Driving Mobility has been informed that the Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF), which operates accredited driving assessment centres in the south of England, began a wind-down process on November 11, 2025, with the intention to enter administration thereafter. Further information is available from QEF’s website.

We recognise that this news will cause understandable concern for those who currently have assessments booked with the QEF Mobility Services team, as well as for professionals and organisations who refer clients to our centres.

Please be assured that Driving Mobility is working closely with QEF, other centres within our network of independent mobility centres, and key partners to work through the implications of the QEF announcement and explore how we can minimise disruption for affected clients. In the meantime, for those seeking alternative assessment locations, please use the ‘Find a Centre’ tool on our website to locate your nearest centre. Our priority is to ensure that people awaiting driving or outdoor mobility-related assessments continue to receive the support and guidance they need.

We will provide further updates and information as soon as we can.

We extend our sincere thanks to the QEF team for their longstanding contribution to supporting disabled people and promoting safe, independent mobility.

As the clocks go back and darker nights return, drivers are encouraged to consider whether their vision is “roadworthy”. Poor light conditions can make even minor focusing issues more noticeable, particularly when faced with glare from oncoming headlights or street lighting. For some drivers, this is the first indication that their eyesight may have changed.

According to road safety experts, around 90% of the information needed to drive safely is visual. Ensuring eyesight is up to standard is therefore critical to maintaining safety, confidence, and independence behind the wheel.

During the campaign period, police officers across the country will be engaging with motorists, reminding them of the risks of driving with poor vision and encouraging regular eye tests. Some forces may also carry out roadside vision screenings to check if drivers meet the required standard of reading a number plate from 20 meters.

Drivers whose eyesight falls below this minimum standard risk penalties, including a £1,000 fine, three penalty points, and potential disqualification. Under Cassie’s Law, a licence can be revoked immediately if a police officer deems a driver unsafe following a failed roadside vision test.

The campaign’s central message is clear:

“Is your vision roadworthy?”

Driving Mobility supports all road safety initiatives, which highlight the shared responsibility between drivers, healthcare professionals, and enforcement agencies in promoting safe and independent mobility.

Drivers are encouraged to have regular sight tests – at least every two years, or sooner if advised by an optometrist—and to always wear prescription eyewear while driving. Keeping windscreens clean, lights in good working order, and spectacles free from scratches also helps reduce glare and maintain clear vision, particularly during darker months.

Through our network of independent mobility centres, teams of professionals and approved driving instructors carry out clinical driving assessments for people with medical conditions, disabilities, or sensory impairments. Find out more about the driving assessment process or our guidance on driving with eyesight or hearing impairments.

For more information about eyesight standards for driving and practical guidance on maintaining roadworthy vision, visit  VisionAndDriving.info.

Driving Mobility was proud to be part of the ADINJC & Intelligent Instructor National Conference & Expo ’25, which welcomed over 1,700 visitors. 

 The event provided an excellent platform to raise awareness of how specialist training can support Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) to work more confidently with learners who have disabilities. 

 James Hinkins of Herts Ability was a guest speaker at the event and delivered a presentation titled Driving Mobility: How to Support Drivers with Medical Conditions to a room of professional ADI’s. 

 Many ADIs we spoke to were already teaching people with hidden disabilities and were keen to expand their knowledge to support those with physical disabilities and were interested in our practical two-day course for ADI’s on disability awareness and driving. 

For details of our latest available courses, please see Latest training courses. 

Are you a retailer selling or hiring powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters?

Driving Mobility provides free training, supported by the Department of Transport, that blends online learning with hands-on, in-person experience at Driving Mobility independent centres. Attendees consistently praise the practical approach, expert delivery, and the real-world benefits it brings to their advice and assessments. The benefits to retailers are:

• DfT-recognised accreditation – receive a professional certificate and an eye-catching window sticker to display your commitment to safe, responsible mobility provision.
• Clinically led expertise – acquire best practices for assessing customer needs, under the guidance of approved driving instructors and clinicians.
• Practical confidence – enhance staff skills in effectively matching equipment to the abilities of customers, thereby minimising safety risks.
• Stronger partnerships – build direct links with Driving Mobility centres for referrals and professional support.
• Customer reassurance – foster trust by demonstrating that your service is independently recognised for its quality and safety standards.

What retailers are saying:

18th September – RDAC Manchester
“Enjoyed the day. Great group and open discussion”. Simon Bidle, Learning & Development Partner CareCo

“Found it eye-opening. Really Useful”. Steve Wild, Managing Director, Comfort and Mobility

18th September – Herts Ability
“Very good. Nice to have a refresh of how we can help our customers get the right product”. Philip Oakes, Sales Advisor, 1st Step Mobility

“Very informative and good fun”. Gary Chamberlain, Senior Workshop Technician, Comfort Homecare

“Informative day. Well worth doing”. Bob Martindale, Sales Manager, Comfort Homecare

Upcoming training sessions:

• 7th October – William Merritt Centre, Sheffield
  SOAR Works Enterprise Centre, 14 Knutton Road, Parsons Cross, Sheffield, S5 9NU.
• 21st October – RDAC Solihull
  Patrick Farm Barns, Meriden Road, Hampton in Arden, Solihull, B92 0LT.

