60-second summary
Just looking for an overview? Here what’s you need to know about modifying a car for a disabled driver:
Having a disability doesn’t mean you have to stop driving – there are different ways to modify a car to help you drive safely and comfortably.
You must tell the DVLA and your insurance provider if you have or develop a disability that could affect your ability to drive.
A driving mobility assessment can help you identify what car modifications might help with your disability.
In some cases, you may need to change your car to accommodate your disability – for example, switching to a car with an automatic transmission, or to one that is wheelchair-accessible.
Car insurance providers are not allowed to discriminate against you because of your disability, but they could charge you more for cover if your adapted vehicle would cost more to repair.
Can I modify my car for a disabled driver?
Nearly any car can be modified for a disabled person, whether it’s to make driving safer and more comfortable or to make it easier to get in and out of the car.
In many cases, the driver can use the original controls with adaptations in place. This allows other drivers to use the car too. But almost all adapted cars for disabled drivers need an automatic transmission.
How do I adapt a car for upper-body disabilities?
If you’ve lost the use of one arm or have limited arm strength, you have a few options. You could:
Fit a steering wheel ball or joystick to help you turn the wheel more easily
Mount a touchpad near the steering wheel to operate the indicators, windscreen wipers and headlights
Move the handbrake to the right of the driver’s seat.
If you’ve lost the use of both arms, you could try a foot-operated steering wheel.
How do I adapt a car for lower-body disabilities?
If you’ve lost the use of one of your legs or have reduced leg strength, you could:
Move the accelerator pedal to the left of the brake
Fit an electronic accelerator behind the steering wheel
Move the pedals closer to the driver’s seat.
If you’ve lost the use of both legs, you could use hand controls instead of standard foot pedals.
How can I adapt my vehicle for a wheelchair?
Some wheelchair users have problems getting in and out of vehicles. Cars with easy access for disabled drivers can make life a lot easier.
Some modifications make it easier for wheelchair users to move between their wheelchair and the car seat. These include:
A transfer plate, which provides a smooth surface between the wheelchair and car seat
A person hoist, which physically lifts you in and out of the car
A swivel seat, which makes it easier to move from the car to your wheelchair.
Another option is a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV). These allow a wheelchair user to drive or travel as a passenger while seated in the wheelchair. WAVs are often larger vehicles, such as multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), because the seats are removed to accommodate the wheelchair.
Other possible adaptations include:
An automatic ramp or lift to give you access to the car from the back or side
A lowered floor for extra headroom
An automatic wheelchair-loading system.
Is it better to buy a new car or modify my current car?
It depends on the kind of changes you need to make. In some cases, a few simple car mobility aids could allow you to keep the vehicle you feel most comfortable driving. And customising your own car may be cheaper than buying a new one.
However, to understand what adaptations you might need to drive safely and comfortably, it’s important to get advice from a specialist. They can advise if you may be better off adapting your current car or getting a new one that’s tailored to your needs.
Can I modify my car myself?
You’ll likely need a specialist supplier to fit more complex disability aids. Disability modifications may need to be specially designed to fit a certain make or model of car, so it’s not something you can buy off the shelf.
Before you fit any modifications, it’s worth seeking expert advice to make sure you get the right adaptations for your needs. After all, it’s a question of safety.
It’s also important to note that disability modifications may not be compatible with every make and model of car. In some cases, you may need to get a different vehicle that can be adapted for your needs.
For example, cars may need to be automatic to be adapted for drivers who have lost the use of their limbs. Or cars may need to be a certain size to be made wheelchair-accessible.
Did you know?
The government is already adapting the Highway Code to make way for driverless cars. In the not-too-distant future, these could transform the lives of disabled people, giving more independence.
What’s the Motability Scheme?
The Motability Scheme allows disabled people to lease a new car using their mobility allowance. You can also use the scheme to lease a scooter, powered wheelchair or wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
You could be eligible for the Motability Scheme if you receive certain benefits:
The higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
The enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
The Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
The enhanced rate of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland)
The higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment (in Scotland).
Under the scheme, your benefit goes directly to pay for the lease of a car that works for your disability. The Motability Scheme can connect you to local dealers that can help you find a compatible vehicle and fit a range of adaptations – some at no extra cost.
The Motability Scheme also includes:
Car insurance cover for up to three drivers for your chosen vehicle
Road tax, unless you choose to pay it yourself
Regular services and MOT tests
Breakdown cover.
You’ll need to pay for:
Any adaptations to the lease vehicle that are not covered under the scheme
Fuel
An excess mileage cost if you exceed the mileage allowance for your lease.
Can I get car insurance for a car with disability modifications?
Yes. Insurance providers aren’t allowed to refuse cover on the grounds of disability, thanks to the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. Nor can they discriminate by charging higher prices to drivers with disabilities.
However, they can charge more if they can statistically prove that you’re at higher risk of making a claim, or that a claim is likely to cost them more. For example, if they can show that your car would cost more to repair because of any adaptations that have been made, they can raise your premium.
If you’re modifying your car, you’ll need to let your insurance provider know to ensure you’re fully covered. It’s also worth checking that you can get a modified courtesy car if you have an accident, and whether you can add carers to the policy as named drivers.
Here at Compare the Market, we can help you compare disability car insurance and search for a great-value deal.
What are the laws about driving with a disability?
You’ll need a valid driving licence to legally drive in the UK, and you must comply with the medical standards of fitness to drive.
You need to let the DVLA know if you develop a disability or medical condition that might affect your driving or if an existing disability gets worse. You’ll also need to notify your insurance provider.
If an accident or illness leaves you with a physical impairment or disability, you’ll need to have an assessment. The DVLA will be able to tell you if you need to adapt your car with special controls.
You can get an independent assessment of your driving needs from government-backed charity Driving Mobility, which has centres throughout the UK.
Need further help?
Here’s a few sources if you need more details about cars and transport for disabled drivers:
Looking for a car insurance quote?
Compare car insurance quotes with us and see if you could start saving.
FAQs
Can you drive with a prosthetic leg?
Usually yes, depending on your personal circumstances, though it might take a bit of practice and a few adaptations.
As with any disability or medical condition that may affect your driving ability, you must tell the DVLA if you’ve had a limb amputated. You might be issued with a licence to drive an automatic car or a car with specialist controls, but you’ll only be refused a licence in extreme cases.
Can you buy a pre-modified car for a disabled driver?
Yes, you can buy cars designed with the disabled driver in mind. Disability car suppliers offer models that are adapted for disabled drivers, alongside a range of mobility cars, MPVs and wheelchair-accessible minibuses.
Where can I rent a car as a disabled driver?
You can hire a modified or adapted vehicle, often at no extra cost, from mainstream car rental companies.
How much does it cost to modify a car for a disabled driver?
How much you pay to adapt your car can depend on a number of factors, such as the type of vehicle you drive and the modifications you need. An impartial driving assessment can help you identify what adaptations you need for your disability and advise on cost.
Julie is passionate about delivering a great customer experience and rewarding people for saving on their insurance through our loyalty and rewards programme. She’s spoken to the media, including outlets like Sky News, about car and home insurance, as well as our Meerkat rewards scheme.
Rory Reid is a car and technology expert. He serves as the main presenter on Auto Trader’s YouTube channel and was previously a host on the BBC’s Top Gear and its sister show Extra Gear. He was also a presenter on Fifth Gear.
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