Travel

Motability and car tax for disabled people

If you get a higher rate mobility benefit, you can lease a car, scooter or powered wheelchair, and you may not have to pay car tax.

Written by Neil Hyde Last checked 1 minute read

The Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme lets you use your mobility benefit to lease a new car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair. Insurance, servicing, breakdown cover and tyres are included. Some cars need an upfront payment.

You can join if you get:

  • the enhanced rate mobility part of PIP
  • the higher rate mobility part of DLA
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement

You do not need to drive. You can name up to two other people as drivers.

Car tax (vehicle excise duty)

You can get:

  • free car tax if you get the higher rate mobility part of DLA, the enhanced rate mobility part of PIP, Armed Forces Independence Payment or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
  • half price car tax if you get the standard rate mobility part of PIP

The vehicle must be registered in the disabled person's name or their nominated driver's name, and used only for their needs. You can apply when you tax the vehicle.

Other help with cars

  • VAT relief on adapting a vehicle for a disabled person
  • Grants towards a vehicle or adaptations from the Motability charity for some people on the scheme
  • the Blue Badge for parking

Sources we used

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