Rob Heard, a retired Police Sergeant who works with Driving Mobility, has received an MBE in the New Year Honours List, officially recognising his tireless commitment to improving road safety.

Rob Heard MBE, 58 from Hampshire, served as a Police Officer for 30 years. In his last 5 years he was the Road Safety Sergeant for Hampshire and Thames Valley Police and dealt with over 100 fatalities. He witnessed first-hand the consequences of dangerous driving and since retiring, has committed his time to consulting and campaigning for road safety. A priority for Rob has been supporting and signposting older drivers through his consultative work for Driving Mobility.

Supported by the Department for Transport in England, Driving Mobility is the national charity that accredits a network of NHS and independent ‘fitness to drive’ and mobility assessment centres. The occupational therapists and Approved Driving Instructors at each centre assess and advise clients, including those signposted from the DVLA, NHS, Motability and Police. Driving Mobility also delivers a range of additional services and projects including those spearheaded by Rob. One such initiative is the Police Alternative to Prosecution Scheme for Older Drivers which is provided in conjunction with several constabularies. Rob also continually campaigns for older drivers to reach out to Driving Mobility centres for assessment of their driving skills and eyesight.

On becoming a Member of the Order of the British Empire, Rob said: “I feel very humbled to receive this MBE, there are so many people deserving of recognition for the hard work and dedication they give to make a difference. I am passionate about road safety and I have really seen how effective giving advice and support can be to making roads safer for all. I truly recognise success has been down to a team effort and I appreciate all the support I have received from many.”

“Working with Driving Mobility for many years has highlighted to me how caring and supportive all its staff are. They are dedicated to enabling people to be mobile and independent for as long as possible. Equally if being behind the wheel is no longer viable, they are wonderful at helping people retire from driving and find other ways to get around. I am proud to work with Driving Mobility and look forward to supporting the charity again in 2025 and beyond.”

All at Driving Mobility congratulate Rob on his achievement and believe it is fully deserved. In conclusion, Edward Trewhella, CEO Driving Mobility, adds: “This official recognition of Rob’s trailblazing attitude to road safety is to be commended. His level of commitment to reducing risk on the roads always reflects our own values and ethos. Rob has, and will always be, a valued partner in our proposition. Well done Rob Heard MBE!”

#MyDrivingMobility

Jackson Bogle, 19 from Seaforde in Northern Ireland, has passed his driving test with one arm thanks to specialist tuition from Disability Action (accredited by Driving Mobility) and received a Driving Assessment Grant (DAG) from the Motability Foundation to fund his car adaptations.

Jackson Bogle works as a gym fitness instructor and customer service advisor in Belfast. He approached the charity Disability Action early in 2024 regarding specialist driving tuition. Disability Action, also based in Belfast, is accredited by the charity Driving Mobility which coordinates ‘fitness to drive’ centres across the UK. These centres assist drivers with restricted mobility who either self-refer or are signposted for assessment from the NHS, Motability, DVLA/DVA and the Police.

Jackson wanted to obtain his driving licence and as he has one arm, he sought professional guidance from the Occupational Therapists and Approved Driving Instructors who work for Disability Action. Through their guidance and a grant from the Motability Foundation, he received funds to cover costs of adaptations to his car and familiarisation sessions, so driving independently for the first time could be a reality.

Jackson starts his story: “I found out about Driving Mobility a different way for sure. A family member knew one of the team at the Belfast centre. I got in touch with them about learning to drive through specialist support. I needed a car with steering controls that would allow me to drive safely with one arm. They had vehicles at the centre which cater for me, so I went along to find out more. It was during this time I was told me about the DAG grant. I was amazed and took up the offer.”

DAG is a grant funding scheme provided by the Motability Foundation and administered by Driving Mobility to assist disabled drivers who are not Motability Scheme customers. The grant can help towards the costs of a driving assessment, vehicle adaptations and familiarisation lessons at a Driving Mobility Centre.

Jackson learnt to drive in a car fitted with a ‘Smart Steer’ Bluetooth steering ‘lollipop’ attached to the wheel. This advanced steering knob incorporates buttons for secondary controls such as indicators, windscreen wipers and headlights. This means Jackson can always keep his hand on the wheel. With the help of Disability Action, he passed his driving test first time but still faced the challenge of driving independently in his own car. Jackson was therefore ‘over the moon’ to learn that a grant could fund the supply and fitting of the required adaptations to his own car as well as familiarisation sessions. Without this grant, he would have had to save for a long time to afford the equipment and during this period, driving would have been impossible.

