How to get a Motability car: UK step-by-step guide

Last reviewed: 2 May 2026
Applies to: UK
Written by: Georgina, Founder of Purpl

If you receive a qualifying mobility allowance, you may be able to use it to lease a car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme. You usually need at least 12 months left on your award when you apply, and the vehicle can be driven by you or by named drivers who support you.

This guide is part of the Purpl Disability Benefits Guide, created to help disabled people, people with long term health conditions, parents and carers understand support that may help with the extra costs of daily life.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Always check the official Motability website for the most current pricing and terms.

At a glance

Eligibility: You need a qualifying mobility allowance.
Time remaining: You usually need at least 12 months left on your award.
Vehicle types: You can lease a car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair.
Drivers: You do not need to drive yourself, as approved named drivers can be included.
All-inclusive: Insurance, servicing, breakdown cover, vehicle tax, tyres, windscreen cover and many adaptations can be included.
Advance Payment: Some vehicles need an upfront payment, so always check before ordering.

What is the Motability Scheme?

The Motability Scheme lets disabled people use a qualifying mobility allowance to lease a new vehicle. This could be a car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair, depending on what you need and what you are eligible for.

Motability explains that the scheme helps people use their qualifying mobility allowance to lease a new vehicle, with support for cars, WAVs, scooters and powered wheelchairs (https://www.motability.co.uk/how-it-works).

Purpl Tip: Motability is not just about cars. If a scooter or powered wheelchair fits your lifestyle better, the scheme may cover those too.

Who is eligible for a Motability car?

To join the scheme, you must receive a qualifying mobility allowance and usually have at least 12 months left on your award. Motability says applicants need a qualifying mobility allowance with at least 12 months remaining when they apply (https://www.motability.co.uk/how-it-works/allowances).

Qualifying allowances can include:

PIP: Higher rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment
DLA: Higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance
ADP in Scotland: Enhanced rate mobility part of Adult Disability Payment
CDP in Scotland: Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
WPMS: War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
AFIP: Armed Forces Independence Payment

Attendance Allowance cannot be used for the Motability Scheme.

You do not need to drive yourself to use the scheme. A parent, partner, carer, friend or family member may be able to drive for you if they are added as an approved driver.

Purpl Tip: Before looking at vehicles, check your award letter for the exact benefit, mobility rate and award end date. This helps you understand whether you are likely to meet the basic Motability Scheme eligibility rules.

How to apply for a Motability car: 5 Steps

1. Verify your Award

Check your latest DWP or Social Security Scotland letter. Ensure you have the “Higher” or “Enhanced” rate and at least one year left before the award expires.

2. Choose your Vehicle

Visit the Motability Price Search tool. You can filter by:

Advance Payment: Some cars are “free” (covered entirely by your benefit), while premium models require an upfront payment.
Adaptations: Many adaptations (like hand controls) are available at no extra cost if ordered at the start.

3. Visit a Motability Dealer

Find a local specialist dealer. They will arrange a test drive and use an online system to process your application – there are no paper forms for you to fill out.

4. Direct Payment

If approved, your mobility allowance is paid directly to Motability every four weeks. You won’t see this money in your bank account; it goes straight to the lease.

5. Collection and PIN

When you collect your car, you will receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Entering this at the dealership signs your lease agreement.

Purpl Tip: Take a simple checklist when comparing vehicles. Include your mobility aid size, transfer needs, passenger needs, boot space, parking at home and whether someone else will drive.

What is included in the lease?

A Motability lease can include many of the costs that usually come with running a vehicle. Motability says its car and WAV package can include insurance, servicing and maintenance, RAC breakdown assistance, yearly tax, replacement tyres, windscreen repair or replacement and many adaptations at no extra cost (https://www.motability.co.uk/get-support/faqs/whats-included-in-your-car-or-wav-package).

This can make budgeting easier because you may not need to arrange separate insurance, servicing, breakdown cover or vehicle tax yourself.

The lease can include:

Insurance: For up to three named drivers
Servicing and maintenance: Regular checks and repairs
Breakdown cover: RAC breakdown assistance
Vehicle tax: Included as part of the package
Tyres and windscreen: Repair or replacement cover
Many adaptations: Some adaptations are available at no extra cost

Your main regular extra cost is usually fuel or electric charging.

