Frequently Asked Questions
Driving
Unfortunately, some of the clients we see are not suitable for driving, and make serious mistakes whilst on the road. We therefore only use our own, dual-controlled vehicles for the assessment.
We have a range of vehicles available, including manual and automatic transmission, and vehicles adapted to help you overcome a disability; for example fitted with hand controls to control acceleration and braking, or a left foot accelerator pedal. We will not expect a perfect drive during the assessment, and you will be given as much time as you want to familiarise yourself with the vehicle and the controls.
No, but we can give you details of suitable, local installers.
No, but we do have a patio area where you can eat your own food, weather permitting, and a microwave oven that you can use to heat pre-prepared food of your own. We can, of course, provide hot and cold drinks while you wait.
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.
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).
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.
Mobility Scooter Assessments
There are currently no visitor refreshment facilities at Herts Ability so please bring any drinks and food required with you.
No, the assessment is offered free of charge.
This depends on the complexity of each client’s circumstances, but most are completed in one hour.
No, as Herts Ability no longer has an equipment centre.
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.
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.