What you get
A leased car/scooter/WAV, all-in
The Motability Scheme lets you exchange your mobility allowance for a brand-new car, scooter, powered wheelchair or wheelchair-accessible vehicle — with insurance, servicing, tyres and breakdown cover included in one payment. Here's who qualifies and the important trade-off to understand first.
Quick facts
- What you get
- A leased car/scooter/WAV, all-in
- Includes
- Insurance, servicing, tyres, breakdown
- Qualify with
- Enhanced PIP mobility / higher-rate DLA mobility
- The trade-off
- Your mobility payment goes to the lease
What the scheme is
Instead of receiving your mobility payment as cash, you direct it to Motability Operations, who lease you a vehicle for (usually) three years. The lease bundles in insurance, servicing, tyres, and breakdown cover, so there are no surprise bills. Some higher-value cars require an advance payment on top; many cost nothing extra.
Who qualifies
You can join if you receive one of these at the higher/enhanced rate, with at least 12 months left on your award:
- The enhanced rate mobility component of PIP
- The higher rate mobility component of DLA
- War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
A 2026 note
Changes to tax exemptions for the Motability Scheme came into effect on 1 July 2026. They mainly affect how some vehicles are priced within the scheme rather than who qualifies — check the current list prices and any advance payment before you commit.
How to get one
Confirm your qualifying award, then choose a car through a Motability dealer or the scheme's website. The dealer handles the paperwork and checks your eligibility with Motability directly.
How to join the Motability Scheme
Have these ready:
- A valid UK passport or driving licence for the person applying
- The National Insurance number or Customer Reference Number of the person getting the allowance
- If you apply at the dealer: driving licences for all drivers and any claims history
- A driver declaration, if the driver cannot be there
- The same address on all your documents
Check you get a qualifying allowance
You need a qualifying mobility allowance with at least 12 months left on it.
Check how long your award lasts
Your award letter shows how long your allowance lasts, or you can ask your allowance provider.
Start applying online
With most vehicles you can start applying in your Motability Scheme online account, which gives you more time to choose.
Test drive, then visit a scheme dealer
Once you have had a test drive and found a vehicle you like, a Motability Scheme dealer orders it for you.
Be there when you order
You need to be there to place the order, unless you have an appointee to act for you.
Pick up your car
You pick up your car from the dealer.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Motability customer services
- 0300 456 4566
From the official pages (motability.co.uk), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
Do I still get my PIP money?
Can I join with standard-rate PIP mobility?
What's included?
What happens at the end of the lease?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
Keep going
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