Motoring
For anyone with a disability, medical condition or age related condition beginning, continuing or returning to driving, a driving assessment may be recommended by a medial health professional to establish whether they are fit to drive.
If now or in the future you are required to under-go an assessment it should not be seen as something negative or as having a pass or fail outcome. Maintaining the driver’s lifestyle and employment-related mobility independence is paramount both for your medical professional and organisations like the Disabled Drivers Association.
In most cases, having a medical condition will not stop you from driving as the Driver Licensing Authority is able to issue a conditional licence. This means that you may continue to drive as long as certain conditions or restrictions are met. The assessment may be a key component in developing strategies for you to begin, to continue or to return to driving. However in some cases it is just no longer safe for a person to drive. This article explains the various types of assessment and what services and support the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland can offer you.
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 hour.
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.