Motability Scheme lessons in Dunscroft

Learning in an automatic around Dunscroft

All our Motability lessons use automatic cars. With no clutch pedal and no gear lever, there is less physical work and fewer movements to coordinate, which helps many disabled learners. Every car is dual controlled and our instructors are all DBS checked and most are DVSA approved driving instructors (ADIs).

The village layout helps too. Dunscroft is flat, and the side streets off Broadway let you settle into the car at your own pace. Later you move on to Station Road past the shops and then Doncaster Road, the A18, which together cover everything from slow residential driving to a busy main road.

Getting to and from lessons

We collect you from home, which avoids any need to travel to a meeting point. If somewhere else is easier, two places in Dunscroft work well:

• Hatfield and Stainforth station. It sits between Dunscroft and Stainforth, and an accessible footbridge links the platforms with the entrance and car park, so you can arrive by train from Doncaster and meet your instructor there.
• The Abbey Shopping Centre on Station Road. A familiar spot if you are coming from elsewhere in the village.

Let us know about anything that makes getting in and out of the car easier, such as extra time or a particular side of the road to park on.

Driving from 16 with the PIP mobility component

The normal minimum age for driving a car is 17, which can feel a long wait for a teenager in Dunscroft who relies on lifts or the bus along Broadway. People who receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment, or who have applied for it, can begin at 16 instead. Applications for a provisional licence can be made from 15 years and 9 months through GOV.UK. Starting a year early can mean being on the road by the time you leave school for college or work.

What the Motability Foundation grant covers

For some Motability Scheme customers, the Motability Foundation can fund up to 40 hours of driving lessons through its driving lessons grant. There are extra criteria to meet. You must be on a means-tested benefit among other conditions, and your theory test must already be passed.

Grant-funded lessons are arranged by the Foundation, which means the first call should go to them on 0800 500 3186. Full details are on the Motability Foundation grants page. If you turn out not to qualify, or you do not want to wait, you are welcome to learn with Alma as a private pupil instead.

Adaptation and driving assessments

Not sure whether you need hand controls or another adaptation? Driving Mobility is a charity with a Doncaster outreach centre that carries out car driving and adaptation assessments. These are arranged through its Leeds centre. An assessment gives you a clear recommendation, and sharing it with us helps us plan honestly around what our cars offer.

To get started, ring 07402 034084. You can also send us a WhatsApp message. See our main Motability driving lessons page and driving lessons in Dunscroft for more. If you live across the tracks, read Motability driving lessons in Stainforth, and if you would like an especially gentle pace, see nervous driver lessons in Dunscroft.

Motability Scheme driving lessons in Dunscroft: your questions

Are Motability Foundation grant lessons taught by Alma?

No. The Foundation arranges grant-funded lessons itself, so contact them on 0800 500 3186 to check if you qualify. If you are not, or you would rather start sooner, Alma can teach you privately in an automatic car with dual controls.

I receive the enhanced rate of PIP mobility. Can I start at 16?

Yes. If you receive it, or have applied for it, you can drive a car from 16. Apply for your provisional licence on GOV.UK from 15 years and 9 months, then get in touch and we can plan your first lessons around Dunscroft.

What if I need adaptations to the car?

Tell us when you call. A Driving Mobility assessment at its Doncaster outreach centre can recommend the right adaptations, and with that information we can be clear about whether our cars suit you.

Can my lessons start from Hatfield and Stainforth station?

Yes, if that suits you better than home. The station has an accessible footbridge linking the platforms with the entrance and car park. We agree a safe place to swap seats before your first lesson.