Driving Instruction

Both IWA and DDAI are supported by the government to provide services. The IWA is supported by an annual subvention and the DDAI by capitation grant toward providing driving instruction to people with a disability. Lessons with IWA are provided at centres nationally, subject to availability. There is usually a charge of €15/per 1 hour lesson.

Where funding is granted to the client for the DDAI course, instruction is free. The DDAI course is a residential course at their Ballindine centre where accommodation and meals are provided. Where funding is not available or sought, individual lessons can be obtained for a fee of €30/per I hour lesson.

Driving may also be funded under training in the context of a FÁS Employment Support Scheme.

People with Disabilities may also have driving tuition listed under their assessment of need. There may be a discretionary payment providing financial assistance towards the cost of driving lessons. through the client’s HSE guidance officer. To apply contact your local HSE Disability Guidance Office.

Many people with a disability are financially independent, and where services are available chose to have lessons without applying for public assistance. Private sectors tuition costs typically between €40-50 per lesson.

Car Purchase

DISABLED DRIVERS VEHICLE TAX RELIEF SCHEME.

The disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme provides a range of tax relief in connection with the purchase and use of a vehicle. To qualify for the scheme one must qualify for a Primary Medical Certificate ( P M C ). To apply contact your local Health Service Executive; the Senior Area Medical Officer will carry out a medical assessment.  Where the officer is satisfied the applicant meets the medical criteria a Primary Medical Certificate will be issued.

Once a person qualifies for a PMC the next step is to contact the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Coolshannagh, Monaghan ( 047 38010 or 1890 606061 ) or visit their website (www.Revenue.ie) where you will be advised as to procedure. A copy of the VRT 7 booklet which provides all the necessary information is available from this office, your local Vehicle Registration Office or the Office of The Rev Commissioners at above numbers; an internet search (Google VRT 7) will access this information immediately.

For a Disabled Driver the scheme allows for a maximum relief from VRT/VAT of  €9925 on the purchase of a vehicle. The tax reliefs also include, a refund of excise duty on fuel and local authority motor tax exemption.

Tax exemptions can be claimed every two years but the exempt vehicle cannot be sold in this two year period. In some cases higher relief is granted for high cost special adaptations but the period for which the vehicle must be held is extended, in some cases up to five years.

MOTORISED TRANSPORT GRANT

The Health Service Executive ( HSE ) may pay a grant towards the purchase and/or adaptations to a vehicle by a person with a severe disability, who is 17 years and older and under 66 years of age, where a vehicle is essential for him/her to retain employment. Self employed persons who satisfy criteria of eligibility may also be considered ( subject to above age limits ). The vehicle must also be purchased and registered in the name of the person with the disability and the applicant must hold a drivers license ( full or provisional ). However, qualified persons with a disability who are incapable of driving or who have been medically advised not to drive will be considered, provided that he/she will be driven by another named person to and from his or her place of employment. In these circumstances, it is not necessary for the vehicle to be purchased and registered in the name of the person with the disability.

In exceptional circumstances eligibility for the grant may also be considered other than for employment retention; for example, a person with a severe disability who lives in very isolated circumstances, subject to the above conditions. Additionally their disability must prevent them from using public transport and they must have serious transport difficulties.

This is a means tested Health Service Executive ( HSE ) grant.

The maximum payment is €5,020.50 .

To apply contact your Senior Area Medical Officer at your administrative Health Centre.

A person claiming Mobility Allowance is disqualified from the allowance for three years if they avail of the grant.

Mobility Allowance

The Mobility Allowance is a means tested monthly payment payable by the Health Service Executive (HSE)  to people aged between 16 and 66 who have a disability and are unable to walk or use public transport and who would benefit from a change in surroundings. The decision on whether or not you meet the medical criteria is made by the Health Service Executive (HSE) Senior Area Medical Officer for your area.

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