Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone aged 3 or over who currently receives either the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Plan (PIP), War Pensioners Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment, and has at least 12 months award remaining, is eligible to lease a car from Motability. This includes a parent/guardian who can order a car on behalf of a child aged 3 or over who is receiving the ERMC of the DLA and non-drivers who can name up to 2 other drivers.

No, we welcome referrals from all areas. Our farthest travelling client to date, was a man who travelled from Inverness for a driving assessment and who is now back on the road, enjoying his independence again. We also have an office at Bushmead Community Hub in Luton where we can provide assessments for those clients travelling from the Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and the Northamptonshire area. If you are in the Middlesex, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire areas, we also offer assessments from our centre in South Oxhey (near Watford).

Class 2 scooters can only be used on pavements. Class 3 scooters, which tend to be larger with a longer range, can legally be used on roads. NB It is the professionals’ opinion at Herts Ability, that it is generally unsafe to take scooters on any roads except quiet residential ones, because of the volume, speed and size of other vehicles.

Herts Ability does not loan out equipment. Meadow Mobility in Potten End Hemel Hempstead can arrange powered wheelchair and mobility scooter rental. Their phone number is 01442 865588. This can be a good idea, to check that such equipment is the right solution for you, before taking the significant financial step of purchasing one.

No, as Herts Ability no longer has an equipment centre.

This depends on the complexity of each client’s circumstances, but most are completed in one hour.

No, the assessment is offered free of charge.

Anyone aged 3 or over who currently receives either the Higher Rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Plan (PIP), War Pensioners Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment, and has at least 12 months award remaining, is eligible to lease a car from Motability. This includes a parent/guardian who can order a car on behalf of a child aged 3 or over who is receiving the ERMC of the DLA and non-drivers who can name up to 2 other drivers.

No, we welcome referrals from all areas. Our farthest travelling client to date, was a man who travelled from Inverness for a driving assessment and who is now back on the road, enjoying his independence again. We also have an office at Bushmead Community Hub in Luton where we can provide assessments for those clients travelling from the Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and the Northamptonshire area. If you are in the Middlesex, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire areas, we also offer assessments from our centre in South Oxhey (near Watford).

No, but we can give you details of suitable, local installers.

We can provide tuition to novice drivers who are learning to drive for the first time, or experienced drivers who require familiarisation lessons using new controls. There may be a waiting time to provide lessons, but all Instructors are Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency approved, and specialise in teaching people with disabilities.

There are currently no visitor refreshment facilities at Herts Ability so please bring any drinks and food required with you.