Selecting and purchasing a vehicle
Vehicle features to be considered by disabled drivers
Vehicle features for disabled passengers
Vehicle Adaptation
Vehicle Insurance
Buying a major item like a car calls for many considerations; finance, model of car, automatic or manual etc. For a disabled driver attention to the specifications and features of a vehicle is all important for accessibility.
The information presented here has been gathered to support people when selecting and purchasing a vehicle. It is recommended that this information is drafted into a personal checklist. The use of a checklist would ensure that all driving / passenger needs are met prior to purchase i.e. that people can physically transfer in and out of the vehicle, vehicle controls can be used with ease etc.
There are many choices of vehicles in this category. Explore all the options by getting quotes from the different adaptation companies as prices can vary significantly. Additionally, a number of companies also sell second hand vehicles in this category.
Click here for a list of companies whom sell second hand accessible vehicles
Manual or Automatic vehicle
People may have preferences for driving either a manual or automatic vehicle. Drivers who go through the assessment process will be advised individually as to the best automation choice for their ability.
Useful Tip when viewing a vehicle
When going to view a car bring a towel or cloth to prevent a wheelchair rubbing or scratching against a new vehicle.
Vehicle Doors
The design features of a two/three door cars gives people significantly wider doors and therefore more room for transfers. When testing a vehicle ensure that the:
Vehicle Seating
Seating in a vehicle varies across the different models. Consideration needs to be given to the:
Vehicle’s Steering Wheel
Consider the following steering wheel features when viewing a vehicle. Assess the:
Vehicle hand brake
Ensure the handbrake is accessible and can be easily used.
Vehicle’s seat belts
Ensure the seat belts can be secured and opened easily.
Stowage of equipment
As many disabled motorists use wheelchairs or mobility aids stowage of equipment needs to be considered when purchasing a vehicle. The stowage space needs to meet the requirement of both space and ease of access. Often vehicles with deep boot sizes have narrow boot openings which can cause extreme difficulties for people who want to store their wheelchair in the boot.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles are designed to enable a wheelchair passenger to access a vehicle and travel while seated in the wheelchair. Most vehicles in this category provide wheelchair access by ramp or a lift at the side or rear of the vehicle.
Generally, these vehicles are converted from MPV’s(Multi Purpose Vehicles) or vans. It is recommended that people should contact adaptation companies to discuss:
People may require their vehicles to be modified in order for them to drive or to be carried as a passenger. Adaptations can be made to a vehicle to meet the needs of drivers and passengers with disabilities.
Diver adaptations that are frequently fitted include:
For drivers with a higher level of physical disability, a variety of high tech adaptations are now available which include joy sticks for braking and accelerating.
Passenger adaptations included:
There are a number of companies nationwide who carry out adaptations on vehicles for passengers and drivers.
list of vehicle adaptation companies
All good consumer advice will encourage people to shop around for the best deal. The Insurance Federation of Ireland encourages disabled drivers and passengers to lodge a complaint in respect of any dissatisfaction they may have with a motor insurance company. Contact Details:
01-6761914 www.iif.ie
Grant Schemes
Discounts
Toll Bridge Exemptions
Vehicle Hire
FAQ
Currently there are two principal schemes that provide financial support for people who need to have their vehicles modified. These two schemes are the:
1. Disabled Drivers And Passenger VRT/VAT relief scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners
2. Motorised Transport Scheme
Disabled Drivers and Passenger VAT/VRT relief scheme
Applicants for this scheme must be in possession of a Primary Medical Certificate. The medical assessment and the issuing of the certificate are carried out by a Senior Area Medical Officer attached to the local Health Board. The scheme is open to drivers and passengers with physical disabilities. Participation in the scheme allows people to avail of:
The scheme is open to both drivers and passengers with disabilities. Generally, the scheme supports people to purchase a vehicle at a considerably reduced rate. (for approximately 1/3 reduction in price). Enquiries about the scheme can be made at the Revenue Commissioners in Coolshanagh, Monaghan
Summary of the Disabled Drivers and Passenger VRT/VAT relief scheme
Motorised Transport Grant
The Motorised Transport grant provided funds towards the purchase/adaptation of a car by a person with a severe disability, where the car is considered essential to obtain or retain employment.
To be eligible to receive the Motorised Transport Grant, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
The grant may also be considered in exceptional circumstances for people with severe disabilities who are over 17 years and under 66 years, who live in remote locations and who are impeded from using public transport.
It may be possible to avail of the grant if a person is unemployed but could take up work if they had a car. Self-employed people may also be eligible to apply for the grant. Normally, the grant is payable /to people who drive / where you drive yourself. It may be possible to get approval to have a grant paid where you own the car and arrange for its adaptation and another named person drives it / the vehicle / because you are not physically or medically able to drive.
Since 1 July 2002, if you receive a Motorised Transport Grant, while in receipt of the Mobility Allowance, you will become ineligible to receive the Mobility Allowance for a period of 3 years. The payment of a Motorised Transport Grant is subject to the condition that the Health Service Executive (HSE) Area will not be called upon at any future date to contribute towards the running costs of the vehicle. People are eligible to apply for the Mobility Allowance again, three years after the date of payment of the Motorised Transport Grant.
When a grant has previously been paid towards the purchase of a vehicle, a grant towards the replacement of the car will not normally be paid, unless due to extenuating circumstances, until three years from the date that the previous grant has been paid.
Membership of the Irish Wheelchair Association entitles people to avail of a range of discounts in the areas Vehicle purchase and Ferry services.
IWA Membership enables people to avail of a substantial discount when purchasing the following vehicle models:
Discounts do vary but generally they would be in the region of €300 - €800.In certain cases, applicants must also be in the VRT/VAT scheme as well as being members of IWA.
Ferries
IWA members are also entitled to discounts when using the following ferry companies. Stenna 01 204 7700 Brittany Ferries 021 427 7801 Swansea Ferries 021 427 1166 Contact the companies directly for further information on these discounts.
All disabled drivers and passengers in the VRT/VAT scheme are exempt from toll charges on all toll roads in the state. Disabled motorists must apply for a special pass in order to avail of this exemption. It is important to note that being a disabled parking permit holder does not qualify a person for toll charge exemptions. For further information and an application form contact your nearest toll road operator.
West-Link Toll Bridge Limited, Toll Plaza, Castleknock, Dublin 15. Tel: 01 820 2000 Fax: 01 821 1532
East-Link Toll Bridge Limited, Toll Plaza, York Road, Dublin 4. Tel: 01 668 2888 Fax: 01 688 2562
North-Link M1 Toll Operations Ltd, Balgeen, Co. Meath Tel: 041 982 9820 Fax: 041 982 9826
Direct Route (Fermoy) Limited, Golf Club Road, Corrin, Fermoy, Co. Cork Tel: 025 40199 Email: info@directroute.ie Website: www.directroute.ie
Dublin Port Tunnel Transroute Tunnel Operations Limited Dublin Port Tunnel East Wall Road Dublin 3 Tel: 1890 252435 Website: www.dublinporttunnel.ie
Eurolink Motorway Operation Ltd. Toll Plaza Cappagh Nicholastown, Co. Kildare Tel: 046 9540266 Email: customerservice@eurolink-m4.ie Website: www.eirtag.ie
In relation to M50 Barrier Free Tolling; specially adapted vehicles driven by disabled persons will continue to be exempt under the new barrier free tolling arrangements planned for the M50. The Toll Operator will be able to automatically identify specially adapted vehicles from information held on the National Vehicle and Driver File, and exempt passage will be applied accordingly.