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 a free PWMS retailer training scheme 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.

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, a national charity supported in England by the Department for Transport, coordinates ‘fitness to drive’ and mobility equipment assessment centres and 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