to drive is currently sitting around £1,575. This is a huge cost and barrier to learning to drive for many across the country."
Motability states: "All grant applications are means-tested to ensure Motability supports those most in need of a charitable grant and help as many beneficiaries as possible with the charitable funds available. This means we will look at your financial situation to determine if we are able to provide a grant towards your lessons."
Eligible benefits include Job Seekers Allowance (income-based), Child Tax Credit, Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment, Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP, Council Tax Benefit (Council Tax Support, Council Tax Reduction) and Income Support, as well as Employment and Support Allowance (income-related).
Working Tax Credit, Universal Credit, Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of the Adult Disability Payment and Housing Benefit complete the list alongside War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, Armed Forces Independence Payment and Pension Guarantee Credit.