Disability

Licensing, taxing & insuring a car

Driving licence
If you receive the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) at the higher rate, you can get a provisional licence when you are 16 years old rather than 17. Applicants for a new driving licence are under a legal obligation to declare any disability.

If you have a medical condition which has become worse since your licence was issued or you develop a new medical condition, you must inform the Drivers Medical Group (DVLA) of your condition, as it may affect your fitness to drive. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.

Vehicle Excise Duty (Road Tax) Exemptions
If you receive the DLA Mobility Component at the higher rate, or a War Pensioners Mobility Supplement, you may apply for a tax exempt disc for one car which is used by, or on behalf of, the disabled person. More information is available from the DVLA. Click on the 'Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency' link (under External Links on the right of this page) and select the vehicle section and 'how to license/tax your vehicle'). The exemption certificate V188 can also be obtained from your local post office or from MAVIS (Mobility Advice and Vehicle Information Service).

Car insurance
When you apply for insurance you have a responsibility to declare the full facts about your disability – failure to do this could invalidate your policy. You also need to inform your insurers about all alterations made to the vehicle.
Insurance companies cannot refuse cover or increase their charge for a vehicle that has been adapted for a disabled person, unless they have evidence of an increased risk. However, since the cost of repairs for an adapted vehicle may be higher than usual, insurance companies can quote a higher premium to reflect this.

Some insurance brokers and companies specialise in policies for disabled drivers.

MAVIS (Mobility Advice and Vehicle Information Service) has information on motor insurance for the disabled driver.