Motability Scheme lessons in Carcroft

Getting to the car

Getting into the car should not be the hardest part of a lesson. Most Carcroft learners are collected from home, so you can get in and out on your own drive or street at your own pace. If somewhere else suits you better, tell us. A large car park, such as the one at Asda on High Street, can give more room to open the doors fully.

If you travel by train, Adwick railway station has step-free access, with a ramped footbridge at the north end and lifts at the south end. It also has a free park and ride car park, which can make a convenient meeting point.

Why our Motability cars are automatic

With no clutch pedal, your left leg has nothing to do, which matters if pain or fatigue is part of your condition. Two pedals also mean one less thing to coordinate at the busy junction on Owston Road, so more of your attention is free for checking each direction before you pull out.

Perhaps you need hand controls or a steering ball. Ring us before you book and describe the set-up you use or expect to use, and we will tell you honestly what we can offer. Please do not take it for granted that any specific adaptation is available.

Your first lessons

Your first lesson is about getting comfortable. We spend time on the cockpit drill (seat and mirrors) and on getting in and out safely, then move off on a quiet street near your home when you are ready.

Breaks are fine whenever you need them, and lesson length can be adjusted if fatigue is a factor. Tell your instructor how you are feeling on the day, because some days will be better than others and the plan can change to suit.

Learning from 16

The usual minimum age for driving a car is 17. Learners who receive the enhanced rate of the PIP mobility component, or who have applied for it, may begin at 16. Whatever your age, sort out your provisional licence on GOV.UK before booking. Applications open at 15 years and 9 months.

From there, lessons build the same way as anyone else's. You begin on quiet residential streets near your home, move on to Owston Road and the junction with Station Road, then work up to the B1220 and the A638 towards Doncaster once you are confident. Later lessons cover the reversing exercises and independent driving, so you are ready for the same practical test that every other learner takes.

Grants from the Motability Foundation

Some Motability Scheme customers can get a grant from the Motability Foundation towards lessons, covering as many as 40 hours. You must meet additional conditions, one being that you receive a means-tested benefit, and your theory test has to be behind you already.

Grant-funded lessons are organised by the Foundation directly, and Alma does not provide them. Ring the Foundation on 0800 500 3186, or read its guidance on driving lesson grants, to see if you qualify. Anyone who does not qualify, or does not want to wait, is welcome to book with us privately. Current lesson prices are on our website.

Assessments with Driving Mobility

Before lessons, or part way through, a professional assessment can settle questions about controls and seating. The charity Driving Mobility offers car driving and adaptation assessments at an outreach centre in Doncaster, booked through its centre in Leeds. Details are on the Driving Mobility website.

Our main Motability driving lessons page explains how we work with disabled learners across Doncaster. If you live just over the boundary, see Motability driving lessons in Skellow, and the driving lessons in Carcroft page covers local pick-ups.

Motability Scheme driving lessons in Carcroft: your questions

Can Alma give me lessons funded by a Motability Foundation grant?

No, grant-funded lessons are arranged by the Motability Foundation itself. Phone it on 0800 500 3186 to find out if you are eligible. If you are not, or you would like to get going sooner, you can learn with us as a private pupil in an automatic car collected from your Carcroft address.

Is 16 too young to start in Carcroft?

Not if you receive, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the PIP mobility component, which allows driving from 16. Otherwise the starting age is 17. Either way you need a provisional licence, and the application can go in once you reach 15 years and 9 months.

What should I tell you when I call?

Let us know about your condition only as far as it affects driving, any adaptation you use or think you might need, and where you would like to be picked up. That helps us check the car is suitable and plan a sensible first lesson. Call 07402 034084 or message us on WhatsApp.