Purpl Insight: Transport can be one of the biggest hidden costs of disability. A package that includes key running costs may help some households plan ahead with more confidence.

Can someone else drive your Motability car?

Yes. You do not need a driving license to join the scheme. You can nominate up to three drivers (such as family or carers).

The Golden Rule: The vehicle must be used for the benefit of the disabled person. This doesn’t mean the disabled person must be in the car for every journey, but the journey should support them (e.g., a carer doing the weekly shop for the claimant).

Purpl Tip: If someone else will drive, talk through how the car will be used before you apply. The vehicle should support the disabled person’s needs rather than become general household transport.

Why this matters for disabled people

For many disabled people and people with long term health conditions, transport is not a luxury. It can affect medical appointments, education, employment, caring responsibilities, family life, social connection and independence.

The right vehicle can make everyday life easier, but Motability is not the best option for everyone. Some people may prefer to keep their mobility allowance for taxis, fuel, public transport, community transport or support from family and carers. Scope has wider guidance on accessible transport, Blue Badges, driving and the Motability Scheme, which may help if you are comparing transport options (https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/driving-and-motability).

Purpl Insight: The best choice is the one that works for your real life, your access needs and your budget. It is okay to compare different options before deciding.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about getting a Motability car

Can I get a Motability car on PIP?

Yes, you may be able to get a Motability car if you receive the higher mobility rate of PIP and meet the scheme rules. GOV.UK says people who get the higher mobility rate of PIP may be eligible for a Motability Scheme vehicle (https://www.gov.uk/pip/how-much-youll-get).

Can I get a Motability car on standard rate PIP?

No, standard rate PIP mobility does not usually qualify for the Motability Scheme. You normally need the higher mobility rate of PIP or another qualifying mobility allowance.

How long do I need left on my award for Motability?

You usually need at least 12 months left on your qualifying mobility award when you apply. Always check your latest award letter before starting an application.

What is an Advance Payment?

An Advance Payment is a one-off upfront payment for some Motability vehicles. Some vehicles cost no more than your mobility allowance, while others need an extra payment at the start of the lease.

Can I get a Motability car if I do not drive?

Yes, you may still be able to use the scheme if you meet the eligibility rules and have approved named drivers.

What does a Motability car include?

The package can include insurance, servicing, maintenance, breakdown assistance, vehicle tax, tyres, windscreen repair or replacement and many adaptations.

Is there a mileage limit on a Motability car?

Yes, Motability leases include a mileage allowance. Motability currently says car leases include 60,000 miles over three years for orders placed before 1 July 2026, and this will change to 30,000 miles over three years for new vehicle orders placed on or after 1 July 2026 (https://www.motability.co.uk/get-support/faqs/whats-included-in-your-car-or-wav-package).

Can I get a Motability car on Attendance Allowance?

No, Attendance Allowance is not a qualifying mobility allowance for joining the Motability Scheme.

Can I get a Motability car if I have a long term health condition?

You may be able to get a Motability car if your long term health condition means you receive a qualifying mobility allowance and meet the scheme rules. Eligibility depends on your benefit award, not just the name of your condition.

In summary

The Motability Scheme can help disabled people and people with long term health conditions stay mobile by using a qualifying mobility allowance to lease a car, WAV, scooter or powered wheelchair.

The best first step is to check your award letter, confirm your Motability Scheme eligibility, compare vehicles carefully and look at whether an Advance Payment applies. It is also worth weighing the convenience of an all-inclusive lease against the fact that your mobility allowance will be paid directly to Motability instead of coming to you.

About the author

Georgina is the Founder of Purpl, a platform created to help disabled people and people with long term health conditions save money, feel seen and access practical support. Georgina has lived experience of disability and understands how expensive everyday life can become when you need extra equipment, transport, care, accessible services or flexible support.

Purpl exists to help reduce the financial pressure of disability through discounts, guides, community support and practical information that helps people make confident decisions.

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How to get a Motability car: a quick step-by-step guide