Driving Mobility joined the Naidex 2026 exhibition as part of the National Highways stand, where the adapted driving simulator from the William Merritt Centre (WMC) once again proved to be a popular attraction.

Naidex, one of the UK’s most established events for the disability community, brings together innovators, care professionals, and people with lived experience. The two-day event showcases solutions to improve mobility and accessibility, highlights emerging technologies, and explores the future of inclusive design. It attracts around 12,000 visitors each year, including disabled people, families, and carers seeking practical advice and support.

Throughout the event the adapted driving simulator, fitted with push/pull hand controls, drew a steady stream of visitors. The simulator provided an opportunity for attendees to experience adapted driving in a safe and supportive environment, complementing National Highways’ focus on ensuring that disabled road users can travel safely and confidently.

The Driving Mobility team, including David Blythe (WMC Centre Manager and Driving Mobility Board member), Lisa Deacon (ShopMobility UK Project Manager), and Keith Roper (Driving Mobility Chief Executive), engaged with hundreds of visitors over the two days.

Many prospective drivers, including wheelchair users, were eager to try the simulator’s hand controls and learn more about the support available through Driving Mobility’s network of independent mobility centres. Discussions focused on driving assessments, vehicle adaptations, and the range of adapted vehicles available to trial across the UK.

Events such as Naidex provide an important opportunity to raise awareness of the support available, helping more people to explore safe and independent mobility options with confidence.

A new independent driving and mobility centre, South Coast DriveAbility, has begun delivering assessment services across the South Coast region.

While preparations continue for the centre’s permanent base in Fareham, expected to open in April, the team has already started seeing clients at a number of outreach locations.

The first driving assessments were delivered in Salisbury on 6 February, followed by passenger assessments in Bournemouth on 10 February. Further services are being introduced in Eastleigh, where the first client will be seen on 20 February, with arrangements also in place to begin assessments in Newport on the Isle of Wight.

South Coast DriveAbility will provide clinically informed driving and mobility assessments delivered by specialist teams, including occupational therapists and driving assessors. These assessments help individuals whose driving may be affected by a health condition, disability or age-related change to understand their options and make informed decisions about safe mobility.

As the Fareham centre prepares to open, we will share further updates.

If you are in the South Coast area and would like to enquire about a fitness-to-drive or passenger assessment, please contact:
Email: info@southcoastdriveability.org.uk
Tel: 01329 640791
Text only: 07860 089254

We welcome the publication of the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy and its focus on a safer, more inclusive, and evidence-based approach to road safety.

The strategy sets out a long-term ambition to significantly reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads, using a “Safe System” approach. This recognises that people can make mistakes and focuses on safer road users, safer vehicles, safer roads, and better post-collision response.

As a national charity, we support a UK-wide network of independent driving and mobility centres. Through this network, we help individuals, clinicians, and licensing authorities make informed decisions about fitness to drive, vehicle adaptation, and continued safe mobility.

We particularly welcome the strategy’s clear commitment to evidence-based policy, Lifelong Learning for road users, and inclusive mobility. Driving supports independence, access to work, and social participation, but it also brings responsibilities. The strategy rightly recognises the importance of supporting people to drive safely for as long as possible and of ensuring that decisions about driving are informed, proportionate, and based on individual circumstances.

We also welcome the focus on medical fitness to drive, older drivers, and the role of evidence in supporting licensing decisions, including the proposal to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over 70. Over the past three years, we have seen a steady rise in demand for older driver assessments, with more than 700 delivered in 2024 alone. Many older drivers do not need to stop driving. Many can continue to drive safely with minor vehicle adaptations, refresher training, or regular reviews. Our fitness-to drive assessments provide reassurance to drivers and families and helps whilst also informing DVLA decision-making where required.

In addition to referrals from health professionals and the DVLA, some police forces across the UK use fitness-to-drive assessments as a constructive alternative to prosecution in cases where a health condition may have contributed to an incident. This allows drivers to be assessed professionally and supported appropriately, while promoting safety for all road users.