New Marketing Pack for Retailers:

Individuals who successfully complete the training will receive press release and customer newsletter templates, along with valuable tips for capturing press-worthy images to share with local media.

Register here to join Driving Mobility’s free PWMS Retailer Training Scheme.

Dementia is a progressive condition that primarily affects memory but can also impact other cognitive skills essential for safe driving, including attention, concentration, judgement, decision-making, problem-solving, multitasking, and reaction times. Driving relies on the ability to carry out these skills quickly, safely, and consistently.

In the early or mild stages of dementia, many clients may still be able to drive safely, as driving is a well-learnt skill. However, as the condition progressively affects cognitive abilities over time, it becomes important to recognise when it may be necessary to stop driving for safety reasons.

Clients can help maintain their driving skills by driving regularly, varying familiar routes, and actively engaging in decision-making while on the road. Observing road signs, maintaining appropriate space for other road users, and not overly relying on passengers for directions can all contribute to safe driving.

As dementia progresses, changes in driving styles may become apparent to family members, friends, or neighbours. These changes may include driving more slowly or faster than usual, altering road position, hesitancy at junctions, forgetting routes, or an increase in vehicle damage. Given that these changes can be challenging for the individual to recognise, it is often necessary to seek professional support to evaluate driving capabilities and provide guidance on subsequent steps.

Your legal requirements

If you are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of dementia, you are legally required to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in England, Scotland, and Wales, or the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland.

This does not automatically mean you must stop driving. The DVLA/DVA will consider your medical information and may:

• Contact your doctor for further details
• Arrange a health check
• Ask you to take a driving assessment

You will subsequently receive a letter detailing the outcome, which may include:

• Renewal of your driving licence
• Issue of a shorter licence (valid for one, two, three, or five years)
• A requirement to adapt your vehicle (more common with physical disabilities)
• A decision that you must stop driving and surrender your licence

If you continue driving after being advised to stop, you could face a fine or prosecution.

It is also a legal requirement to inform your insurance company of a dementia diagnosis. Failure to do so will make your insurance invalid.

How to contact the DVLA (England, Scotland, Wales)

• Phone: 0300 790 6806
• Online: DVLA medical conditions service
• Post: Drivers’ Medical Enquiries, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU

How to contact the DVA (Northern Ireland)

• Phone: 0300 200 7861
• Email: dva@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
• Post: Drivers Medical Section, DVA, Castlerock Road, Waterside, Coleraine, BT51 3TB (include both parts of your licence and a covering letter)

If the DVLA or DVA is not notified, a GP may disclose relevant medical information directly. This is permitted in law but is best avoided by ensuring you notify the authority yourself.

If the licensing agency is uncertain about your ability to drive safely, you may be asked to take a driving assessment through our network of independent mobility centres.

If the DVLA or DVA has suggested that your vehicle be fitted with appropriate adaptations, we highly recommend undertaking a driving assessment. Our expert clinicians and approved driving instructors will be able to make independent recommendations and give you the chance to try adaptations in a safe environment.

A driving assessment is different from a driving test. It is designed to review your driving, and you will be given an honest opinion of your skills and ability. Find out more about our driving assessments.

Retiring from Driving Safely

For some clients, dementia or other age-related conditions may mean it becomes necessary to retire from driving. Planning for driving retirement is an important step to ensure ongoing safety and independence. Driving Mobility’s network of independent mobility centres offers tailored support for clients through this process, including:

• Confirming safe driving ability
• Offering refresher training or skill updates
• Providing guidance on retiring from driving when appropriate
• Advising on practical alternatives to maintain access to the local community

Every client’s situation is different, and the point at which driving should stop varies individually. Families and healthcare professionals can play a valuable role in supporting clients to make informed decisions.

How to Access Support

Clients can self-refer to a local centre, or referrals can be made through healthcare professionals, the DVLA, or Motability. Assessments are carried out by clinicians and Approved Driving Instructors, encompassing both on-road and off-road evaluations. Additionally, cognitive assessments may be included where applicable.

For further information or to make a referral, please visit our Find a Centre page.

Our centres are here to provide guidance, reassurance, and practical support to help clients continue to live safely and independently while making informed decisions about driving.

John has been driving since 1961. For him, driving has always meant one thing above all else: freedom.

Earlier this year, John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and vertigo. These conditions made moving around extremely difficult, and even using a manual wheelchair became a daily struggle. Eventually, John had to stop driving altogether—a loss that deeply affected his independence and quality of life.

John contacted Herts Ability after being referred by social services. He was looking for a way to drive again and regain the confidence that comes with it.

From the very start, John felt supported:

“They were brilliant, very kind and thoughtful. I felt very relaxed during the assessment. Afterwards, I felt very relieved.”