Are you looking for a grant to help with the costs of a driving assessment and vehicle adaptations? Click here to find out more about how to apply: https://www.drivingmobility.org.uk/useful-information/driving-assessment-grant/

 

#MyDrivingMobility

Driving Mobility is pleased to announce new dates for the FREE Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter (PWMS) Retailer Training Scheme practical sessions in 2025. 

This essential training, supported by the Department for Transport (DfT), aims to improve road safety and ensure end users receive tailored advice when purchasing or hiring mobility vehicles.

Upcoming practical sessions in 2025:

• 29th January – RDAC Manchester, Salford
• 4th March – William Merit Centre, Leeds
• 2nd April – East Anglian DriveAbility, Thetford
• 25th April  – Devon Assessment Centre, Exeter
• 8th May – RDAC Manchester, Salford
• 20th June – Cornwall Mobility, Truro
• 18th September – Herts Ability, Welwyn Garden City
• 21st October – RDAC Solihull, Hampton in Arden

Why is this free training being offered?
Until now, there has been no consistent national industry scheme for assessing and training new mobility scooter or powerchair users. This has often led to individuals purchasing vehicles unsuitable for their abilities, compromising their safety and that of others.

The PWMS Retailer Training Scheme improves road safety by:

• Ensuring retailers can assess and advise their customers effectively on the right product
• Promoting safe use of mobility vehicles in public spaces
• Giving the public confidence they are purchasing from reputable, trained retailers.

Retailers who successfully complete the course will receive a DfT-approved certificate and an eye-catching window sticker to display, showcasing their commitment to high standards of customer care.

The training consists of two parts:

• A short online module
• A hands-on, half-day session at one of our specialist Driving Mobility centres.

 

“By undergoing this employee training, staff at mobility retailers will be better informed and more confident, ultimately leading to a safer ownership experience for end users. I encourage all mobility retailers to take advantage of this free training not only to gain official accreditation but also to influence future safety legislation from the Government. This will not hinder customer purchases; in fact, it will enhance customer support and lead to more recommendations.”
Edward Trewhella, CEO, Driving Mobility.

 

It’s crucial that we improve road safety for everyone, including owners of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. This scheme, backed by the Government, will help ensure that individuals with restricted mobility can navigate independently and confidently by providing user training. I am pleased to support it through our funding.”
Richard Holden MP, Roads and Accessibility Minister.

To find out more or to register yourself or your colleagues for the PWMS Retailer Training Scheme, contact us at info@drivingmobility.org.uk or click here

#MyDrivingMobility

A new report, Insights into the Flying Experience of People with Postural Seating Needs, commissioned by Driving Mobility and conducted by ableMove with funding from the Department for Transport (DfT), reveals critical challenges faced by passengers with postural needs during air travel. Based on data from 151 passengers, healthcare professionals, and sector experts in the UK, the findings underline the need for urgent improvements across the UK aviation industry.

 

Key Findings:

• Safety concerns: 78% of respondents reported unsafe experiences with aisle chairs.
• Dissatisfaction with postural support devices: 72% expressed dissatisfaction with available postural seating devices onboard.
• Access to information: 81% struggled to find reliable guidance on managing postural needs when flying.
• Inconsistent airline practices around postural support devices: Airline policies and staff awareness vary widely, affecting service quality.
• Low awareness and availability of transfer equipment: Essential equipment like slings and Eagle hoists is underutilised due to limited awareness and inconsistent availability.
• Underutilisation of SATAC services: Specialist Air Travel Advice Centres (SATACs), which provide critical postural device trials and assessments, remain underused due to low awareness and accessibility challenges.

 

For many disabled people with postural support needs, finding out about options for air travel that meet their needs and making sure those needs are met on board can be hugely challenging. This report highlights both problems and potential solutions, and focusses on practical steps that the airline industry, health care professionals and Government can take, as well as the role of Driving Mobility centres in providing expert advice to enable disabled people to plan their journeys. Ann Frye, President of Driving Mobility

Recommendations:
The report identifies 12 actionable recommendations, including:

• Enhancing training for airline staff on postural support needs and transferring equipment.
• Increasing awareness, access and potential expansion to SATACs to improve support for passengers with postural needs.
• Expanding the availability of postural support devices and ensuring consistent airline policies.
• Strengthening collaboration between airlines, governments, and healthcare providers to create a more inclusive travel environment.

