Motability Scheme lessons in Thorne

Starting with a conversation

Before any lesson is booked, we like to hear about your condition and any equipment or adaptations you already use. Mention anything that makes getting into a car easier, such as which side you prefer to get in from. That call lets us check we have a suitable car and plan the first lesson properly. If something specialist is needed, we will say so and suggest an assessment first.

Thorne's flat streets are helpful here. With barely any natural slopes in town, you can concentrate on steering and observation without having to worry about hill starts in the early lessons.

Pick-up points that suit you

Starting from home avoids any extra travel. We can also meet you elsewhere in Thorne if that is easier, for example:

• Thorne South station has had a fully accessible ramped footbridge since July 2013 and a small free car park on its north side.
• At Thorne North station, the southbound platform has step-free access at all times.
• The Aldi on Omega Boulevard, off Selby Road, is close to the M18 if you are coming from elsewhere.
• Trinity Academy on Church Balk for students in the sixth form.

Why our Motability cars are automatic

Every Motability lesson is in an automatic with dual controls. Taking away the clutch pedal and manual gear changes can make driving far more manageable for someone with limited use of their left leg, or for anyone who finds repeated gear changes tiring. Your instructor can still slow or stop the car from the passenger side if needed.

If your needs go beyond what a standard car can offer, be upfront when you ring and we will be equally upfront about what we can provide. Driving Mobility is a charity that assesses people for car driving and for vehicle adaptations. It runs an outreach centre in Doncaster, booked via its Leeds centre, so you would not need to travel far. Details are on the Driving Mobility website.

Starting at 16 with PIP

The usual rule is that you can apply for a provisional licence at 15 years and 9 months and drive from your 17th birthday. There is an exception. Anyone receiving the enhanced rate of the PIP mobility component, or waiting on an application for it, may start driving a car at 16. You apply in the normal way on GOV.UK.

An extra year can make a real difference if you would like to learn more slowly, or fit lessons around sixth form at Trinity Academy. The general Motability driving lessons page explains how we work across Doncaster.

What lessons look like on Thorne roads

Lessons follow the same path as any learner's, just at a pace that suits you. We start on quiet streets such as those around Grampian Way off Kirton Lane, then move into the town centre near Horse Fair Green. Later lessons head out along Selby Road to the junction 6 roundabout. Shorter sessions with breaks are fine if you get tired quickly, and you can ask to stop at any point.

Help with the cost of lessons

The Motability Foundation, a charity, offers a grant towards driving lessons. It can cover as many as 40 hours for people on the Motability Scheme, but only if you meet its other conditions, which include being on a means-tested benefit and having your theory test already passed. Lessons paid for by the grant are arranged by the Foundation itself. Ring the Foundation on 0800 500 3186 or read its driving lessons grant page to find out whether you qualify.

Not everyone qualifies, and some people would rather not wait. In either case you are welcome to book with us as a private pupil. Learners west of Thorne can read about Motability driving lessons in Stainforth, and our main Thorne driving lessons page lists everything we offer locally.

Motability Scheme driving lessons in Thorne: your questions

Do you teach Motability learners in Thorne?

We do. Lessons are in automatic cars with dual controls, and we collect you from home anywhere in Thorne or from somewhere else that suits you better. Let us know about your needs on the first call so the right car is ready for you.

Should I tell you about my condition before the first lesson?

Please do. Knowing about your condition and any adaptations means we can check the car suits you and shape the first lesson around what you need. If an assessment looks sensible before you start, we can point you towards Driving Mobility.

Will the Motability Foundation pay for lessons with Alma?

No. Grant-funded lessons are organised by the Foundation itself, so they are not delivered through us. Contact the Foundation to see whether you qualify. If you do not, or you would rather start straight away, you can book lessons with us privately.

Can I learn to drive at 16 with PIP?

You can if you receive the enhanced rate of the PIP mobility component, or have applied for it. Apply for the provisional licence on GOV.UK in the usual way, and once it arrives we can book your first lesson from your home in Thorne.

Where can I get a driving assessment near Thorne?

Driving Mobility holds car driving and adaptation assessments at an outreach centre in Doncaster, which you arrange through its Leeds centre. It can look at your driving and at any adaptations you might need, which is useful to know before lessons begin.