John underwent an assessment to identify his specific needs and was subsequently awarded support through the Driving Assessment Grant (DAG) to help fund the adaptation of his vehicle. This adaptation included the installation of a hoist, enabling John to safely lift his wheelchair into the car.

The impact has been life-changing:

“The hoist helps, as I can now go out by myself. It has made things much easier and has had a very big positive impact on my confidence.”

Without the grant, John would not have been able to proceed with the adaptation. Today, he is back on the road and enjoying the freedom he thought he’d lost.

John encourages anyone in a similar situation not to hesitate:

“Go for it! It will make your life much easier.”

He also recommends Herts Ability to others:

“I would most certainly recommend Herts Ability, as they were very helpful.”

If you or someone you know is struggling to drive due to a medical condition or disability, the friendly teams across our accredited assessment centres are here to help you find the right support and solutions – so you can reimagine your mobility and independence.

The latest Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter (PWMS) training event took place at the QEF Assessment Centre in Carshalton. The session formed part of our national initiative to improve road safety and ensure that customers receive the right advice and support when purchasing or hiring powered mobility vehicles.

The free training process involves two online modules, followed by a practical half-day workshop at a Driving Mobility assessment centre. During the in-person session, participants engage in desk-based learning as well as hands-on product training, both aimed at promoting safer mobility and ensuring that customers feel confident and well-supported.

This most recent event in Carshalton was attended by a wide range of mobility retailers, each keen to develop their skills and deepen their understanding of customers’ needs. The feedback from delegates was overwhelmingly positive:

“Fantastic course, allowing for a better understanding of the cognitive issues of ageing.”
— Billy Hunter, Manager, Sun Mobility, Reading

“The course reassured me that we do a good job — but it was really good to have some conditions explained practically to gain a better understanding.”
— Jenny Richardson, Business Manager, M & J Mobility, Southampton

“Very informative. I have over 30 years’ experience in assessing powered wheelchairs, and I learned invaluable information.”
— Matt James, Director, Precision Rehab Ltd, Hampshire

“Very useful to have a more clinical approach to assessing customers’ needs.”
— Spencer Hadden, Sales Director, Orange Badge Mobility, Lewes

All retailers who complete the training receive a certificate and become an accredited PWMS retailer, recognised by Driving Mobility and the Department for Transport. This not only demonstrates their commitment to customer safety and independence but also reassures the public that they are purchasing from trusted, knowledgeable providers.

We would like to express our gratitude to QEF for hosting the event, as well as to the retailers for their enthusiastic participation and commitment to improving standards within the industry. Together, we can assist more individuals in maintaining their mobility, safety, and confidence.

Find a PWMS Retailer and apply for the course

Learn more about and apply for PWMS training or find your nearest PWMS retailer. Alternatively, find your nearest Driving Mobility assessment centre.

We are pleased to share that the Hubs Mobility Advice Service is now being delivered at a regional level through our network of accredited independent driving and mobility assessment centres.

The Hubs service was created to offer free, impartial travel advice for individuals with disabilities, medical conditions, or age-related mobility challenges. It supports people in exploring accessible transport options and finding alternatives to driving — helping them stay mobile, independent, and connected.

Thanks to its proven value and impact, a number of Driving Mobility’s independent centres are now providing Hubs advice locally. These centres will continue to offer tailored guidance to meet the diverse needs of individuals in their respective regions:

• North East Drive Mobility – Covering County Durham, Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne & Wear
• QEF Mobility Services – Serving South London, Surrey, West Sussex, Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
• Cornwall Mobility – Supporting Cornwall and Devon
• Chester DriveAbility – Providing support across Cheshire and the Wirral

With their dedicated teams and in-depth regional knowledge, these centres remain committed to helping individuals explore public transit, community travel schemes, mobility equipment, and more — all with the goal of supporting independent, informed travel.

Find our more information on our new Hubs Mobility Advice Service page.

Driving Mobility, the charity dedicated to providing help and advice to disabled and older people on safe independent mobility, is excited to announce the launch of a new driving simulator project.

In accordance with a Motability Foundation ‘Reducing Barriers to Driving Programme’ three-year grant totalling £595,000, and in partnership with SimFit2Drive, the project will see the introduction and development of adapted driving simulator technology at five Mobility Centres across the UK.

Driving Mobility accredits a network of independent and NHS ‘fitness to drive’ assessment centres across the UK. The centres routinely undertake assessments, conducted by a qualified clinician (generally an Occupational Therapist) together with an Approved Driving Instructor, aimed at helping drivers of all ages and abilities to gain, regain, or retain the ability to drive safely.

Keith Roper, Driving Mobility COO, said: “The introduction of driving simulators with adapted controls into the Driving Mobility network is a truly exciting prospect. Replacing old and outdated static assessment rigs, the new ‘static sims’ will play a key role in overcoming the barriers to driving that some people, including those with disabilities and health conditions, encounter.

Find a Mobility Centre

For more information, advice or to book an assessment, please use our postcode finder to locate your nearest Mobility Centre.