Motability Scheme lessons in Skellow

Planning the first lesson

The first step is a phone call. Tell us how your condition affects driving, whether you use any equipment, and where you would like to be collected. Most learners in Skellow start from home, so there is no need to travel anywhere. If a relative or carer usually helps you, they are welcome to be there when your instructor arrives so you can agree together on the easiest way to get settled in the car.

If you have particular needs, such as extra time to get in and out of the car, we will plan for them. Adaptations cannot be assumed, so please ask about anything specific before you book.

As your lessons progress

Once you are settled, lessons cover the same ground as for any other learner:

• Junctions and roundabouts
• Meeting oncoming traffic and buses
• Independent driving with a sat nav
• The reversing exercises and the emergency stop

Your instructor will keep checking that the seat position and controls still work for you as lessons get longer and roads get busier. Tell us if anything becomes uncomfortable and we will adjust the plan. When you are ready, you take the same practical test as every other learner, marked in the same way.

Why lessons are in an automatic

An automatic gearbox removes the clutch pedal and the need to change gear. For many disabled drivers that means less strain and more attention left for observation and planning ahead.

Early lessons stay on calm streets such as Leyburn Road and Howden Avenue. Later you will drive the bus routes along Mill Lane and Crabgate Lane, the walled section of Skellow Road and the B1220 towards Adwick le Street, at a pace that suits you.

Driving at 16 with PIP

A disabled learner who gets the enhanced rate of the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment, or has applied for it, can drive a car from age 16 instead of 17. You must hold a provisional licence first. The GOV.UK provisional licence service accepts applications from 15 years and 9 months.

The application asks about your health. Some conditions and disabilities must be reported to DVLA, so check the health conditions and driving guidance before you apply.

Help with the cost: Motability Foundation grants

For eligible Motability Scheme customers, the Motability Foundation may fund driving lessons, with grants of up to 40 hours. Eligibility involves extra criteria, among them receiving a means-tested benefit, and you must already have passed the theory test.

The Foundation books grant-funded lessons through its own arrangements, so Alma is not the place to apply. Phone the Foundation on 0800 500 3186 or visit its driving lessons grant page to check. If you do not qualify, or would prefer to start now, you can book Alma lessons privately. Prices are on the prices page.

Assessments through Driving Mobility

An independent assessment can tell you which adaptations or controls will work best for you. The charity Driving Mobility holds car driving and adaptation assessments at its Doncaster outreach centre, with bookings handled by its Leeds centre. See the Driving Mobility website for details.

Our main Motability driving lessons page explains how we teach disabled learners. In the next village, see Motability driving lessons in Carcroft, and driving lessons in Skellow lists local pick-up points.

Motability Scheme driving lessons in Skellow: your questions

Will my instructor understand my condition?

Our instructors are patient and will adapt the pace of lessons to you, though they are not medical experts. Tell us as much as is relevant when you call, and consider a Driving Mobility assessment if you are unsure what adaptations you need. That way your lessons start on the right footing.

Do I need to tell DVLA about my disability?

You may need to. DVLA must be told about some medical conditions and disabilities that can affect driving, and the full list is on GOV.UK under health conditions and driving. Check before you apply for your provisional licence, because the application asks about your health.

Who arranges Motability Foundation funded lessons?

The Motability Foundation does. It organises grant-funded lessons itself, so contact it on 0800 500 3186 to check your eligibility first. Alma can teach you as a private pupil if you are not eligible or simply want to begin sooner, collecting you from home in Skellow.

Can lessons be shorter if I get tired easily?

Yes. Tell us when you book and we can discuss lesson lengths that suit you. Some learners prefer shorter sessions more often, and your instructor can build in breaks during a lesson as well. Lesson options are listed on our prices page.