 

“​​While the UK aviation industry has made progress in addressing the needs of passengers with postural support requirements, significant barriers remain. This report calls for urgent action from various stakeholders—not just within the aviation industry—on safety, policy alignment, greater awareness of available equipment, and increased innovation to improve postural support devices.” Josh Wintersgill, Founder and Director of ableMove

For further details, visit AbleMove or Driving Mobility.

ableMove Contact:
Josh Wintersgill
AbleMove Ltd.
Email: joshwintersgill@ablemove.co.uk
Phone: 07770510766

Driving Mobility Contact:
Name: Edward Trewhella
Role: CEO
Email: edward@drivingmobility.org.uk
Phone: 07943 707958

#MyDrivingMobility

James Sweeney, 57 from Derry, has been able to continue driving with a disability thanks to the Driving Assessment Grant (DAG), funded by the Motability Foundation and provided by Disability Action, accredited by the charity Driving Mobility.

James works in domiciliary care administration for the Department for Health in Northern Ireland. He has lived with spinal muscular dystrophy since birth and, until recently, has been able to drive a standard manual car. Driving independently is essential for James as he is only able to walk short distances due to his condition. After the Covid pandemic he noticed that his mobility had changed, particularly in his legs, so he decided to contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) Northern Ireland. They advised that he booked a driving assessment at his local Driving Mobility centre, which is managed by the charity Disability Action. At that time James was not aware of a grant that could pay for his assessment and any adapted driving controls he might need. When he was informed that he might qualify for a grant to the cover the cost he was delighted.

James picks up his story: ” I needed to make sure I was safe on the road, for me and everyone else. I met with one of the centre’s Driving Assessors, Andrew, who explained the process and made me aware of the grant. I was unaware there was funding to cover the cost of driving adaptations to a private car. This was fantastic news. I completed a driving assessment for about 40 minutes in one of the centre’s cars where I got to try out push-pull hand controls for the accelerator and brake. Andrew recommended the best hand controls and then all I had to do was get quotes from different suppliers and the grant would pay for them to be fitted. It was a fluent and quick process in the end and very stress free.”

DAG is a grant funding scheme funded by the Motability Foundation and administered by Driving Mobility to assist disabled drivers who are not Motability Scheme customers. The grant can help towards the costs of a driving assessment, vehicle adaptations and familiarisation lessons at a Driving Mobility Centre.

James’ private car was fitted with his new controls and after two months of use, he finds the adaptations second nature to use. “I feel like I have been driving with them for years,” says James. He goes on to thoroughly recommend Driving Mobility: “I think they do an excellent job and without them I wouldn’t have been aware of the grant. I enjoy photography so being able to drive independently will help me continue with this hobby. However mainly the car is for day-to-day living, even just getting to the shops on my own is massive. I want to remain independent and not have to rely on others. Having the hand controls has given me more confidence to be out driving and I feel safer on the road. Driving Mobility has given me the freedom to get out and about and get anywhere I want to.”

In conclusion he adds: “I would recommend Driving Mobility services 100%. Firstly, I think they are extremely professional yet friendly and approachable at the same time. They made the process very comfortable right from the beginning. It was straightforward and there was no pressure. I have always had the philosophy of finding ways to make my life easier and so using hand controls was the solution I needed. It is a massive step forwards in terms of my mobility and independence.”

Are you looking for a grant to help with the costs of a driving assessment and vehicle adaptations? Click here to find out more about how to apply: https://www.drivingmobility.org.uk/useful-information/driving-assessment-grant/

#MyDrivingMobility

Fatal Accident Inquiry determination highlights

Alexander Paul Thomas Irvine (“Xander”) died as a result of having been struck by a motor vehicle on Morningside Road, Edinburgh, on 30 June 2020.

The cause of the collision was the loss of control of the vehicle by the driver and owner, Edith Duncan. who was aged 91. Ms Duncan lost control of the vehicle while attempting to perform a turning manoeuvre on Morningside Road, Edinburgh, a two-way street in an urban area. As a result she drove her vehicle onto the opposite carriageway, over the kerb and onto the pavement, striking Xander and his mother. The loss of control was entirely caused by Edith Duncan’s inability to perform safely what would otherwise have been a routine turning manoeuvre. She was, at the time, suffering from significantly impaired cognitive ability as a result of undiagnosed frontotemporal dementia, and was unfit to drive or hold a driving licence.

Driving Mobility response

Like everyone else we are deeply saddened by this tragic event and our thoughts are with the family of Xander Irvine.

