Driving for Young People with SEND

Support is available to help young people with SEND to learn to drive around the borough.

Advice and Support

Here is some of the support available to help young people with SEND with learning to drive.

Disability Driving Instructors

Disability Driving Instructors support people with a wide range of needs and disabilities. They have specialist instructors who have experience with learner drivers who have SEND. They can help you whether it's your first time driving or if you're getting back into it after an accident or illness. To learn more, visit the Disability Driving Instructors website [External Link].

Disabled Motoring UK

Disabled Motoring UK is a charity which supports disabled drivers, passengers and Blue Badge holders. They also work with the government and businesses across the UK. They aim improve driving services for people with SEND. These include parking, refuelling and accessibility. For more information, visit Disabled Motoring UK's website [External Link].

Help with the Driving Theory Test

Sutton Libraries offer free resources to those who are library members. This comes under 'Theory Test Pro'. These can give you extra help to pass your theory test. You will need your library card number to access this. To learn more, visit Sutton Libraries Digital Courses page [External Link].

Hidden Disabilities

Hidden Disabilities has a range of support and advice if you want to learn to drive with a hidden disability. They have answered many frequently asked questions that you may have. They also have stories from other people with hidden disabilities that you can read. To learn more, visit the Hidden Disabilities Learning to drive with a hidden disability page [External Link].

No Gears Driving School

No Gears Driving School has information on how they support learner drivers with SEND. They have instructors that can support a wide range of needs. They can also make adjustments to their lessons and cars where needed. For more information, visit No Gears Driving School's Special Needs Driver Training page [External Link].

The Family Fund

The Family Fund has a Driving Ambitions Grant. This helps eligible disabled young drivers to start learning to drive. This is for young people aged 16 and 17. It funds provisional licences, theory tests, learning material and a taster lesson. For more information, visit The Family Fund directory page.

The Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme can help towards the cost of driving lessons for young people aged 16-29. To be eligible you must receive one of the following:

• The higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance.

• The enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment.

You must also have or be applying for a mobility car. For more information, visit Motability website [External Link].

The National Autistic Society

The National Autistic society has a range of resources to support autistic people when driving. To view these, visit The National Autistic Society Driving pages [External Link].

The True Colours Trust

The True Colours Trust provides grants for young people and their families aged 18-26 who have a disability. You must be receiving income- related benefits or on a low income. These grants can be used to fund driving lessons. For more information, Visit The True Colours Trust website [External Link].

Pass Driving School

Pass Driving School provide lessons for people with a range of SEND. They have instructors who are experienced in adapting to a wide range of needs. Although you can not always choose your instructor, you are able to view information about them before beginning your lessons. For more information, visit the Pass Driving School Disability and Additional Needs page [External Link].