As our population ages, more people are driving later in life, and with that comes both opportunity and risk. The strategy reinforces the importance of having high-quality, independent assessment and advice available to people whose driving may be affected by frailty, disability, or a health condition. This is not about removing independence unnecessarily. It is about supporting safe, informed decisions and helping people continue to travel safely and confidently, whether that is through continued driving, adaptation, or alternative mobility options.

As the strategy moves into its delivery phase, we look forward to continuing to work constructively with the Department for Transport, the DVLA, the NHS, the Police, and other partners to support a road safety system that is evidence-led, proportionate, and centred on both safety and independence.

If you have concerns about your own or a family member’s driving and would like advice or to arrange an assessment, you can find your nearest independent driving and mobility centre.

Driving Mobility was proud to attend this year’s Occupational Therapy Show at the end of November, which proved highly successful, providing an important opportunity to engage with clinicians from across the UK and raise awareness of driving and mobility assessment services.

Across the two days, the team met occupational therapists and allied health professionals working across a wide range of clinical specialisms and supporting people with diverse conditions and disabilities. Conversations focused on how clinicians work alongside approved driving instructors (ADIs) to support individuals in gaining or regaining independence through driving and, where appropriate, how people can be supported through decisions around retiring from driving.

There was particular interest in child seat assessments, the driving assessment process, and the collaborative way in which Driving Mobility’s network of independent mobility centres works with referrers and partner organisations. These discussions highlighted the relevance of driving and mobility assessments across community, rehabilitation, and specialist clinical settings.

Linda Ellis (Herts Ability), Kirsty Flint (RDAC), Rebecca Richardson (RDAC) and Dearbhla Shannon (South Wales Mobility & Driving Assessment Service) also delivered a series of CPD sessions on the stand, which were well attended and generated valuable discussion. The sessions explored what clients can expect when attending a driving assessment and the clinical role of occupational therapists within the assessment process.

Find out more information about our driving assessments and how to make referrals.

Congratulations to DriveAbility Scotland, the only Driving Mobility accredited centre in Scotland, who has officially opened its new headquarters in Glasgow — expanding access to driving and mobility assessments for people with disabilities across the country.

Founded in 2021 and now operating as an independent charity, DriveAbility Scotland provides clinically led assessments for drivers and passengers with medical conditions or disabilities, alongside driving tuition and mobility equipment advice. The new premises, grant-funded by the Motability Foundation, will enable the centre to meet growing demand and deliver outreach services more efficiently in Inverness, Aberdeen, and other rural areas.

The opening event was attended by key decision-makers and stakeholders in accessible transport, including representatives from Motability Operations, Police Scotland, DVLA, and Transport Scotland.

Andrew Swain, CEO of DriveAbility Scotland, said:
“Today could not have gone better. We’ve welcomed many partners, stakeholders, and service users to see our facilities for the first time. They’ve been very impressed, particularly with our new state-of-the-art vehicle simulator for specialist driving tuition. This new centre is vital for Scotland as it provides more equal access to our assessment services. We’re always striving to reduce travel times so people can begin their journey towards independent mobility more easily.”

Gavin Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Motability Operations, added:
“The opening of DriveAbility Scotland’s new headquarters is a great step forward for accessible mobility in Scotland. Hearing directly from drivers who’ve regained their independence really brings home why this work matters.”

Clients attending the event shared how the service has changed their lives. William Hendry, 71, said:
“I have been able to continue driving thanks to the incredible team at DriveAbility Scotland. They have been so caring and helpful throughout the whole process — they’ve reopened up my life.”

Another client, Iain Powrie, added:
“Being back on the road is just so incredibly satisfying and freeing. It’s allowed me to get back to seeing my family, friends, and work colleagues. It’s all about freedom.”

Chelsea Fleming, Programme Director at the Motability Foundation, concluded:
“At the Motability Foundation we want to build transport equity, so we are proud to have funded this fantastic new facility. DriveAbility Scotland provides an invaluable service in assessing disabled people’s driving and mobility needs, and these new premises will help increase access to their services.”

DriveAbility Scotland continues to seek further funding from the Scottish Government to sustain and develop its services, ensuring that more people across Scotland can benefit from safe, independent driving and outdoor mobility.

Learn more about DriveAbility Scotland’s work and services.

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.