We noted the recommendations of the Sherriff’s Fatal Accident Inquiry. Particularly the statement that drivers should only continue driving if they have ‘successfully undertaken a short initial cognitive assessment. Failure to pass that assessment should result in both the application for renewal, and any current licence, being suspended pending further assessment’.

Driving Mobility is a charity dedicated to providing help and advice to older and disabled people on safe independent mobility. We accredit a network of independent and NHS ‘fitness to drive’ assessment centres across the UK. These centres already routinely provide this type of assessment either on self-referral by the older person or their family or through a referral from DVLA, the NHS, Motability or the police.

Our clinical assessment services help to enable drivers, of all ages and abilities, to retain or regain the ability to drive safely. Older drivers make up a significant proportion of the clients who come to our centres for assessment by a qualified clinician (generally an occupational therapist) and an Approved Driving Instructor.

Our professional teams carry out cognitive and practical driving assessments, to identify clients who are able to continue to drive safely, those who are not considered safe and individuals who may need tuition. We also provide help and advice on alternatives to driving for those not considered safe to continue behind the wheel.

Driving Mobility centres carry out some 13,000 assessments annually.  Between 3,000 and 4,000 each year are people who have some form of cognitive impairment including dementia. Approximately half of those tested are likely to be found to be unfit to drive.

#DrivingMobility

Attended by a healthy number of local mobility equipment dealers, Herts Ability, the accredited Driving Mobility centre based in Welwyn Garden City, has hosted the latest Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter (PWMS) Retailer Training Course.

Supported by the Department for Transport in England, the charity Driving Mobility provides this customer assessment and safety training scheme for mobility scooter retailers. The courses aim to improve road safety for all – through a process that ensures people looking to purchase, or hire mobility vehicles, are given comprehensive advice on the right product for their individual needs along with safe driving guidance.

The course at Herts Ability was split in two halves, welcoming two different groups to complete the training. Attendees had a range of expertise from new starters to assessors and manufacturers of specialist equipment. Following an indoor presentation and discussion, the trainees completed a test drive on different scooters and wheelchairs and experienced what this element of an assessment would involve. The participants also learnt about visual field deficits and other vision impairments, using specialist glasses which proved to be an insightful exercise. Both groups came together for lunch where some good quality networking took place.

James Hinkins, who led the course said: “It was a pleasure to support these independent companies in completing the PWMS retailer training. I believe we all formed new professional relationships which will be beneficial to not just us, but individuals living in the local area with restricted mobility. By working together, we can ensure better, more appropriate mobility product provision for greater independence and road safety in the community.”

To sign up for a free training course near you, contact Driving Mobility on: info@drivingmobility.org.uk

#DrivingMobility #HertsAbility #PWMS

Cornwall Mobility, the accredited Driving Mobility centre with headquarters in Truro, was proud to recently host the latest Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter (PWMS) Retailer Training course.

The course aims to provide safer roads for all, by ensuring retailers are trained to carry out appropriate client assessments so the most suitable mobility equipment is prescribed.

PWMS Assessors Shelly and Shawn ran this engaging and insightful course from Cornwall Mobility’s centre at Skypark, Exeter.  All retailers who attended became qualified to ensure their customers only receive equipment that they can control safely. These approved skills can be displayed through a qualification certificate and eye-catching window sticker.

It was a positive day with fantastic feedback from attendees – Cornwall Mobility would like to thank everyone who took part.

To sign up for a free training course near you, contact Driving Mobility on: info@drivingmobility.org.uk

#PWMS #DrivingMobility

Driving Mobility, the charity that coordinates ‘fitness to drive’ and mobility equipment assessment centres for the Department for Transport, will be offering OT-led CPD seminars on its exhibition stand at the OT Show – B55, NEC, 27-28 November 2024.

 

The CPD schedule this year will be:

1. ‘Hubs Mobility Advice Service – how do we keep connected in
the community?’

Date and times: 27 Nov – 10:30-10:45
Speaker: Maisie Casey – RDAC Manager, Business Operations

Date and times: 28^th Nov – 10:30-10:45
Speaker: Maisie Casey – RDAC Manager, Business Operations

Synopsis

Operated by Driving Mobility, the Hubs Mobility Advice Service advises on accessible transport solutions that enable people to stay connected with their community and beyond, especially when driving is not an option. Hubs aims to do this through:

• Encouraging and enabling older drivers to consider a driving retirement plan
• Providing guidance on inclusive public transport options
• Signposting to local partners such as community transport schemes
• Travel ‘befriending’ and ‘buddying’ services
• Providing information on the legal rights of disabled passengers
• Offering advice on appropriate mobility equipment

Learning outcomes
Attendees will gain insight into how the Hubs Mobility Advice Service works with healthcare professionals to improve awareness of transport and travel options for clients with restricted mobility. The session will also explore how the Driver Retirement Plan is a working tool that can help avoid the trauma of driving cessation.

