In some areas, local governments or state agencies offer free or subsidized driving lessons for adults. These programs are often designed to help people with low incomes. Misleading information currently gives the impression that there are 40 hours of free driving lessons for all people with disabilities; unfortunately, these funded driving classes are only available to Motability customers who have ordered or have already purchased a car through the Motability program. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young drivers ages 16 to 19 are at greater risk of car accidents than any other age group.
Applications are accepted from all 50 states and Canada, and the program is open to young drivers between the ages of 14 and 18 who plan to complete their driver education within 90 days of their application. Driving is a valuable and fundamental skill, and those who know how to drive tend to have more open doors. Caregivers who need to learn to drive to transport the person they are caring for should ask local social services for a caregiver evaluation. Depending on the outcome, the cost of driving lessons can be financed through direct payments to disabled people.
