Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Motability Foundation Driving Tuition Grant provides £50,000–£1 million to UK-based organisations to expand or create driving lessons for disabled people. The funding supports adaptive vehicles, instructor training, theory test support, and other programme costs, aiming to improve independence, mobility, and transport inclusion for underrepresented communities.

Motability Foundation: Expanding Access to Driving Tuition for Disabled People

Overview

The Motability Foundation has launched a grant programme to increase access to driving tuition for disabled individuals across the UK. The initiative supports organisations that deliver or expand driving lesson programmes, ensuring that learners with a variety of disabilities can gain confidence and independence behind the wheel.

Funding is available for:

• New initiatives introducing driving tuition for disabled people

• Scaling and improving existing driving programmes

• Tailoring support to meet diverse accessibility needs

Why It Matters

Driving can significantly enhance independence, access to work, education, and social opportunities for disabled individuals. However, barriers such as:

• Lack of adapted vehicles

• Limited access to trained instructors

• Accessibility challenges in training and theory preparation

often prevent people from achieving these benefits. This grant aims to:

• Improve mobility and transport inclusion

• Reduce reliance on family or public transport

• Support disabled individuals in underrepresented or deprived areas

Who is Eligible?

Eligible organisations include:

• Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DDPOs)

• Charities, community interest companies (CICs), and legally constituted UK-based organisations

Eligibility Criteria:

• Operational for at least three years

• Annual income of at least £50,000 over the last three years

• Free reserves covering at least three months of expenditure

• Robust governance policies, including safeguarding, whistleblowing, and equal opportunities

Grant Funding Details

• Funding Amount: £50,000 – £1,000,000 per project

• Project Duration: 1–3 years

• Funding Can Cover:

  • Adapted vehicles for learners

  • Driving instructor fees and staff training

  • Theory test preparation and educational materials

  • Communication and awareness materials

  • Programme delivery costs and overheads

Focus Areas / Priorities

The grant supports projects that:

1. Deliver new or expanded driving lesson programmes for disabled people

2. Adapt vehicles and teaching methods for diverse accessibility needs

3. Train or hire qualified driving instructors to deliver inclusive tuition

4. Provide theory test support and preparatory resources

5. Pilot innovative approaches to improve accessibility and learning outcomes

How to Apply / What to Do

1. Prepare a Proposal: Outline objectives, approach, expected outcomes, and target learners.

2. Demonstrate Organisational Capacity: Provide legal documents, financial records, and evidence of at least three years of operations.

3. Outline Funding Use: Detail costs for vehicles, instructor fees, training, and materials.

4. Submit Application: Follow the Motability Foundation’s official application process and deadlines.

5. Evaluation: Applications will be assessed for innovation, impact, scalability, and alignment with programme priorities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without demonstrating organisational stability or legal constitution

• Neglecting to show how funding will improve access and independence for disabled learners

• Submitting proposals without a clear plan for adapted vehicles or instructor training

• Omitting a detailed budget or breakdown of costs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?
UK-based DDPOs, charities, CICs, or other legally constituted organisations with at least three years of operational experience.

2. What is the funding range?
£50,000 to £1,000,000 per project.

3. How long can a project run?
1 to 3 years.

4. What types of projects are supported?
New or expanded driving lesson programmes, theory test support, adaptive vehicles, and instructor training initiatives.

5. Can the funding cover staff and vehicles?
Yes, it can be used for instructor fees, staff training, adapted vehicles, and essential programme costs.

6. Are innovative approaches encouraged?
Yes, the programme prioritises creative solutions that improve accessibility and learner outcomes.

7. Who benefits from this grant?
Disabled people across the UK, particularly in underrepresented or deprived areas, who face barriers to independent driving.

Conclusion

The Motability Foundation Driving Tuition Grant offers a unique opportunity for UK organisations to increase access to driving lessons for disabled people. By funding adaptive vehicles, instructor training, and inclusive tuition, the programme promotes independence, mobility, and inclusion, contributing to meaningful long-term change in transport equity across the UK.

For more information, visit Motability Foundation.