2. ‘The Driving Assessment Experience’

Date and times: 27 Nov 12:30-12:45
Speaker: Dominic Hibbin – RDAC Assessment Manager and ADI

Date and times: 28^th Nov 12:30-12:45
Speaker: Rebecca Houlden – RDAC Assessment Manager and OT

Synopsis

Assessment Managers from the local Driving Mobility centre, operated by RDAC in Solihull, will provide an overview of what clients can expect when attending a driving assessment.

Learning outcomes

OT delegates will have a greater understanding of:

• What is a driving assessment.
• Roles within a driving assessment service.
• Adaptations and equipment.
• Where to access driving assessment services.

3. ‘The role of the OT in driving assessment and outdoor mobility’

Date and times: 27^th Nov 14:30-14:45
Speaker: Dominic Hibbin – RDAC Assessment Manager and ADI

Date and times: 28^th Nov 14:30-14:45

Speaker: Rebecca Houlden, RDAC Assessment Manager and OT

Synopsis

This CPD session will outline the role of occupational therapists in driving assessment and outdoor mobility.

Learning outcomes

OT delegates will have a greater understanding of:

• The role of an OT in driving assessment and outdoor mobility.
• Assessing physical and cognitive ability.
• Medical fitness to drive.

https://www.drivingmobility.org.uk/

https://www.hubsmobilityadvice.com/

 

#MyDrivingMobility

National charity Driving Mobility, has been awarded a significant three-year Motability Foundation grant, to work with DriveAbility Scotland to continue to expand its vital driving assessment services in Scotland.

Driving Mobility coordinates a network of charity-funded and NHS centres across the UK which provide clinically-led ‘fitness to drive’ assessments, guidance on mobility equipment and accessible travel advice. Supported by The Department for Transport (DfT) in England, Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs), guide and support individuals who self-refer or are signposted from the DVLA, the Motability Scheme, Police and NHS. Every member of staff is committed to enabling people with disabilities to drive or travel safely.

Opened in 2021, DriveAbility Scotland was the first Driving Mobility centre to support Scottish residents. It is now a registered charity in Scotland. The centre in Glasgow established a fleet of dual controlled cars with various specialist driving adaptations so clients could be assessed and given recommendations. However, funding to keep the service open had become a challenge and there was a risk of closure, until the Motability Foundation  offered a substantial grant to Driving Mobility

This funding will ensure services are sustained until 2027 and have allowed the charity to implement and plan:

• Expansion to full time services at new headquarters in Glasgow
• Develop new centres and outreach services outside the Central Belt
• Purchase new vehicles and fit with adaptations, including a drive-from-wheelchair option
• Recruit and train more staff
• Update IT systems

Andrew Swain, DriveAbility Scotland Centre Manager, comments: “The team and I are absolutely delighted with the £1.5 million that Motability has granted us. As the future of our services were in jeopardy, along with the independence of disabled Scottish drivers, we had to reach out to this valued stakeholder. Driving Mobility and Motability have always worked closely together to achieve common goals and this latest investment reiterates our strong relationship.”

“The funding will deliver significant change in Scotland. Not only will it bring services closer to more communities, but it will also strengthen our proposition in terms of assessment adaptations and vehicles. Ultimately meaning more people are enabled with all the mental health and well-being benefits it provides. Our team has a renewed sense of vigour.”

Andrew also adds: “While the Motability Foundation funding will enable us to build up a network of services across Scotland, we will need the support of the Scottish Government to keep the service viable in the longer term.  If the model of funding support built up by the Department for Transport in England could be replicated by Transport Scotland it would ensure that we can continue to support disabled and older drivers across all regions of Scotland.”

This positivity has been reiterated by Lisa Jones, Motability Foundation Director of Charitable Operations, who concludes: “We’re delighted to award Driving Mobility with this grant to expand its driving assessment services in Scotland, so that disabled people interested in learning to drive have the tools they need to do so. Awarding grants to experienced organisations like Driving Mobility helps us to make an immediate difference to the transport needs of disabled people.”

 

#MyDrivingMobility