Can my partner drive my Motability car to work?

If you’re part of the Motability scheme, you might be wondering whether your partner can legally use your Motability vehicle to commute. The short answer is yes — your partner is allowed to drive the car to work, but only under specific conditions. 

Let’s take a closer look at the rules around your partner and other named drivers using your Motability car, and what happens if those rules are broken.

What is the Motability scheme?

If you have a disability, the Motability lease scheme is a programme that provides you with the option to rent a vehicle that is tailored to your needs. This includes wheelchair accessible vehicles, scooters, and powered wheelchairs.

Once you have fulfilled the scheme’s eligibility criteria, payments come directly out of your mobility allowance, making the process as simple as possible. The scheme is designed to support your mobility and independence, which includes allowing others to drive on your behalf, but only under the terms of the agreement.

Who can drive a Motability car?

When you become a member of the Motability scheme, your policy will cover up to three named drivers. These individuals must hold a valid driving licence and have had no serious driving convictions on their record for five years. 

They are allowed to drive the Motability vehicle if it’s to directly benefit you and your needs. You don’t always have to be present, but the driver needs to be able to justify that any journey made is to assist you in some way.

For example:

• Collecting your prescriptions
• Driving you to medical appointments
• Doing your weekly food shop

What are the rules for a partner using the car for work?

If your partner is a named driver on your policy, they can use the car in situations that benefit you. However, they can also use the car for work-related activities, even if it doesn’t directly benefit the disabled person. 

Only you and your partner can use the vehicle in this way. Other named drivers cannot use the car for personal errands or work purposes. 

What happens if someone uses the car improperly?

Allowing someone other than your partner to use the Motability vehicle to commute or for other tasks that don’t benefit you breaches the terms of the agreement. This could lead to serious consequences, including the vehicle being taken away and your eligibility for the scheme being reassessed. 

It’s also worth noting that if your named drivers do not live at the same address as you, Motability may install a tracker to ensure the vehicle is used within the terms of the agreement.

How to add named drivers

As mentioned, you can add up to three named drivers to your insurance policy. To add a named driver or manage the existing ones, you’ll need to access your Motability Online Account or contact Direct Line Motability (DLM), which provides the insurance policies for the scheme. 

All drivers will need to provide a valid driving licence number, a date of birth, and disclose any motoring convictions that may be on their record. 

Final thoughts

Your partner can use your Motability car for work, as long as they’re a named driver and the vehicle is being used for your benefit. Just make sure that everyone else understands the rules to avoid any issues with your lease.